2012 Completes 10 Years of Sai Conciousness In Canada

January 1st 2012, once again I was reminded of the most important experience of our life this morning. After finishing my early morning prayers, got busy with my daily household chores. Later when my husband got ready to do Abhishek, he called me for Baba's Alankar. Being it the New Year day I was very happy to have an opportunity to do the Alankar and see Our Baba dressed in New Attire. While I was going upstairs, I realized Baba’s presence, as if He is walking up with me and talking to me reminding that He will be completing 10 years in Canada this year.

2012 marks 10 years of Shirdi Sai Consciousness being started with Shirdi Sai Baba's Grace, blessings and divine guidance of Shri Guru, C B Satpathy Ji.  It was only in 2002, when Sai Baba made His divine presence at Shri Sai Dwarkamai to bless His children in Canada.   Thus making 2012 a year of celebrations.  Baba did not let us forget that. (Picture on the left on the day Baba arrived in 2002) 

While we rejoice the presence and blessings of our beloved Sai Baba, we should not forget to thank Guruji, Shri C B Satpathy who took the initiative for embedding the seed of Shirdi Sai Consciousness in Canada. 

There are no words to express how Guru Ji’s initiative and blessings guided Shirdi Sai devotees on the path of spiritual evolution. This is quite apparent from the energy & experiences felt by many devotees who visited Sai Dwarkamai in Markham/Unionville, who have rendered selfless service to spread the teachings of Baba by establishing a Non - Profit Organization in August, 2003 “Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada (Toronto)

This reminds us a of a couplet from Saint Kabir:

" Guru Aur Gobind Douno Khade Kake Lagoon Paaye

   Balihari Guru Aapne Joun SAI Diyo Dhikhaye"

We bow in Reverence in the Lotus Feet of Guru Ji.

Efficacy of having a Guru in our life was felt when I asked Guru Ji in 2003 that we don’t know how to sing Sai Baba’s Aarti or recite mantras. He said, "The master will teach you everything Himself, He is sitting there, just look up to Him." Sai Baba not only taught us how to worship Him, He gave us a full format of His worship to follow on Thursdays and special occasions, same is being used till today in most of the Shirdi Sai groups/temples in Canada.

This is a perfect example of how a guru helps his devotees on the path of spiritual evolution.

As rightly quoted in Hertiage of Shirdi Sai, shared by a devotee from Brampton, “THE GURU IS THE ONLY SADHANA NEEDED, AND THAT GURU WORKS PURELY BY FORCE OF LOVE AND MYSTIC POWERS!"

Following are some of the services being rendered with Sai Baba’s Grace and Guruji’s Guidance since 2002… Canada wide Chitra Yatra, Establishment of a Resource Centre, Paduka worship, Sai Satyvrat Katha, Organizing Satcharita Parayan and Satsangs, Distribution of free literature including Sai Satcharita in various languages to the devotees and many libraries across Canada, and Distribution of other books mentioned in Sai Satcharita eg. Satvan Manjari, Ashtotra Namavali, Sai Leelaamrit, Bhakt Kathamrit, Vishnu Sahestranaam etc. Annadaan Seva, Free Distribution and Mailing of Udi, Assisting devotees travelling to Shirdi with Accommodation and Darshan Passes, Assisting in collecting devotees experiences for various publications including the launch of a new magazine Saileela (English version) by Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi.

It was also noted that some devotees upon visiting Baba at Sai Dwarkamai were inspired to form cohesive groups to start Baba’s activities/temples in different areas of Toronto and many other cities in the country.

SPECIAL THANKS

Dedicated team of volunteers forms the very backbone of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada and it is their humble service that makes the running of the Sansthan appear effortless. While thanking this dedicated team of volunteers, we would like to make a humble request to all devotees to come forward and volunteer their selfless service.

As we continue on this spiritual journey, we would like to thank our Revered Guru Ji and everyone for their contribution and a very special thanks to the team of saibaba.org of Chicago USA for being an instrument in embedding the seed of Shirdi Sai Consciousness in Canada 2002 with Guruji Shri C B Satpathy Ji’s directions and their continuous support.

Visit www.shirdisainath.org regularly for Divine Messages and Event updates. Forward an email at saileela99@gmail.com to share your experience with Shirdi Sai Baba.

"May His Infinite Consciousness and Grace Shine Upon This Humble Effort To Pay Homage To His Resplendent Life and Teachings"

Wishing All A Very Happy and Prosperous 2012

Dear Sai Devotees,

Please read the New Year Message of Shri C.B. Satpathyji in the Heritage of Shirdi Sai bi-monthly newsletter Sai Heritage E-Zine Vol. 123 by clicking on the link

http://heritageofshirdisai.org/newsletter/Vol%20123.htm

As many of you know Shri, C.B. Satpathyji has authored the epic treatise “Shree Guru Bhagavata” in Oriya.  Many of us have repeatedly requested the translation of the four volumes into Hindi and English as many Sai devotees do not understand Oriya. Sai devotees will be elated to know the English translation of the first volume of Shri Guru Bhagavata written by Shri C. B. Satpathyji has been published and was released by Shri Satpathyji in Sai Ka Aangan Gurgaon on 29th December 2011.

A few pages of this wonderful book can be seen by clicking on the link given below:

http://issuu.com/shiprashukla/docs/guru_bhagavat_introduction_english

If you know other Shirdi Sai devotees who would value this Message, do forward this email to them or send us their email ids. Regards,Shipra ShuklaCo-ordinator Heritage of Shirdi Saiinfo@heritageofshirdisai.org 

http://www.heritageofshirdisai.org/

"May His Infinite Consciousness and Grace Shine Upon This Humble Effort To Pay Homage To His Resplendent Life and Teachings"


MAHA SAMADHI MESSAGE OF SHRI SATPATHYJI

Om Sai Ram!

For Video Message On Youtube visit:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OIfQyrbaPc

ON MEDITATION

The word meditation as is generally understood is to focus one’s mind for a period of time for spiritual purposes. It also means to think carefully about something in the sense of contemplation. In the spiritual science of India, meditation is prescribed as a method of spiritual contemplation of God (with form or without form) and Guru, the Spiritual Master. Some people, at times, use the word ‘concentration’ as a synonym for the word ‘meditation’. The generic meaning of the word concentration is to focus all one’s attention on something. This something can be a book, or piece of music, on anything else of our everyday life. While enjoying or doing something for which we have a passion, we do concentrate. Sometimes when reading a book of interest, we are so intensely focused that we lose the sense of time.

However in the spiritual world one does not say that he concentrates on God, even if concentration is the most essential component of meditation. In short, meditation can be said to be concentration Plus and the Plus factor here-in means a divine or spiritual aspect. When one says that he meditates on God, or practices meditation, it means that (a) the practitioner has stationed or seated himself in a certain place, (b) he focuses his attention on God, Guru or Ishta (personal deity) with form or without form (Saguna or Nirguna) (c) he continues with the activity for a certain period of time as desired or prescribed (d) during such period of meditation he starts losing awareness about the surroundings and his own self, wholly or partially. It is extremely difficult for a person to meditate, in the true sense of the term, when he is walking, although one can meditate when lying down in a sleeping posture. Only the God-intoxicated persons can meditate even when walking or standing as they are, at times, oblivious of their physical existence.

That is why the Hindu spiritual science (Yoga) prescribes certain physical Asanas (postures) like ‘Padmasana’, ‘Siddhasana’ etc. as a sine-qua-non for yogic meditative practices. Generally the practitioner is advised to meditate, sitting at a particular place (on the ground) using a mat made of wool, cloth, grass, etc. Some Yogis at advanced stages can meditate sitting on a chair or bed. Some people also use tiger skin or deer skin for the purpose. It also prescribes doing meditation while facing a certain direction, mostly towards East or North. With some exceptions, meditating while facing South is not prescribed. The practitioner is supposed to wear a clean and loose garment (to avoid tightness and avoid physical discomfort) after a bath etc so that during meditation his mind does not get diverted.

The Sadhaka (Spiritual Practitioner) is supposed to meditate in a quiet place without sound or commotion as the mind is prone to get diverted. At times, some devotees sitting in the hustle-bustle of a temple are found to be struggling for concentration, with loud pitched music (aarti, bhajan or naam smaran) going on in full blast. No doubt there is a science of meditation but there cannot be anything like pretentious art of meditation.

Another factor the Hindu Yogic science adds to the apple cart of meditation is Pranayam. In short, pranayam means control of Prana (the vital force of a living organism) through a method of breath control. Pranayam, if done properly, helps in concentration. It also gives good health and longevity which helps the yogi to carry on his practices for a long period of time. In Hatha Yoga, usually pranayam is practiced extensively.

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba does not seem to have advised His devotees to do Pranayam although He has never spoken against it. Nor did He ever ask His devotees to practice Hatha yoga and other types of Yoga. He only asked His devotees to purify their mind through reading of religious books, listening and participating in spiritual discourses and music (aarti, bhajan, naam smaran etc) and meditation. He has also spoken about the method of meditation on Him (with form and without form) as mentioned in Shri Sai Satcahritra.

Without being aware of the prerequisites of meditation, some people seem to be satisfied with their own system of meditation. Such practices may yield some benefit but such an exercise may not lead in the right path as desired. Let us then meditate on Shri Sainath Maharaj as advised by Him in Shri Sai Satcharita.

Jai Shri Sai

Shri C.B.Satpathy, New Delhi

Revered Guruji Shri Chandrabhanu Satpathyji in an extensive interview with radio channel www.funasia

Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee in an extensive interview with radio channel www.funasia.net aired on 10th Sept 2011 spoke on the simple divine life of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba as set in His daily conduct bringing about social cohesion amongst all with His simple living and humane values encompassing all beings , plants, animals in His embrace of bountiful compassion . The divinity of Shirdi Sai Baba, the affection with which His devotees treat Him as “Baba” -an elder of the family and their faith and experiences have spread the name and fame of the Faquir Shri Shirdi Sai as a worldwide phenomena . To know more about Baba , listen to Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee

Courtesy: www.funasia.net

Welcome Sai or Aao Sai

"Welcome Sai"  Respecting the scintillating response of the Sai devotees and public at large in India and abroad to the two music albums of Revered Shri Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji — “ Living with Sai” and “Tubhyam Namamai ” —- resulted in the Times Music Group coming up again with yet another third breathtaking music CD- album  "Aao Sai” in India or  "Welcome Sai" in North America — a repertoire of melodious compositions written and composed by Revered Shree Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji.

The new music Album “Welcome Sai" or Aao Sai” featuring eight of the finest lyrics and musical compositions of Revered Gurujee Shree Chandrabhanu Satpathyjee, produced by Times Music, India was launched on 13th Jan 2011 at 7 PM at SAI KA AANGAN, Gurgaon and "Welcome Sai" in Dallas, US on July3rd 2011 by Shree Gurujee in a grand ceremony attended by hundreds of devotees.

"Welcome Sai" or “Aao Sai”— a music album perfected by sheer innate strength of purity of the lyrics emanating from the Master– Revered Shree Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji –Himself engineered to melodious excellence with its breathtaking range of chords, usage of orchaestras, melodious rhythms moving the listeners to unheard of realm in devotional music, both in terms of sharing of subtle spiritual ecstasy as also in realm of enjoyment of the finest melodious musical compositions in the voice of leading singers Shreya Ghosal, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Kailash Kher, Shilpa Rao, Mohit Chauhan, Rakhi Bhardwaj –who walked on this melodious path under the guidance of Revered Shree Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji.

Around 35,000 copies of Music album “ Living with Sai” have been sold in the market till date which has been a record of sorts for Times Music, India .  "Welcome Sai"  or “Aao Sai” – the third album elucidating the journey of the Master on the path of Sai Devotion in fragrant melodic lyrics was produced in an exceptionally small time frame as demanded by Times Music, India and each composition of this album is crafted to induce its listeners to sublime Sai consciousness by its soulful lyrics, melody coupled with advanced technological sound mixing effects stirring the recesses of heart of every listener .

Speaking on this joyous occasion, Revered Shree Gurujee Chandra Bhanu Satpathyji said that the music album “ Aao Sai” or "Welcome Sai" is a conscious attempt to use the best resources in the field of digital sound – technology and singers to enable availability of / exposure to excellent musical compositions in devotional music to public at large akin to that of commercial music stream , thereby setting a benchmark of excellence for others to follow.   Infact, music is a means to reach the state of sublime purity and only the excellence could be a resource to reach (the) Sai (state).

The audience were treated to magnificently refreshing melodies being belted by Shreya Ghosal with Aao Sai Mere Paas Mere Ghar Aao..., Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Kailash Kher, Shilpa Rao, Mohit Chauhan, Rekha Bhardwaj in varied moods — from soulful sufiana andaaz of kailash kher taking you to the fascinating land of jogis to Rekha Bhardwaj number , soothing voice of Shreya ghoshal in backdrop of full piece orchaestra (did I say that you could listen to a bar or two of piano there—like raindrops on mirror as you look at the valley waiting ….. ! ) to heartache causing voice of Shaan inspiring you to look for Sai with his number “ Jahan Dharti Chooti Hai Ambar Ko, Aaur Aadmi Choota Hai …”(my favourite, though!) and of course, pretty lady Shilpa Rao with her melodious voice, and besides Shanker Mhadevan singing to the beats of drums.  ( I could see Shree Sai being taken out in palki around Shirdi to accompaniments of this number in Maharashtra and Goa — sure to be a hit with its boisterous melody and rhythmic use of beats , during ganapati and navraatri..).  And did I add that the first two numbers of this album could certainly be played as DJ number — I was stumped with its charming brute range:  was it a waltz or ball dance number but sure anyway it' s great . The only words that sums "Welcome Sai" or "Aao Sai" album is : “stunningly melodious”.

"Welcome Sai"

“Aao Sai”.

Enjoy your precious moments with Sai !
For Further details visit:  http://www.welcomesai.com/
To buy your copy visit Puja Hut in Brampton

Guru Purnima Message

GURU PURNIMA MESSAGE

The acceptance of the essentiality of a Teacher or a Master or Guru is a universal concept in all human civilizations and at all points of time. This concept holds good for most of the aspects of human civilization like education, research, music, dance etc., i.e. anything and everything linked with the education of a human being from birth till death. Such Teachers can be of a formal or an informal nature. For example, Lord Dattatreya, the Mahayogi and Siddha proclaimed that he had 24 Gurus from whom he gained knowledge. The 24 Gurus in his case were not necessarily human beings but some living and non-living entities like bees, elephant, moon, fish, python, fire, etc. However by projecting these various entities as his Guru, Lord Dattatreya has tried to impart a valuable message to the world. This message is so deep and universal that it cuts across all religions and all cultures. If one analyses his statements one finds that Lord Dattatreya has laid more emphasis on the learning capabilities of a student than on the teaching capabilities of a Teacher or Guru.

Let us examine for example about a bee being a teacher of a human being. No one can say that in the ladder of evolution, a bee is more evolved than a human being so as to be able to teach him. Why bee alone, if all the species on the earth are put together, they cannot match the intelligence of a single human being. In the instant case, the student’s (Shri Dattatreya) mental faculties were so evolved and his thirst for knowledge was so focused that even from a less developed species like a bee or an element like fire, he could pick up important learning points of life. This obviously underscores the importance of the student in the learning process more than that of the teacher. If the student or shishya has the passion to learn, the patience to pursue knowledge and the right attitude towards the Master he can learn even from a distance. The story of Eklavya, in Mahabharata, is a unique example of a student who had truly and devotionally accepted Dronacharya as his Master. He could not be accepted by the Master as a disciple due to the existing social/caste divide. But Eklavya was undaunted in his spirit to learn with the right attitude towards his Master. So he created a Murti (Symbolic representation) of his Guru Dronacharya, placed it in a certain place in the jungle and started worshipping in earnest faith. From that place he used to observe the training imparted by Guru Dronacharya to the Pandavas in Archery with full concentration. Such was his potentiality that soon he excelled in the art and science of archery and became even better than the Pandavas. Such again, was his faith in his Guru that later when his Master Dronacharya wanted the thumb of his right hand as Dakshina, Eklavya did so happily knowing fully well that without the right thumb he would not be able to practice Archery for the rest of his life.

In Indian Hindu mythology, we find these two magnificent personalities excelling in their roles as shishyas (students). Some are of the view that in the field of knowledge both the Teacher and student are equally important, but then knowledge is meant for whom? It is meant for the one who does not have it and who has a need for it. The Teachers (Masters) already have what the student needs. The attitude of the one who needs the knowledge is most important and so the student should know the best way to extract the knowledge from the teacher.

Therefore in order to gain any knowledge, more so when it is about spiritual knowledge, the student needs to have the right aptitude, sensitivity, strong determination and an intrinsic faith in the Master. This vital but pious tradition of Guru Shishya or Master Pupil relationship is continuing in the spiritual tradition of India since long.

Shri C.B. Satpathy, New Delhi

Source: http://heritageofshirdisai.org/newsletter/Vol121.htm

Heritage of Shirdi Sai Magazine is now available for subscription in Canada.  For details call 416-294-4804

Picture Gallery Guru Purnima 2011 Celebration in Shirdi

Children of Baba around the world celebrated Gurupurnima on July 15, 2011. It is the festival which was emphasized by Lord Sai Baba in His times and this tradition is followed even today in Shirdi. Thus Gurupoornima is an integral part of celebrations at Shirdi ever year.

During this and every other festival, Sai Sansthan Shirdi capture moments and upload on their official site. Find below a download link or visit the Home page of Sansthan.

https://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org/new/picturegallery/2011/GuruPournimaUtsav2011/index.html

"May His Infinite Consciousness And Grace Shine Upon All Humble Efforts To Pay Homage To His Resplendent Life and Teachings"

Guru Purnima Celebration July 15th 2011

Jai Shri Sai!

O my Sadguru! My heart seeks your feet!

When I Think of your Feet, Only then my mind becomes Settled! (1)

...Excerpt from "Shri Guru Bhagavata" in Oriya Lanuage by Shrui C . B. Satpathy Ji

The relationship of the divine (Brahmarupi), compassionate incarnated (Avataric), Perfect Masters (Sadgurus) with their dvotees (Bhaktas) is extremely intimate and sweet. Their sports (Leelas) of divine supernatural and spiritual Bhav are indescribable. A devotees who has taken refuge at the feet of a divine Guru can alone experience the beauty of thta divine experience. Both the Master (Guru) and the disciple (Shishya) are complemental entities of divinity; together they constitute God. What Shri Ram was to Shri Tulsi Das, Ram Rahim to Sant Kabir, Nirgun Nirakar to Shri Guru Nanak, Shri Jagannath to Bhakt Salabeg, in the same way. is Shri Shirdi Sai to Shri Chandra Bhanu Satpathy Ji. Shri Satpathy Ji has dedicated himself as an inimitable devotee (Ananya Bhakta) of Shri Sai. Shri Guru Bhagabata is a monumental creation of his divine consciousness. This is a complete treatise (Grantha) on spirituality, composed in nine-syllabled meter (Nabakshari Chhandha).

Shri Guruji feels that he is only a servant of Baba serving His children and does not carves for any other identity . Says Guruji, “Serving Baba and being in love with him is the ultimate reality. I, therefore do not seek things like ‘Samadhi’, emancipation, to be yogi, have miracle powers etc. When the most extraordinary God descends on earth as an ordinary person, how can the ordinary persons try to be extraordinary?”

Devotees of Shri Saibaba transcend the limits of India and Sai devotees living outside India have spread the benevolence of Saibaba of Shirdi in foreign lands. Most of the associated temples outside India are patronized by Guruji Shri C.B. Satpathy. Guruji's Love for Baba has led to the vibrant "Sai Sangam" with the establishment of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada after Baba made His divine presence in July 2002 when GURU PURNIMA WAS CELEBRATED first time with Shri Sai Baba in Toronto Canada.

In commemoration of the essence of Shri Sai Baba’s message of universal brotherhood – His teachings to the ever-growing devotees, groups and temples in GTA and the omnipresence of Divinity since 2002 , Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada (Toronto) announces the 10th Guru Purnima Celebration at Shri Sai Dwarkamai on Friday, July15th 2011 at from 7pm - 8:30pm followed by Baba's Prasaad.

Baba's Darbar will be open from 10am for Darshan.

Let us Bow together in the Lotus Feet of Shri Sai Baba and receive His Divine Blessings!

Have a SAIFUL Life!

Shri Sai Dwarkamai

147 Winston Castle Dr.

Markham On

L6C 2N4

www.shirdisainath.org

416-294-4804

Baba Bless You Ever!

"May His Infinite Consciousness And Grace Shine Upon All Humble Efforts To Pay Homage To His Resplendent Life and Teachings"

Children's SAI

Sai Baba and the Lost Horse of ChandBhai

In Maharashtra, there is a district named Aurangabad, in which there is a village named Dhoopkhed. Chandbhai was the patel of that village.
Once he lost his horse. Chandbhai searched and searched, but to no avail. A week after, while he was on the search, he noticed by the roadside a young lad of sixteen, having sedate looks and wearing the garb of a fakir.
This beautiful boy with lustrous eyes at once captured Chandbhai’s heart. Reading, as if the onlooker’s mind, the fakir beckoned Chandbhai and asked,
“What are you looking for, patel?”

“I have lost my horse. For this whole week, I am searching him,” said Chand, approaching the fakir, with folded hands.
“Then why go further? Your animal is grazing beyond that hedge, there, look!” told the fakir, with a gentle smile, pointing to a thick hedge beyond which nothing could really be seen. Chandbhai went and saw, and lo! The horse was found quietly grazing there.
Chandbhai was awe-struck. How did this fakir recognize him as the patel, how did the boy know that there was a horse beyond the hedge and that it belonged to him – all this struck him with wonder. He was convinced that the boy had a spark of Divinity in him. As Chandbhai related this incident among his friends and neighbours, the boy’s fame spread like a drop of oil on the surface of water.
A few months later, a marriage procession went from Dhoopkhed to Shirdi. The boy-fakir also accompanied it.

When the procession reached the outskirts of Shirdi, it stopped to pay homage to God khandoba. Mhalsapati, the priest of Khandoba temple, eyed the fakir, and, out of spontaneous admiration, exclaimed, ”welcome, ye Sai Baba”.
It was as if the Divine Will that had given the boy this name, for that very name stuck to him all his life. From that day (1854), the boy stayed in Shirdi.

Stories of Shirdi Sai Baba to Follow

Lighting Lamps with Water

Baba's All Pervasiveness

Das Ganu's bath In Prayag

Baba's Remarkable Yoga Practices

Daily Message

Love and not hatred has ever brought or can bring peace to humanity.Sri Sai taught us that tolerance and sacrifice leads to love.#CBSatpathy