Do not think that the world will not go on without your work. God has engaged you in work only as His agent. If we are taken away, He will find somebody else for that work. Truly, there is only one Great Master, viz. God, who looks after all of us. We are only his instruments here. So let us all surrender ourselves to Him.

- Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

First Word

Ding something in a stereotype or run-of-the mill way gives a mediocre or poor result. However, doing it with consciousness produces a marked difference in the outcome. The higher the consciousness, the better the result. The three levels from which anything can be done are physical, mental and spiritual. Out of the three, spiritual consciousness is the most difficult and significant aspect of life. Once this is achieved, one's performance improves and one is redeemed from the fetters of 'Maya' and rejoices in the vastness of Eternity. Nothing binds and disturbs; hence one's acts serve to elevate countless individuals. Every action becomes an act of perfection and absolute devotion to God. The spirit of spiritual consciousness is colossal.

Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji performed their acts, great or small, in the highest spiritual consciousness. All their acts are pure, divine and Sai-centered. Their unbroken communion with Sai Baba is evident in all their actions - be they great or small.

In 1954, a devotee brought a pair of spectacles to Sri Narasimha Swamiji and said, "A youth has opened an Optician shop in Mylapore. Since long he has had a desire to prepare a pair of glasses for you. Here, try this frame that he has selected for you".

On taking the frame, Sri Narasimha Swamiji said, "Is it new? Then offer it to Sai Baba." The devotee took the frame and offered it to Sai Baba in the shrine. Even though it was only a new frame without the prescribed glasses and the fact that it was open to choice and not yet selected, Sri Narasimha Swamiji did not try them on without having it offered to Sai Baba.

By virtue of his spiritual consciousness, Swamiji's profound devotion to Sai Baba is fluent, natural and unique.

A Lesson in Faith

By Sri Narasimha Swamiji

Chinna Kistna Saheb was very devoted to Vishnu from his boyhood. Even from his younger days, he used to sit for long in one asana (yogic posture) meditating on his chosen deity. This went on till, in his twenty-first year, (about 1910), he had three successive dream-visions in one night. At first he experienced his separation from his physical body and before him was the divine form of Lord Vishnu. A second time the same vision recurred but this time there was someone else standing beside him. Lord Vishnu pointed to that stranger and said, 'This Sai Baba of Shirdi is your man; you must resort to Him." In the third vision he again left his physical body and drifted in the air to some village.

There he saw someone and asked him for the name of the village and was told that it was Shirdi. Then he enquired whether there was a holy man by name Sai Baba in that village. The stranger led him to a mosque where Chinna Kistna saw Sai Baba seated leaning against its wall with his legs stretched before Him. On seeing Chinna Kistna, Sai Baba got up and said, "Do you take my darshan? I am your debtor. I must take your "darshan" and placed His head reverently on Chinna Kistna's feet. Then the vision ended. Though he saw Sai Baba's picture earlier, he never knew that Sai Baba's most characteristic manner of sitting was with His legs stretched out before Him. Shortly after, Chinna Kistna went to Shirdi to verify whether Baba was his destined Guru as the dream seemed to indicate. When he actually saw Baba, a doubt arose in his mind whether it would be proper to worship a man like Him.

At once Baba said, "What do you worship a man for?" The rebuff was keen and to the point. When nothing more happened to confirm his dream Chinna Kistna was a bit dissatisfied. Later, in the afternoon, when every other devotee retired to his room, Chinna Kistna made bold to visit Sai, though it was thought that no one should visit Baba at that hour. Baba, far from getting angry, beckoned to him. Chinna Kistna approached Him and bowed in reverence. At once Sai Baba hugged him with love and said, "You are my child. When others (i.e., strangers) are present, we (i.e., saints like Me) keep off the children." Thus was the man's dream confirmed.

On another afternoon Baba embraced him and said, "The key of my treasury is now placed in your hands. Ask anything you want." "Then Baba", said shrewd Chinna Kistna, "I want this. In this and in any future birth that may befall me, You should never part from me. You always be with me." Baba patted him joyously and said, 'Yes, I shall be with you, inside you and outside you, whatever you may be or do."

There is one instance to show how, when Chinna Kistna's heart was yielding to some other love, Baba asserted His monopoly over it. Many years later, Chinna Kistna's child died and his wife was disconsolate. With the dead child in his lap Chinna Kistna sat on with a grief-stricken heart. Baba at once appeared before him and said," Do you want me or the dead child? Choose! You cannot have both. If you want me to revive the child, I will; but then you will have Me no more with you. If you do not ask for the revival of this one, you will have several children in due course.' Then Chinna Kistna said that he wanted Him only. “Then do not grieve", Baba said and vanished.

Another confirmation of his earlier dream-vision that Chinna Kistna was Baba's man: When he visited a great saint of Poona named Sri Madhava Nath, on seeing Chinna Kistna, at once said, "You are Sai Baba's Man."

In 1912 Chinna Kistna visited Baba on the holy Guru Purnima day. Seeing other devotees offering garlands and other gifts to Baba he realized how unfortunate he was in that he did not remember to get any gift to the saint. At once Baba said to him, "All these are yours!", and He pointed at the bundle of garlands offered to Him by other devotees. Thereby Baba hinted that the heart's loving desire to offer is of greater value than a formal physical offering.

The Power of Prayer

By Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

It is becoming more and more complex. From morning till night, it is a rat race, but the irony of it is, even at the end, we remain rats only! Isn't it a pathetic situation? Oxen tied to the post revolve round and round mechanically and the condition of many people is no different - turning round and round, making no progress!

This is hard truth but not impossible to wriggle out. One way is to be aware of our actions. This requires us to think and set our goal. This is not enough and we ought to combine this with another powerful technique. God has not left us in wilderness. He stands by the stream of karma and lifts us up from the whirlpools of life. He gave us tools potent enough to match the ordeal on hand. One such tool is 'Prayer' - a complete and an effective method. Holding that we are alone in this world, zeroes we are, but endowed with the understanding that the Lord is with us, we turn into heroes. Ideally, prayer is a longing for God - a bridge laid to reach the realm of God, a bond that unites both. In the back drop of our own negativity we need the shield of God's umbrella to live our lives fearlessly. Thus, in practice, prayer is, finding a true friend and companion of all times, in God. Prayer helps us to communicate and plead with God. That is why Sai Baba said: "You look to Me; I look to you". He also assured us: "Cast your burden on Me, I shall surely carry it". When we are at the crossroads of indecision, sincere prayers point the right road. Then prayer is not a mere practice, but is as natural as breathing!

Prayer need not be rehearsed speech or a jugglery of words. It need not take a formal expression either. Silent communion with God is enough, as, in that state, the mind turns tranquil and serves as a conduit to carry our message to God. Only we should be sensitive to perceive the answers, which arrive in a variety of ways.

When we recite Vishnu Sahasra Namam or say 'Namo Narayanaya', we are saluting to the Supreme Lord with reverence and love. Even if the chanting were mechanical, it does not matter much, as the verbal expression is endowed with potency. Let us not doubt as to whether God hears our prayers or not. He does and enters the scene only at the appropriate time that is best for us.

A person usually looks up for God when he is in rough weather. Unable to bear the pangs of life, he relies on a power higher than he does. Trials and tribulations give him wisdom, strength and devotion. When my Guru, Sri Narasimha Swamiji, was admitted in the General Hospital at Madras for a fracture of the thigh bone, after an accidental fall in 1953, he had converted his ward into a miniature Sai Mandir. He tolerated the pain with a smile!

There is nothing wrong if a prayer starts off for one's own betterment, as in course of time it covers his family members and later extends to his fellow beings in society, as he begins to perceive the Lord dwelling in all beings. Look at the gigantic Banyan tree and the sprawling branches it spreads, as it grows. Prayers made for others, their happiness and well-being, goodwill and peace to the world at large, are appreciated and quickly responded to, by God, in the form of granting the devotee an expanded awareness.

Surrender to God is the toughest thing to accomplish. If a person says outwardly that he has surrendered to God's will but in day-to-day life quarrels with everyone on petty causes, he has not understood what 'surrender' means. Look at others with God's eyes, is the instruction. We must develop an euonymus vision in all our activities, under all circumstances. We may fail repeatedly in this arduous task, as the old 'samskaras' would raise their ugly hoods quite often, but let us strive to rise every time we fail.

Curbing the ego, therefore, forms the basic discipline when we tread on the path of spirituality. An egotistic man is possessive and cannot bow his head when he comes across personalities endowed with wisdom. Unless he cultivates a loving attitude towards existence as a whole and shares a part of what he has with others, he soon abandons his efforts in a huff.

One need not be a man of letters to pray. In God's vision, there is no low or high - a prince or pauper is held in the same esteem. Patience and perseverance of a high order are needed in cultivating this art. Let us chant His name as Hanuman kept on chanting Rama's name always.

Permanent feature

Power of Guru

(From the glorious life of Sri Sridhara Ayyaval of Tiruvisanallur (Thanjavur))

By Dr. G.R. Vijayakumar

Your Destiny

Be fired with firmness and faith intrepid only then can you seek entry into the kingdom of eternal Born are you for this great destiny -Lay at the altar of the indwelling Master all that you are And dissolve you little self into His Infinity -Enjoy unfading peace and ecstasy.

During the reign of Maratha Ruler Shahaji in Thanjavur (1684-1711), many scholars and religious personalities from other regions of India were freely invited to come and live in Thanjavur region. Sridhara Venkatesa, popularly known as 'Ayyaval' was a remarkable religious personality of his times. His particular contribution was towards the propagation of 'Nama Siddhanta' (Doctrine of the Divine Name) and the organization of 'Bhajana Paddhati' (religious group singing). He exerted tremendous influence on the religious activity of the Thanjavur region and even today a special verse in praise of Sridhara Ayyaval is sung in Tamil Bhajans.

Sridhara or 'Ayyaval' (meaning 'revered elder' in Tamil) hailed from Mysore. His father Linga Arya was the Dewan of Mysore. A remarkable trait in him was his intense devotion to Shiva and to chant His name always.

After his father's death, Sridhara developed a sense of detachment. He declined the offer of Minister ship by the King of Mysore, renounced all his property and went to visit Lord Thayumanava Swamy at Trichy and later settled down at Thanjavur.

Raja Shahaji of Thanjavur, with the intention of energizing religious activity, gifted the whole village of Tiruvisanallur to a group of Vedic scholars. The land was declared 'sarvamanya' i.e., all taxes were waived for the occupants of this village. Raja Shahaji invited Sridhara to settle there and was much devoted to Sridhara. He made him his Dewan (Minister),

In spite of his spiritual accomplishments, Sridhara for outward appearance was just an ordinary man. He spent his time in 'nama japa', reading scriptures and giving instructions and discourses. Sridhara spent all his time in devotional exercises. He chanted the name of the Lord aloud and was often in ecstasy. He wrote extensively on various themes. His works include Dayasataka, Stutipaddhathi, Artihara Stuti, Siva bhaktalakshana etc.

Bodhendra expounded the doctrine of the divine name elaborately. There were frequent meetings between Bodhendra and Sridhara. Bodhendra lived at Govindapuram, a few miles away. The Nama Siddhanta was put on a sound basis as a result of interaction between these great men. Vedic scholars at Tiruvisanallur who believed in primary Vedic rituals did not take 'Nama japa' seriously and this led to differences of opinion. But the response to 'Nama Siddhanta' was enormous and people followed the 'bhajan' procedure at large.

Many divine events are reported about Sridhara Ayyaval. An important event is the appearance of Goddess Ganga in Sridhara's well. Once on a 'Sraddha' day, even before the Brahmins were fed, Sridhara gave food to an untouchable, who was hungry and on the verge of death. The Brahmins boycotted the 'Sraddha' but the Lord manifested as two Brahmins and helped in completing the ceremony. However, the Brahmins of the village ordered him to undergo pacificator bath in Ganges or else face excommunication for feeding an untouchable. A journey to North for this purpose was out of question. Sridhara prayed to Ganga Devi and she manifested in the well on a particular day. It was the new moon day of the Kartika month (November-December). The waters of the Ganga came into the well. It was not merely a symbolic flow. The water came in torrents, and reaching beyond the bounds of the well, flowed into the streets! Even today it is an annual feature and is celebrated elaborately.

Sridhara's life was purposeful and eventful. Many are the miracles that have been recorded which bring out the depth of his devotion to Lord Mahalingam (as Lord Shiva is known at Tiruvadaimarudur). The temple is across the river Kaveri and Sridhara used to have his 'darshan' daily.

One day, Sridhara went for his darshan during night worship. He was looking brighter than usual. He spent much time with the devotees and gave them many instructions. He was in tears and uttered the prayer -"O Lord! I have grown tired after playing many roles in this huge arena of world. I have done all this before you. It is fitting that you now halt this 'samsaric' existence of mine". Few could understand what he meant. Finally he ran into the sanctum sanctorum with a view to embracing the Lord. The priest tried to stop him. But, by then, Sridhara had disappeared within the precincts of the inner shrine!

Immortal is the Holy Name, for it dies not,

Nor is it the tiniest bit, distant from you!

Even if each and everyone, were to forget the Holy Name,

It would not in the least, affect the Holy Name!

The greatness of the Holy Name, is not lessened a whit,

Even if one and all, fail to appreciate its virtue!

And still with mercy looks the Lord,

Even if the entire world, forgets the Holy Name!

Every day the Lord sends forth His blessings,

And every day, He grants His grace,

Non-Experience

There was a discussion about Bhagawan Ramana's 'Death' experience at the age of fourteen that led him to Self-Realization. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji said:-"When God is experienced, the self disappears. So who will do the experience?"

Devotee: "Is the God experience then a non-experience?"

"It is like sleep", said Swamiji "The sleep experience is only known when sleep is over."

Concealment

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji once told the story of a priceless antique bowl that fetched a fortune at a public auction. It had been used by a tramp that ended his days in poverty, quite unaware of the value of the bowl with which he begged for coins.

When a devotee asked Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji what the bowl stood for, Swamiji said: "Your self! Asked to elaborate, Swamiji said: "All your attention is focused on the penny-knowledge you collect from books and teachers. You would do better to pay attention to the bowl in which you hold it."

A dip in Sahasranama - 44

Chanting of Sahasranama

By Dr. H. Janardhana Acharya

Japa of a mantra includes every kind of worship. Mantra reveals in you eternal wisdom, power and bliss. You need not worry about any other Sadhana. Do the Japa of Guru Mantra at all times as much as you can.

Vishnu Sahasra Nama has attained great popularity among devotees. It is a part of the Santi Parva of the Mahabharata. Towards the end of the Great War, Bhishma lies on a bed of arrows, waiting for Uttarayana to dawn so that he can give up his mortal coils. He is questioned by Yudhishtira who wonders who the Supreme Lord of all is, by praising and worshipping whom one can gain well and attain Salvation. Bhishma answers Yudhishtira's query by reciting the Vishnu Sahasra Nama in Krishna's presence. Reciting the thousand names of Vishnu, Bhishma tells Yudhishtira that Vishnu is the 'JagatPrabhu' or Lord of the Universe, 'Bhuta-Bhavya-Bhavan Natha'- Lord of past, present and future. The Almighty is depicted in terms of space and time as being immanent. He is one in many things to many. The body of Lord Vishnu consists of the three worlds. His feet being the earth; His naval, the sky; and His head the Heavens. The life breath is air; His eyes are the sun and moon. His ears are the directions. His face the flames of fire. His abode the milky ocean, He is Himself the universe. He is the origin of all that originated. He is 'Adhokshajah', the one who does not degenerate. There is no change in His original nature.

Vishnu is also 'Pavano Nala' or one who is air among all purifying agents. He is 'Saptajihvah', the Lord in His manifestation as fire having seven tongues of flame, that which cannot be adulterated. He is 'Vasavanujah' or the one who is born as the younger brother of Indra (Vasava) in His incarnation as Vamana, the dwarf. Even the Lord had to resort to the dwarf's form while begging for a gift of land from King Bali. He is also 'Suparno Vayu Vahana'. Here Suparna is Garuda who carries the Lord. Vishnu in this name is described as one who has Garuda as His vehicle, but who instead rides on Vayu the wind.

The many weapons of Vishnu are described by the various names that occur towards the end of Sahasranama. Sankha -the Panchajanya, Nandaki - the sword, Chakri - the Sudarshana Chakra, Sarnga dhanva - the divine bow, Gadadhara - the mace and Rathangapani - the one who has the wheel of ratha in His hand. It is said that during the Mahabharata war Krishna had given a word to Kauravas that He would not use any weapon in the battle. But on the ninth day He wanted to control the fierce onslaught of Bhishma. He forgot the word given to the Kauravas. He jumped down the chariot and dropped the whip He was holding. Realizing that He had no weapon in His hand, He is stated to have grabbed a wheel from one of the chariots and rushed towards Bhishma. Bhishma seeing Krishna running towards him in this fashion reminds Him of His promise. That sight of Krishna running with the wheel of a 'ratha' was fresh in Bhishma's memory even when Bhishma was lying on the bed of arrows. And the 1000name depicts Vishnu as 'Sarva Praharanayudha'.

There is no rule that the Lord has got only the above mentioned weapons to fight the unlawful and protect dharma. In His manifestation as 'Varaha', He used His mighty tusks to kill Hiranyaksha and as 'Narasimha'. He used His nails to rip open the belly of Hiranyakashipu to save Prahlada. He also used His foot to crush the ego of King Bali in His incarnation as 'Vamana'.

The Vishnu Sahasra Nama is open to all; anyone can chant it without any distinction of caste, creed or sex. It can be chanted at any time and no special rituals are obligatory to do so. There are no hurdles in chanting the praise of the Lord.

Gospel of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji

By Prof. R. Narayana lyengar

(Continued from the previous issue)

25.12.1974: (Vaikunta Ekadashi): The day is Christmas Day and being a holiday many visitors have come to meet Swamiji. Since today is Vaikunta Ekadashi, Swamiji is desirous of repeating Sahasranama as many times as possible. He has enormous interest and faith in this type of Sadhana. So the devotees around have eagerly started the chanting. During the daily chanting some devotees (usually Chengiah) prepare small packets of Vibhuti (sacred ash) which Swamiji gives to the devotees with his blessings. Today DVK kept all the materials ready in front of himself for making the packets. But Swamiji is dissuading him from this work and is advising him to concentrate on the repetition of Sahasranama.

After one round of chanting, Swamiji is talking about fasting. 'Upavaasa (fasting) means, to keep our mind near God; just by refraining from food one cannot achieve any great results. Instead of such a hard action, it is better to eat lightly and meditate upon God. Baba was also recommending this type of discipline only. He never advised anyone to follow harsh or difficult approaches.' Now Swamiji is instructing Krishnamurthy to distribute milk to all the persons present. After this, Swamiji is again repeating all the Dhyana Shlokas and explaining 'you see there are four or five different types of descriptions. Shantaakaaram Bhujagashayanam; Sashanka-chakram Sakireeta-kundalam; otherwise Megha-shyamam peetha-kausheya-vasam. We can choose whatever form we like. We can mentally do pooja (worship) to God in that form.

Now, let us start again. This time everyone should chant correctly with concentration. No one should talk or go out in the middle. Let us meditate on the Lord of Srirangam and repeat Sahasranama. Today is a special day for all of us, isn't that so? In Srirangam Vaikunta Ekaadashi is a very special festival. Today there will be a huge congregation of devotees at that temple. It is said the doors of Vaikunta (abode of Vishnu) open today. At Srirangam Temple there is an inner corridor adjacent to sanctum-sanctorum, which is kept open for today only. To go behind the Lord in that corridor is considered especially meritorious. Do you know the tradition there? First, one has to cross three doors; after this, there are five small depressions, in which the devotees keep their fingers before proceeding further. This tradition has an inner meaning. Those three doors are the three Gunas (qualities), the five depressions are the five Indriyas (senses). Only after crossing these we can attain God.

"How deeply meaningful are our traditions and how beautiful is our culture! We have to understand these properly. Similarly, as soon as we enter a temple we are supposed to bow to the 8a//peetam(sacrificial altar), why is this so? Why is a Balipeeta kept in the first place? It is meant for the devotees to sacrifice their evil intentions at that altar. That is why we bow to that altar...."

Sahasranama chanting is going on sonorously. Krishnamurthy is keeping the big picture of Guruvayoor Krishna on a chair and decorating the frame. There are two such pictures in the Mandir. So, there has been some discussion on whether to keep the small picture or the big one. After some time, even as the chanting is going on Swamiji is asking the small picture to be kept by his side. This way after some three or four rounds of chanting, the morning program has been concluded. Swamiji is announcing in his soft voice 'again let us start at three in the afternoon.'

The chanting in chorus has again started at 3 O'clock. It is as though a river of sound is flowing. The repetitive sounds in the Sanskrit language are producing a soothing effect on the devotees. This much is certain, the participants have forgotten their daily problems and worries and are here to bask in the aura of the saint. Swamiji sometimes looks at the large photo of Baba, at some other times he closes his eyes in meditation and at times even speaks to the picture of Krishna kept by his side. In between, once while chanting the shloka 'vedyo vaidyah sadaa yogi' Swamiji smiled for himself. As I was observing him, he indicated by signs that he will explain the reason for his laughter later. Now it is almost evening and the chanting is still continuing. Once again in the midst of the chanting Swamiji laughed, this time quite loudly. He started to say something, but on second thought checked himself. The chanting has been concluded by 6 O'clock. Today is also Geetha Jayanthi day. Swamiji is eager to read the whole of the Bhagavad-Gita once. Today a total of 602 people chanting of Sahasranama have been done. After the Sahasranama, singing of Bhajans has started.

After this, Swamiji is speaking on the occasion of the Geetha Jayanthi. Swamiji has explained in brief how Baba was fond of Geetha. Also he is mentioning that irrespective of one's race or religion, Bhagavad-Gita is relevant to every human being. There are about 20-30 persons joining in the reading of all the 18 chapters of the text of Geetha. After the evening functions are over, very few devotees are left behind to listen to Swamiji. He is explaining his laughter during the earlier chanting. "Do you know why I laughed then? An episode from my childhood came to my mind! I was some 8-9 years old then. My grandmother and a few others were asking me 'what you want to become when you grow up? It is common practice to ask little children like this, isn't it so? I would always answer: I will keep a Bank.' If they ask me the name of the Bank, I would always say, Lakshmi-Narayana Bank! I laughed then recollecting my childhood days.

Now this repetition of Sahasranama is like a Bank only! This of course is a Bank of names! If only I wanted I could have started a (money) Bank also. But I have got an opportunity to do something much greater than that...." The devotees are respectfully listening to Swamiji's explanation, even as they are joining him in his laughter.

Swamiji is continuing, "In this place so much of Sahasranama chanting and Bhajans have taken place. This place has become holy by repeating the name of God innumerable number of times. Now, tell me by what name shall we call this place...Do you know the right name; it is Naama-yajna-vaibhava-mantapa. What? Is the name appropriate? What greater work could be there than repeating the name of God? Once a saintly person, perhaps Baba, told me 'I saw your name also there.' The persons around are a little bit perplexed, but before long Swamiji is explaining. "It seems there, in Vaikunta, there is a place called Naama-yajna-vaibhava-mantapa. It is said that my name is also written there!" Swamiji is almost uncontrollably laughing with tears swelling in his eyes.

"I don't know anything. What is it I can do, just repeat His names...Do you remember, I wanted the picture of Krishna to be kept by my side. Do you know what my feelings then were? Seeing Him, I wanted to hold Him in close embrace. These people were also creating some confusion about which picture to be kept where. Somehow He came to be by my side." Swamiji is smiling in a way, which gives a feeling to the onlooker that Swamiji is supremely happy. "Way back, when I was in that room also, I had a picture of Guruvayoor Krishna with me. On the day I started from that room to this place, I saw Him. As I started for this place, "I will also go with you", He said. This was not a vision or any such thing. I saw Him with my eyes wide open only. As He said, He has come here also....He takes care of us. I have already narrated to you about the accident I was involved in while returning from Guruvayoor. Tell me who protected us then…...."

"Swamiji, is it because of that you laughed while chanting the verse Vedyo-vaidyah-sada-yogi, in the morning?"

Swamiji is smiling "yes my boy, yes.'

(to be continued…………..)

A man is not merely as he thinks, but as he wills.

- Sadhu Vaswani

Insanity

On the question of his own enlightenment, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji always remained reticent, even though the devotees tried every means to get him to talk. All the information they had on this subject was what Swamiji once said to his eldest brother, Sri Rajagopala lyer, who wanted to know what his brother felt when he became enlightened.

When Sri Rajagopala lyer asked why, Swamiji had replied, "Well, it was like going to great pains to break into a house by climbing a ladder and smashing a window - and realizing later that the door of the house was open."

Development

To a devotee who complained of his limitations, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji said, "You are limited. But have you noticed you can do things today that you would have thought impossible fifteen years ago? What changed?" Devotee: "My talents changed" Swamiji: "No, You changed" Devotee: "Isn't that the same thing?" Swamiji: "No", you are what you think you are. When your thinking changed, you changed."

Fatal accident averted to save top Police Officer

By R. Seshadri

Readers may remember the passing away of Sri. P. S. Chellappa, IPS, Director-General of Police (Retd.) at Bangalore, a few months back. But only some would know him as a regular visitor to Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, being a staunch devotee of Guru Radhakrishna Swamiji and Sai Baba. How he came into contact with Swamiji at the heights of Venkatachala is an interesting account.

Sri M. Bhuchandran, Retd. DIG and Addl. Director, Railway Board, now residing at Chennai, was celebrating his son's wedding at Alermeiumangapuram years back, when he was No.2 in R.P.F. I had accompanied Swamiji. Participating in the wedding were among others Sri Chellappa, who was the RPF Chief then and his wife. After the 'muhurtham', Sri and Smt. Chellappa started by car, driven by a constable, for darshan of Lord Srinivasa. Swamiji and I were taken by another car. Swamiji instructed our driver immediately to closely follow Sri Chellappa's speeding Ambassador.

After negotiating several gradients of Thirumala Hills, the first car suddenly dashed against the parapet wall, its front wheels jetting out of the wall and stopped. Swamiji, our driver and I rushed and managed to open the back door of the car. Sri Chellappa and his wife got out of the car in a dazed condition, but without a scratch. The car was also put back on the road, and all of us had wonderful darshan of Lord Srinivasa, driving away from our minds the thought of the fatal accident which had been averted. Needless to say Swamiji was offering prayer right from the time we started the journey.

Sri and Smt. Chellappa were coming to meet Swamiji at SSSC often since then. Sri Chellappa continued to visit the Mandir occasionally, till his death. His wife had predeceased him.

Similarities in the lives of Narasimha Swamiji and Radhakrishna Swamiji

By S. Maneey

It is noteworthy that there were many similarities in the lives of Sri Narasimha Swamiji and his chief disciple, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, both great Apostles of Sri Sai Baba. Wealth was a common factor, but both gave up wealth, comforts and home to become ascetics. Sri Narasimha Swamiji was a family man when he discovered Sai Baba. His disciple is also got married much against his wish, but the bondage did not last long. There is some similarity in their respective fathers' names. Sri Venkatagiri lyer was Sri Narasimha Swamiji's father's name, while Sri Venkatarama lyer was Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji's father.

While Sri Narasimha Swamiji stayed in Ramanashram for three years, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji had darshan and blessings of Sri Raman Maharshi and Sri Seshadri Swamigal much earlier. In the course of their spiritual journey, both had met Sri Narayan Maharaj of Khedgoanbet and received his 'Ashirvad'. Both had sound knowledge of Tamil, English and Sanskrit. Both were spiritual giants. Sri Narasimha Swamiji described Sai Baba as a saint for the common man, "a chalte Bolthe Deva. This description applies equally to both of them also. Both founded great and enduring spiritual institutions - the All India Sai Samaj, Chennai, and Sri Sai Spiritual Centre at Bangalore respectively.

The Swamijis advocated the Bhakthi Marga as the easiest path for God-Realisation. Both commended recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita, besides stressing the efficacy of chanting the Lord's name. They were both true sanyastns though they wore no ochre robes. In the end, both became one with God. Sri Narasimha Swamiji was a Rama bhakta. When he passed away at Madras (Chennai) Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji at Bangalore saw him entering Sri Rama's photo. At once he knew that his Guru's end had come. A telegram conveying the sad news was received later. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, also a great devotee of Rama, besides Guruvayoorappan and Kamakshi, breathed his last breath, chanting Vishnu Sahasranama and Ashtakshari.

The Unique Saint of Shirdi

By M Krishna Kumar

Each Saint or prophet during his lifetime has manifested some aspect of Godliness. But hardly has there been one so richly endowed as Sri Sai Baba in presenting to the world of human consciousness the versatility of God. Sai Baba is a unique JEWEL on the horizon of spirituality. Sitting on a rugged stone with an innocent face, eyes full of compassion and deeply concerned for the sufferings of the humanity, with a torn Kafni on His body. He is a unique Saint who had descended on this Holy Earth to shoulder the burdens and sufferings and answer the calls of His innumerable devotees, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.

Nobody knew the parentage, birth or place of birth of Sri Sai Baba. Many queries were put to Him but none got a satisfactory reply or answer. Those who tried were dumbfounded and were captured by His unique and splendid personality. Nobody could get or gather any authentic information as to the caste, creed or religion to which He belonged. It is no wonder that He who had completely surrendered Himself to the Lord by getting rid of His egotism and thus became one with Him had nothing to do with the question of caste, creed or religion. For His food, He begged only from a few houses and shared it with both human beings and animals without any difference.

Sai Baba preached and practiced Harmony, Love and Universal Brotherhood. He had descended on this earth to bridge the gap between the various communities. He preached that God in whatever form worshipped was one and the same. When it is so, then why should we quarrel among ourselves? He celebrated the festivals of the Hindus and Muslims alike.

The life and teachings of Sai Baba is wide and deep as the infinite ocean in which all can dive deep into it and take out precious gems of knowledge and bhakti. The teachings of Sai Baba give peace and happiness to the people who are afflicted with sorrows and miseries. If these interesting teachings and leelas of Sai Baba which are instructive as the Vedic lore when listened to and meditated upon, the devotees shall get what they long for i.e., bliss supreme, peace and eternal union with the Brahman.

People who saw Him derived immense benefits (both spiritual and temporal). He is known for answering to the prayers of His devotees by granting them boons and satisfying their wishes. He comes to the aid of His sorrowing and distressed devotees when in dire need and calls Him through pure devotion and saves them from all impending calamities.

For this Kaliyuga, Sai Baba's Name should be recited by every religious minded person for salvation from the impending perils which are causing great concern for our very survival.

Sai Baba always sat near the Dhuni that was lit when He was in flesh and blood and continues to burn even to this day and shall continue to burn till such time He wants it. The Dhuni yields the sacred ash - Udi/Vibhuti which is all 'powerful' due to the grace and omnipresence of Sai Baba.

In our land there are many holy places, which were treaded by Saints during their lifetime. But all these holy places do not get sanctified even if the Lord wants it, because only a few such Saints get the land in which they treaded and sanctified, one such is Shirdi.

Sai Baba is God incarnate for this Kaliyuga and He will protect all His devotees from the Samadhi. All our relatives and friends will forsake us at some point of time, especially when calamities knock at our doorstep, but never will Sai Baba forsake us. Sri Sai Baba tests us as to how much Shraddha and Saburi have we attained during adverse times by chanting and reciting His names and singing His glory.

We should remember Sai's commitment and promise to His devotees "Why fear when I am Here" and lead a life by surrendering ourselves to His Holy Feet as Sai Baba is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient.

Satsang with Swamiji

By Mrs. Durga Sanath Kumar

It was sometime in 1954 or so. I accompanied my mother to All India Sai Samaj to pay our obeisance to Sai Maharaj and to Sadguru Sri Narasimha Swamiji. The usual armchair on which Swamiji used to sit was also empty. On inquiry, the priest told us that Swamiji had a fall in the bathroom and as such is indisposed and is taking rest in his cottage located within the premises.

We went to see Swamiji in his cottage. He had a bandaged leg. He smilingly beckoned us to come in. As usual he called me and made me sit close to him. He told us: "Day before yesterday there was a religious discourse here. Somehow I could not attend it. Baba has punished me with this injury." He inquired about our welfare after giving the Udhi prasad.

He was dictating the editorial for 'Sai Sudha' magazine. After finishing it, he talked to us and what I learnt that day is fresh in my memory. The cream of the Satsangh we had was: 'Dissemination of all that is good and great, of course with an attitude of humbleness is one of the processes to spread waves of peace and joy'

He also spoke to another family and stressed that whatever may be the limitations, in every house if the head of the family makes it a point to lovingly talk about something noble everyday with members of the family in general and children in particular, it will have a tremendous positive impact on the inmates and help spread waves of harmony and joy apart from nurturing the plant of value based thinking in young minds. Sri Narasimha Swamiji wanted this type of dissemination of values in a small way to start from every house.

May noble thoughts always dwell in us so that the passage to the ultimate goal becomes smooth and easy.

Baba Appears as an Old Man

By R. Radhakrishnan

Lovely temple for Sai Baba has come up at Mekkudi, 18 km from Trichy on the Madurai route. It is built at a cost 65 lakhs and it can accommodate over 500 devotees for congregation. Kumbabhishekam took place on 24th and 25th October 2001.

On 25th October 2001 around 11 a.m., a tall bearded old man came to the temple. He was dressed poorly and was holding a bamboo stick of 7-ft height. His personality resembled Baba. On seeing him, my intuition prompted me that it is Sai Baba himself has come in that form. I received him with folded hands and made him sit on a vacant chair. I called Sai Bandhu K. V. Ramani and told him my feelings. He immediately took out an 'Anga Vastra' and bowed to him by placing it around the old man's neck. Then the old man pretended that his legs were paining and asked us whether Baba would alleviate his suffering. We affirmed that Baba would take care of everything. He then looked at Baba's idol and bowed to him. By then, my wife, a few devotees like Swaminathan came there and were quick to recognize the old man as Baba and prostrated before him.

The old man told us that he has kept some 'kanikai', which he will bring it next time. He also told us that he has been visiting this place since a long time and declared that this is a sanctified place and the devotees who come to this temple will be blessed and their problems would be automatically solved.

Then he received the prasad - sweet ‘pongal’. He put it in his upper cloth and took leave of us. He walked back to the entrance holding the bamboo shaft for support. Sri Swaminathan escorted him and at the exit door offered him a ‘dakshina^’ of Rs. 10/- with reverence.

Sai Baba appears in any form, at any time, at any place in the form of a fakir, Sadhu, dog, cat, pig etc., and blesses the devotees. We should be alert always to recognize Baba. If we are always thinking of him, then we would have his 'darshan' easily.

Wonder To

A holy man who lived at the outskirts of Bangalore was said to perform miracles, so his Ashram was a centre of pilgrimage for large crowds of people.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, who was known to be quite uninterested in the miracles, would never reply to questions on this holy man. When asked point blank why he was opposed to miracles, Swamiji replied: "How can one be opposed to what is taking place before one's eyes each moment of the day?"

Deception

Some devotees asked Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji: "How shall we distinguish the true mystic from the false?" Swamiji asked a counter question: "How do you distinguish the true sleeper from the one who is feigning sleep?"

Devotee: "There is no way. Only the sleeper knows when he is feigning."

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji just smiled. Later Swamiji said: "The feigning sleeper can delude others- he cannot delude himself. The false mystic, unfortunately, can delude both others and himself."

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji's Aradhana

22^nd Aradhana of Poojya Gurudev Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji was observed on February 9, 2002, at Sri Sai Spiritual Centre.

The celebrations started on Friday, Feb 8, with a public meeting held under the auspices of Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood. Sri R. Seshadri, President of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, presided over the meeting. Prof, Saligrama Subbaramaiah, Professor in Economics (Retd.) from Sri Krishnadevaraya University, was the Chief Guest. A detailed report on the meeting appears elsewhere in this issue.

On February 9, a large number of devotees participated in the Samoohika Abhisheka to Sri Sai Baba, H.H. Sri Narasimha Swamiji and H.H. Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji after Kakad Arathi. Sri D.V, Krishnamurthy performed Krama Aradhana with great devotion. Veda Brahmashri Srinivasa conducted the necessary Vedic rituals. Several devotees acquainted with Swamiji and a large number of gatherings were present. After the Aradhana, Thirtha Narayana Pooja was performed. More than 2000 people partook of the prasadam on the occasion. Food was also distributed to the inmates of a hostel at Vibhutipura, a suburb of Bangalore.

A 'devotees' Satsangh was arranged in the evening. Many devotees spoke and shared their experiences and grace showered on them by Lord Sainath, Sri Narasimha Swamiji and Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji. Devotees from outstations - Mrs. & Mr. Jyothi Raghavan from Chennai and Maj. E.B. Patro (Retd.) from Vishakhapatnam participated in the function.

The celebrations concluded on the 10^lh with a variety entertainment program by the children of Saipadananda Bala Vihara, under the guidance of Prof. P.S. Narayana Rao. Children exhibited their skills in dance, drama etc. Sri Seshadri, President of the Centre, distributed prizes to the winners. All the participants were given consolation prizes. Kum. Sunanda and Sri D.L Radhakrishna assisted Prof. Narayana Rao in concluding the program. Sri S. Syama Rao, Hon. Secretary of the Centre proposed a vote of thanks.

- S. Syama Rao

Vedic scholar and popular educationist honored

Veda Brahmasri Vidwan Gunda Bhatta Ghanapati, eminent Vedic Scholar, teacher and Chief Priest of Sri Subrahmanya temple at Subramanyapura and the well-known educationist, Smt. Meenakshi Balakrishnan, Principal, Sri Kumaran's Children's Home were honored at the public meeting organised by Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood on Feb 8 2002, as part of the 22^ndAradhana Celebrations of Sri Saipadananda Radhakrishna Swamiji.

Sri R. Seshadri, President of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, paid glowing tributes to the services of Vidwan Sri Gunda Bhatta Ghanapati and Smt. Meenakshi Balakrishnan to society and honored them with shawls. Sri Gunda Bhatta, who is now 92 years old has trained thousands of Vedic students, published a number of works on Vedanta carried out research and has been a recipient of honors from Government, Religious Institutions and private organizations. Smt Meenakshi Balakrishnan with her academic qualifications, varied administrative experience, dedication and hard work has transformed the Kumaran's School, which she took over from her mother Mrs. R.A Devi, who founded the school with five children, into a premier school with 5,000 students with a high reputation for all-round quality education and character building.

The Centre also honored Prof. Saligrama Subbaramaiah, Chief Guest, for his invaluable services for the spread of Sai Bhakthi. His translation of the Sai Satcharitra from Telugu into Kannada is considered a monumental work. He is presently working on Baba's life in Levant style. Deploring the erosion of values, he recalled the Fakir's help to several devotees.

Sri Seshadri highlighted the fact that all the dignitaries being honored were devotees of Sai Baba and Swamiji. Sri Srichand Rajpai and long time devotee and presently Chairman of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre Trust recalled how he came into the fold of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji and narrated many instances of Swamiji's grace. He assured the gathering that he would strive hard to complete the construction of the Baba Temple Complex at Vasanthapura.

Air Cmdre T.M.M. Raghavan, Convener of the Brotherhood, in his speech explained the aims and objectives of the Brotherhood and invited everyone to become member of the Brotherhood. The gathering chanted the Universal Prayer of Swamiji led by Sri D.V.L.N. Murthy, Hon. Secretary, and Sri Sai Spiritual Centre Trust. Sri S. Syama Rao, Hon. Secretary of the Centre, gave a resume of the celebrations and proposed a hearty vote of thanks to all the guests and the gathering of devotees.

Earlier, before the start of the meeting there was Vedic chanting. Sri D.L Radhakrishna rendered invocation.

Air Cmde. T.M.M.Raghavan, Vice President of SSSC, welcoming the Chief Guests at Sri Saipadananda Brotherhood public meeting during Swamij’s Aradha Celebrations. Vedabrahmasri Gunda Batta Ghanapathi, Sri R.Seshadri, Sri Saligrama Subbaramiah, Chief Guest Smt. Meenkashi Balakrishna, Chief guest and Sri Srichand Rajpal, Chairman of the trust are also seen.

Baba answers your prayers

By S. Mani

On 10th September 1998, a neatly dressed young man came with a friend, attended the noon pooja at our Sai Mandir in Virar, Mumbai. After the arathi was over, he was still gazing at Baba and was wiping tears from his eyes. I watched him for some time and inquisitively talked to him. He told me that his name was TVS Prasad, a BE graduate and was working as a Senior Manager in a company. His parents, wife and children were all in his native place in Andhra Pradesh. He came to Mumbai as he was interviewed for a position in a Saudi Arabian firm. Unfortunately, the agent cheated him by taking his money, passport and vanished. He was now in a difficult situation as he could neither go back to his previous assignment nor could look forward to the Saudi assignment. Left with no choice, he was doing some piece job right now and staying with a friend and saving money to get a job.

He made a request. He wanted me to visit his parents in Andhra on his behalf and tell them his predicament. He would bear my expenses for his trip. He did not wish to get back to them till he got a job. I convinced him that I was a stranger and his people may or may not believe my words and it would be better if he himself visited them and explain the predicament. I told him to sincerely pray to Sai Baba who would certainly do the needful.

I invited him and his friend to our house for lunch. For me it was Sai Baba himself coming to my place and accepting prasad. He visited the Sai Mandir the next day also. Then several months passed and there was no trace of this devotee. I thought that he might have gone back to his native place or might have got a job elsewhere.

Then, one fine morning I received a closed cover. The postal stamp was from Riyadh. It was a letter from this gentleman. He wrote to me: "By the blessings of Sai Baba, my ambition has been fulfilled. I am now employed in Digital Computers in Riyadh. I will personally go and meet my people, etc." He had thanked me for the solace I had given him. Baba never fails His devotees. What the devotee wishes, he will get it from Him.

New Sai Baba Temples opened

Beautiful temple of Shirdi Sai Baba was opened at Kapilas, near Dhenkenal Town, about 90 km. from Bhuvaneshwar, on 22^nd February by H.H. Sri Ganesh Maharaj. The temple has been built in a lush green spacious seven-acre land surrounded by mountains, including a Shiva shrine Kapilaa, a reference for which has been made in the Brahmanda Purana.

The necessary Vedic rituals followed the opening ceremony from 17^th Sunday onwards with Ankurarpana, Dhwaja Uttolana, Akhanda Prajyolana, Mandala Karana, and Kalasadhibasa. Rituals such as Dhwajagamana, Ganga Yatra, Surya Pooja, Dhenu Pooja, Sala Pooja, Guru Pooja and Chandi Homa. There was daily chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama, Gopala Sahasranama, Shiva Sahasranama, Rudrabhisheka and reading of Puranas.

In addition to the Garbha Griha and a spacious prayer hall, there is a Dwarakamayi Dhuni, and a very spacious Meditation Hall. Sri S. Syama Rao, Secretary, SSSC and Sri D.V.L.N. Murthy, Secretary of the Trust, participated in the Pratishtan Utsava.

Baba Shrine near Hindupur

One Baba's idol was installed at Naneppa Nagar, in Hindupur on February 25, by the Akhanda Sainama Sapthaha Committee.

Required Vedic rituals started from February 21 onwards. Mangalacharana Sthala Shudhi, Punyahama Ankurarpana, Yagashala Pravehsa, Bimba Shudhi, Dhanyadhi Vasam etc., were conducted by the renowned Vedic scholars from Andhra Pradesh.

There were daily Nitya Moorthi Homa, Lakshmi Pooja, Sahasranama Archana, before a beautiful Baba's idol was installed at the Dwarakamai on the 22^nd.

Cultivation

A German visitor in quest of the divine, asked Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji how to distinguish a true teacher from a false one when he got back to his own land.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji said: "A good teacher offers practice, a bad one offers theories."

Visitor: "But how shall I know good practice from bad?"

Swamiji: "In the same way that the farmer knows good cultivation from bad."

Transience

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji had an aversion for women and children staying beyond 8.30 PM at the Mandir. By 8 PM each devotee would hear the difficult words "The time has come for you to go. If you do not get away the spirit will not come." What was this 'Spirit’, one devotee wished to know.

Laughingly, said Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji: "Water remains alive and free by flowing. You will remain Sai-blessed by going before 8.30 PM. If you do not leave this place by 8.30 PM, you will stagnate and will miss the last bus back home."

Shyamala Bhave's Music Recital

Ubhaya Bhasha Vidushi Smt. Shyamala Bhave and her disciples gave a delightful devotional music program at SSSC on March 3, 2002, accompanied by Vidwan Sri Satya Murthy on the Tabla. A large number of devotees attended the program and enjoyed the music. Some of the songs in different languages were her own compositions. Her songs on Sai Baba were well received and appreciated.

Ubhayagana Vidushi Shyamala Bhave and her disciples rendering devotional music.

Saipadananda Aradhana

The Shirdi Sai Baba Satsangh, Kamaraj Road, Bangalore observed the 22"" Aradhana of Saipadananda Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, on Feb 9. Devotees took part in chanting Sri Vishnu Sahasranama. Abhisheka to the Trinity and six times Archana two Rupee coins symbolizing the individual's Faith and Patience (Shraddha and Saburi) in one's spiritual endeavor done to the portrait of Guru Radhakrishna Swamiji. Then Sahasranama Archana was also performed Thirtha Prasada of two rupee coins by which were given to the devotees.

Elixir for enlightenment

Water fuelled the earthen lamps,

Lamps radiated Sai Jyothi

Sai Jyothi dispels mental darkness,

Darkness that ever keeps us in bondage.

Sri Sai Baba shrouded in secrecy is the self experience of an individual and is always Jyothi Swarupi in one's heart. Sparks generated from the infinite fire imbue the whole space in the form of Sai. This light throws open the doors of Heaven on earth and the kingdom of God in every soul, irrespective of caste and creed. Sai Jyothi will enlighten the innermost divinity of one's soul.

Burn the lamp of Sai in your heart,

Through constant chanting of His name

As our Sai is the Light of Lights.

For fuller enlightenment: Read 'Light of Wisdom Shirdi Sai Baba, written by Sai Ananda and published by Sri Sai Spiritual Centre, will be released on May 4, 2002.

Shallowness

A Journalist one day asked Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji to name one thing that characterizes the Modern World.

Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji unhesitatingly replied, "People every day know more and more about the Cosmos and less about themselves."

And to an astronomer who held him spellbound with the wonders of modern astronomy, Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji suddenly said: "Of all the million of strange objects in the universe - the black holes and quasars and pulsars - the strangest, unquestionably, is surrender.”

A devotee asked Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji: "What is the highest act a person can perform."

Swamiji: "Sitting and doing "Dhyan."

Devotee: "Wouldn't that lead to inaction?"

Swamiji: "It is inaction."

Devotee: "Is action then inferior?"

Swamiji: "Inaction gives life to actions. Without it they are dead."

The Eleven Promises of Sai Baba in Poetic Form

He who puts his feet on Shirdi-soil, Will end his suffering and toil.

He who climbs the steps of "Dwarakamai", Will have plenty, and never cry.

I will be active and vigorous even, after My body to this earth is given.

I shall preach and bless from My tomb, And for My devotees, make a happy-home.

I will be active and vigorous in My tomb. My mortal remains will speak from tomb.

I will help and guide one who comes to Me, He who surrenders: Takes refuge in Me.

If you always look at Me,

I will certainly look after thee.

Cast your burden and all your care on My shoulders, I will surely bear.

My advice and help, if you will seek, to My promise, I will always stick.

My devotee's, house will be free from want, A happy healthy peaceful jaunt.

- Dr. Kotwal

Baba Fulfills Devotee's Desire

Sri Sainath Maharaj provided an opportunity to me to visit Bhuvaneswar in February. Sri D. V. L. Narayana Murthy and Maj. E. B. Patro, also a Sai devotee, joined us in Bhuvaneswar. After visiting Puri, Jagannath and Konark, we went to Dhenkenal - where a beautiful Baba Temple has come up in a spacious eight-acre area near Kapilas, about 12 kilo meters from the town.

After participating in the Muhurath of Baba's installation on Thursday (21^SI) in the morning, we wanted to visit the nearby Kapilas shrine on the hills near the Baba's temple. All the three of us were waiting for the bus. No bus came for almost one hour. When a bus came and stopped after one hour, we tried to get into it. But there was no space, not even to keep one leg. So we came back. I said that if Baba wills, he will take us there." Just as we entering the main gate, a Baba devotee, Sri Chopra was taking some Pundits to Kapilas. He offered to take us along with them to the Kapilas Hills by car. We were surprised at this offer, as it was not even five minutes since I said 'If Baba wills he would take us there.”

At the Hills, there is a beautiful temple and a Shiva Linga. There along with the Pundits, we also performed Abhisheka chanting Rudra, Chamaka, Sri Suktha, Purusha Suktha, Durga Suktha, etc. This was a bonus granted to us by Sai Mother. We were immensely pleased with Baba's concern and compassion to his children.

Baba showed His kindness once again. We were returning to Bangalore the same evening. We went to Cuttack by bus, waiting there at the Railway Waiting Hall. As there was about half an hour for arrival of the East Coast Express, our friend, Maj. Patro, went to have his bath. Meanwhile, the train arrived before the scheduled time. So were informed the same to Maj. Patro. He told us to proceed and he would join us. We kept his wrist watch, spectacles which he had handed over to us to look after near his luggage, and we went to into the bogies. Maj. Patro also joined us after some time with his luggage. But he forgot to take his spectacles, without which he was helpless. While the train was about to start, a gentleman who was sitting in the retiring room noticing the spectacles came and handed over the same to him. It is a miracle of miracles how he came to know the bogie number and remembering the person handed over his spectacles. Baba has no limits for His love and concern for his dear children.

- S. Syama Rao

Book Review

Devarshi Sri Narada Charithamu (History of Sri Narada Maha Rishi)

"DEVARSHINAMCHA NARADAHA" says Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. This is a faithful attempt by the author about Sri Narada Maha Rishi, the greatest Narayana Bhakta, who propagated Bhakti in the entire world. Sri Narada Muni is responsible for bringing to light great Narayana Bhaktas viz., Prahlada, Dhruva, and Valmiki by initiating them into the Narayana Mantra. It is said that Narada is an Avathara of Maha Vishnu to teach Jnana, Bhakti and Vairagya among the Devas and Asuras.

Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavatha form the basis for this book, and contain very interesting and useful information for spiritual aspirants.

The author has dedicated the book at the lotus feet of Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji, the spiritual Guru, and Founder of Sri Sai Spiritual Centre in Bangalore.

A great asset of this book is its simplicity, free from printing errors. It is commended for all spiritual aspirants who want to know more about Narada Maharshi.

- S. Syama Rao

The stone may remain in water for numberless years, and yet the water will never penetrate it. But clay is soon softened into mud by corning in contact with water. So the strong heart of the faithful does not despair in the midst of trials and persecutions, but the man of weak faith is shaken, even by the most trifling cause.

- Sri Ramakrishna