India Journal November 23 2010

I write this today thinking of those of you who are Sai Baba devotees whose thoughts were on Puttaparthi today. Today was Sai Baba’s 85th birthday celebration, something that we have talked about and anticipated for the whole year. Five of us left the clinic at 4:30 this morning and walked to the outdoor stadium. No rickshaws allowed in town today and just as well because the street was full of people even at that hour. Everyone was in a celebratory mood and it felt like a birthday party. We five women passed the line of men that reached from the stadium entry to beyond the colleges and hostels. We began to wonder how far we would have to go to reach the end of the women’s line that would go the other direction reaching into town. But when we got to the women’s stadium entry we stopped to look inside and the security people let us in! We jumped the queue and didn’t have to wait at all!! Miracle!

December the first, Madness

5 am and I really don't have anything to say. After my haha meditation this morning I was thinking about the past six months. Yes Swami did this to me before in 1974. I lost my home, my partner, my doggies, my profession as a social worker and my country ending up in India for 30 years. Then this year, 2010 I have lost my ashram room, my Indian persona, my Indian life, friends, and my country and reason to be. The 1974 'wipe out' may have ended the life of Susan Caffery. I became someone else, Susanama

or Sudhanam the pseudonym I used to write many of my books. Now, who the hell am I and why am I at all?

In the States there is the institution of 'BLACK THANKSGIVING where everyone rushes to start buying for Christmas at 4 in the morning the day after Thanksgiving. I can't RUSH anywhere much less at 4 in the morning but my new Sufi friend did it for me. I gave her 200 and she bought a camera for my PC, a musical keyboard, a printer for my PC and a memory chip. All these things I will need for my new life. The camera for new sight, the musical keyboard for new hearing, new printer for the manifestion of my new life and ….memory. I managed to purchase with my left over karma, my cash, all the things I will need for my new life. My sister calls me SUSIE so maybe that is my name now.

How does this relate to being a Sai Graduate? Well THIS is the new life which will allow me to become Swami's instrument here and now, isn't it? We have been replanted and He expects us to blossom where ever He has planted us. I did it before in 1974, didn't I? Course I was in my 40's and living at the very feet of the Kali Yuga Avatar then.

And now? A little older but so what? And aren't we still living at the feet of the Kali Yuga Avatar? Are those PRECIOUS feet only strong and powerful while at His very own ashram? I think that's silly. It's all HIS ASHRAM.

Ok Susie you're all equipped and ready for this new life, new name, new printer, new memories. But what's the plot? Could it possibly be a new 'Multi Faith St. Petersburg Sai Center? Oh come on, I'm certainly NOT a leader. All my life, or should I say, in both lives, I've been a highly successful person in the number two slot. I'm a follower not a leader....always ….and now that I'm in the last act of my life, or the first act of a new life, I really don't want to change that pattern.

I did have one idea about the Multi Faith Sai Center though....about the music. I listen to PBS on TV and lately they've been playing all the old folk songs from the 60's. 'Michail rowed the boat ashore' for instance. Wonderful songs I grew up with and they would be great with Swami lyrics, easy to sing and from the heart. What's wrong with 'Swami rowed the boat to shore' But really, all those great 'end the war' songs and also the songs of the Civil Rights Movement' like 'We Shall Overcome'....all those songs would be fun to sing as 'Swami Songs' at a Center dedicated to...'loving all of His children, all over this land'. I named this blog, December madness and you can see why, can't you? Here I am, this new puppet, just waiting for the Master's hand.

Sai Ram,

The crowd grows larger, more security, more incredible decorations and Baba remains Loving and unpredictable. The sun has been present with rain a memory.

There is plenty of water in the Chitravathi.

With all the people that are here, the organization has been perfect.

There are numerous information places to help with everything. Book stalls in many places. Seva dals were available to assist in many situations including personal ones. The free food tent has numerous counters to minimize waiting time. There is an international medical camp and an Indian medical tent.

The decorations have been unbelievable. Photos can do it some justice.

The police of several different types and rank have been numerous. Numbers range from 2500 to 4000. Everything is orderly. The Ganesh entrance has received an airport type scanner for x-raying luggage.

The planned closing of Main Street hasn’t happened because the by-pass road hasn’t been completed.

The shed area on the western side has been transformed. Five new double 3-story building have been completed. One building A4-A5 has been reserved for foreigners.

The others are for local people of India. The 2 DD buildings that had been used for foreigners are now for local people.

The area has been transformed and made wider. By DD2 there is a Ganesh statue.

In one area behind some of the new sheds hugh tents have been put up which holds several thousand people. The toilets and showers are outside the tents. This group was for men.

On the road leading away from the book store past the food plaza big tents but smaller than those just mentioned have been placed for women seva dals.

The grassy area by the food court and shopping center has been paved with a big fountain in the middle.

The General Hospital has been decorated outside with streamers hanging down. The Shirdi Sai Statues area has be fixed up.

In the ashram as you go to N1 to N2 are several models of various temples in India.

Thursday – November 18th. In the morning was the Rathotsavam. The evening was pure joy as the children from the Sri Sathya Sai Primary School enacted their drama.

As Baba entered the hall at 6:40, a song about the love between Baba and his students was sung. It was a blend of Veda chanting, music and song. There was a procession led by the children’s band, children chanting Vedas and boys dressed in kurta and turbans. Baba was also preceded by 2 boys carrying umbrellas.

The backdrop for the play was the digital screen that was set up in the driveway by the lions. The screen kept changing with very interesting photos. Some of which were of Baba at different times. What made this play even more special was that

It was broadcasted from the verandah so we were able to see the action and the screen change.

The drama called, “Sai Avataram” was about the various prophets that have walked the earth including Sankara, Mohammed, Buddha and Jesus. The story of Upamanyu was told with Shiva appearing. There was also a scene involving the debate about the paths of Wisdom and Love as to which was better. One person endowed with wisdom came to realize that the gopis with their love and devotion for Krishna were in a higher state of wisdom than he was.

The finale involved students in the audience waving color lights. Their plead was for Baba to grant them hearts like the Gopis.

Baba came to the white tile for photos. He was pleased with their discipline as the format around him changed. As he distributed shirt and pants to them, he asked them to sing bhajans.

Arathi was at 8:20

Friday – November 19th. This was ladies day. Men were not allowed in before 10:00. President of India, Pratibha Patil, flew into Prasanthi Nilayam airport where she was greeted by several dignitaries. Her car came to Baba residence from the west end of the driveway.

At 12 noon, the President with Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh; Shivraj Patil, Governor of Punjab; and Geeta Reddy, Information and Tourist Mininster for A.P. came with Baba into the hall preceded by a procession of Vedic chanting girls and the Anantapur Brass Band.

Chetana Raju, Managing Trustee of Easwaramma Women Welfare Trust, spoke about the various activities of the trust.

Mallika Srinivasan, Director of Amalgations Group and CEO of TAFE India, talked about the chaotic condition of the world and that Love was the answer. She praised Presdient Patil.

Geeta Reddy spoke about how Baba with his grace has great affected her life. She also spoke about Mother Easwaramma selfless ambitions. Baba’s life for 85 years has been one of selfless service.

President Patil spoke next. See attached for the text.

By the way, this date is the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi

Hyma Reddy from U.S. A. thanked everyone.

After which there was a dance drama “Mahishasura Mardhini”. It was very powerful and kept everyone’s attention. Great performance. The drama was about the annihilation of demons by Durga.

After arathi at 1:00 Baba went to the interview room with President Patil. A luncheon followed before she left around 2:30.

Security was very tight for her visit. Stores along Main Street were checked even with a sniffer dog.

In the evening Baba came into the hall at 7:00 preceded by the primary school band and the Anantapur band. After completing a round of darshan, Baba arrived at verandah center with the program starting immediately.

The students from Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar in Hyderabad performed beautiful dances for 3 songs. Next, was a music performance by Sudha Raghunathan who did 5 songs. Baba gave her a sari while the men in her group received silk dhotis.

After which there were 2 bhajans followed by arathi.

Saturday – November 20th. This is the day for the 9th World Conference which was held in the Poornachandra consisting of about 400 delegates. Speeches were made by Dr.Goldstein. David Gries and Narendra Reddy followed by study circles. A different format was used this year in selecting delegates which restricted the numbers to that lower than previous years.

The focus was on how to make the Sai organization better and how it can help bring man closer to God.

In the evening, Baba came into Kulwant Hall at 6:40. When he arrived at verandah center, Baba continued to listen to bhajans. However, the Sathya Sai Symphony Orchestra of about 50 people from around the world had set up on the center white tile with instruments including a piano and big drums. They waited for Baba to give the signal to play Mozart and Bach.

However, Baba was engrossed in the intense singing and love pouring from his students singing bhajans. Baba fingers and hand moved to the beat. Baba seemed to be in another dimension as they played.

Just before 7:30, when he was reminded of the concert, Baba said something to Dr. Goldstein before asking for arathi at 7:35. Baba spent another 10 minutes talking to students and official before leaving.

Attached are photos of Chariot Day which was on the 18th, President Patil Speech, a photo of President Patil and Sai Baba.

There are 2 Thoughts of the Day.

Thought of the Day

18th November 2010

Every concrete manifestation of God is significant. There can be no higher or lower. The story of each one of them is elevating. Each is a complete manifestation. Listening to their stories may make you feel that one manifestation is grander and more sublime than another. It would appear as if you get more inspiration from one Avatar (Divine incarnation) than another. But all are equally Divine and enigmatic. Every manifestation is suited to the time, the task, the circumstance and the need. Its form is in accordance with the purpose.

Baba

Thought of the Day

20th November 2010

For the protection of the world, for upholding Dharma (righteousness), for fulfilling the yearnings of devotees, He wills and assumes a special Form and moves in the world. He confers joy on the devotees by His Divine acts, which convince them of His Advent. They are thus confirmed in their faith and prompted to dedicate their activities to God and thus save themselves, and liberate themselves. On certain occasions, for resolving certain urgent crisis, God has incarnated with Forms embodying only a part of His Divinity, with some Divine powers and potentialities.

- Baba

Thanksgiving

I wanted to write something for American Thanksgiving which I hope becomes an international festival like St. Valentine's or Halloween. I have been given so many things to be grateful for in the last six months.....after loosing everything that was important to me, practically my ver y life when I HAD TO LEAVE India

THIS HUGE SHIFT IN CONSCIOUSNESS HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE IN MY LIFE IN CALIFORNIA. i WAS SO VERY HAPPY IN 1974 BEFORE SWAMI STRIPED ME AND TOSSED ME INTO HIS WASHING MACHINE,

I was such a happy person that I would sing little 'thank you songs'. "Thank you Lord for my beautiful cottage, thank you Lord for my kind and understanding partner, "Thank you Lord for my two doggies, Max and Butch, "Thank you Lord for my van and my Honda car....I would go on and on that way as I drove around Los Angeles making home calls as a social worker.

Then I visited India for two weeks and saw God and His washing machine..

My partner died of cancer, I left the cottage which was rented, gave away my two cars and my dogies. I LOST ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING and moved to India.

Ok so 30 years later I was doing mantras thanking God for my room in Round House 3 in His ashram, thanking Him for His daily darsans, for my friends, for my beautiful sarees and soooo much money to give away..

I WILL NOT RENEW YOUR VISA AND YOU WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY.

Yes once again I lost absolutely everything in my life. As I think back to that period I wonder why they didn't put me in a mental institution butI soldiered on somehow. and even started writing blogs for us Sai Graduates.

. Even when I felt like I was mentally ill.

Over the past six months I have been given everything I need to start a new life, with my Beloved Swami's picture always by my side.

One of the traditions here in the USA is called BLACK THURSDAY and people line up outside the big department stores just before Thanksgiving with lists of 'good deals' I needed stuff....the last bits and pieces to completely furnish my beautiful apartment. I knew I could never go shopping but a Sai Devotee, Lois Buxbaum showed up the day before, took 200 dollars and brought me a digital camera, a musical key board, a brand new telephone and memory chips the next morning. I hadn't laid eyes on her in about 20 years.

So am I grateful to Swami for these things? Yes I am grateful for all of it, the pain and suffering included. OK mADHU PLEASE DO THIS AS A BLOG and then add next...the artical on thanksfulness by Oprah....Ok?

The process of purifying the inner equipment of man in the crucible of single-pointed speech, feeling and activity, directed towards God is called thapas (penance). The inner consciousness will then be rid of all blemishes and defects. When the inner consciousness has been rendered pure and unsullied, God will reside therein. Finally, he will experience the vision of the Lord Himself, within him.

- Vidya Vahini, Ch 19.

By Oprah Winfrey

I live in the space of thankfulness - and I have been rewarded a million times over for it. I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased.

That's because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.

"Say thank you!" Those words from my friend and mentor Maya Angelou turned my life around. One day about ten years ago, I was sitting in my bathroom with the door closed and the toilet lid down, booing and ahooing on the phone so uncontrollably that I was incoherent.

"Stop it! Stop it right now and say thank you!" Maya chided.

"But - you don't understand," I sobbed.

To this day, I can't remember what it was that had me so far gone, which only proves the point Maya was trying to make. "I do understand," she told me. "I want to hear you say it now. Out loud. 'Thank you.'" Tentatively, I repeated it: "Thank you - but what am I saying thank you for?"

"You're saying thank you," Maya said, "because your faith is so strong that you don't doubt that whatever the problem, you'll get through it. You're saying thank you because you know that even in the eye of the storm, God has put a rainbow in the clouds. You're saying thank you because you know there's no problem created that can compare to the Creator of all things. Say thank you!"

So I did - and still do. Only now I do it every day. I kept a gratitude journal, as Sarah Ban Breathnach suggests in Simple Abundance, listing at least five things that I'm grateful for. My list includes small pleasures: the feel of Kentucky bluegrass under my feet (like damp silk); a walk in the woods with all nine of my dogs and my cocker spaniel Sophie trying to keep up; cooking fried green tomatoes with Stedman and eating them while they're hot; reading a good book and knowing another awaits.

My thank-you list also includes things too important to take for granted: an "okay" mammogram, friends who love me, 15 years at the same job (and loving it more than the first day I started), a chance to share my vision for a better life, staying centered, having financial security.

I won't kid you, having money for all the things I want is a blessing. But as I look back over my journals, which I've kept since I was 15 years old, 99 per cent of what brought me real joy had nothing to do with money . (It had a lot to do with food, however.)

It's not easy being grateful all the time. But it's when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: PERSPECTIVE. Just knowing you have that daily list to complete allows you to look at your day differently, with an awareness of every sweet gesture and kind thought passed your way. When you learn to say thank you, you see the world anew. And as Meister Eckhart so eloquently stated:

"If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is 'Thank you God', that would suffice."

Happy Birthday or what

Ok well today is the big one, Swami's 85th Birthday. I am here and His form is there.


Sri Sathya Sai Baba

My Beloved

You made a promise so long ago

You said that You would never leave me

You said you'd never ever let me go

Sri Sathya Sai Baba'

I believed you

But now I'm here and You are there

Yet, you know, I'm never lonely

Because I know you're everywhere


I wrote it from a little jingle I've heard on TV.

Anyway I have to eat now so I'll talk to you later

I was thinking previously that Swami has said He doesn't like to celebrate His Birthday because He is eternal. But we should celebrate His birthday because He has taken birth to save humanity. Who else has done that? He came down here to earth knowing how much suffering would be involved yet He came anyway. No other form of God has done this at this time, only our Baba. And, of course we must consider all that He has accomplished, that little skinny boy in the short pants who took birth in one of the meanest most cruel places on the planet. We know how much He has had to suffer all through His life. If we could see we would notice all the dark blue on His throat from the poison He's had to drink for us. I spoke to Madhu, my programmer this morning and He said we should celebrate His birth every single day.

Well I missed His birthday. This year has been the first in 30 years I've missed and yet all along I had the feeling He really didn't care if I celebrated it or not. I also felt uneasy celebrating my own birthday but then, I was never glad that I was born, nor was my poor mother who at 42 really didn't want another child. She soldiered on however and tried her very best to be a good mother. My sister, ten years older, the one I've been living with lately, was my real mother though. Neither here nor there.

What is important though is that this morning after my meditation I had a bit of the truth. I somehow knew that I AM THE SPACE BETWEEN THE WORDS OR BETWEEN THE THOUGHTS. I AM THE GROUND, THE FIELD.

I spend a lot of time trying to be the thinker of my thoughts, the one who feels my feelings, I AM THAT I AM.

THIS WAS SUCH A PROFOUND THOUGHT OR THE SPACE BETWEEN MY THOUGHTS WAS SO PROFOUND that I turned off John Stewart. I was feeling so peaceful that I didn't want to stop the bliss. Happy Birthday Swami, it is the Indian way to give gifts to others on your birthday and You gave me the very nicest one.

Sai Ram

Last week, when Ronne Marantz gave a talk at the Manhattan Sai Center, she read a very powerful quotation of Swam's. So, when someone later asked if I could have Ronne send the quote to us, when I did, I also requested that Ronne put the quote within the same context which she had at the Center, for the benefit of those who were not present, as well as for those who were.

Dr. Marantz has graciously obliged with the following:

God Is…I am I

Dr. Ronne Marantz

“Your duty is to abandon. Abandon all your plans, even the best ones. Abandon all the theories you cherish, the doctrines you hold dear, the systems of knowledge that have cluttered your brain, the preferences you have accumulated, the pursuit of fame, fortune, scholarship, superiority. These are all material, objective. Enter into the objective world after becoming aware of the Atma. Then you will realize that all is the play of the Atma.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba

This quotation, which I recently came across in the dedication to Phyllis Krystal’s book, Taming the Monkey Mind, is, I believe, the key to the door of the room in which we find the gift He has come to give: “I will give you what you want, until you want what I have come to give.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba

I love ‘jnanayoga’ – the path of wisdom! Whether in this life or the next, Self-realization is the inherent capacity of a human being. And it is through the development of character, the drawing out of the intrinsic human values within, that Self-realization unfolds; this is the philosophy of Sathya Sai Education --- Educare, in which lies the gift He has come to give.

Naturally, we spiritual aspirants on the path for many years in this life, as well as the many lives we have had, can say with some ease that we are not attached to our worldly possessions, fame or fortune, or even family. But how many of us can say with sincerity that we are not attached to our “preferences” --- our thoughts and opinions? Are we prepared to “abandon” them?

When I first came across the notion that the strongest and final attachment is to our opinions (thoughts) some years ago, I immediately put myself on an ‘opinion diet’! Not that I have no opinions. In fact, much of my professional work as an educator, and my involvement in Sathya Sai Education, requires that I offer opinions. What I am learning is how not to be attached to them!

In the Kali Yuga, it is said that repetition of the name and selfless service are the most important for achieving Self-realization. Why? Swami has also declared that devotional and service activities (bhaktiyoga and karmayoga), without discrimination (viveka) and self-inquiry (vicara), the essential tools of jnanayoga, are useless. Not that they are not ‘useful’ or important! Devotion and selfless service create the space for conscious (living), conscience and consciousness to arise. It is in these states of detachment, equanimity, and mindfulness that we ‘notice’ --- that we become ‘the witness’, and manifest our capacities for discrimination and self-inquiry.

As a lover of ‘wisdom’ (which includes my love for devotion and selfless service), and through the practice of discrimination and self-inquiry, I have come to see the nature of vasanas (alternately called samskaaras) and how they play their part in ego-identity, manifesting as ‘preferences’ (attractions and aversions). Through discrimination and self-inquiry I am finding that I can ‘face’, ‘erase’ and ‘replace’ them, by drawing out the human values within. In this manner, I believe, we can live in that state of constant-integrated-awareness (CIA) or sat-chit-ananda that is the ‘gift He has come to give’.

Om Sai Ram!

Bits and Pieces

5 am at Peterborbough Apts. It is so great to be able to get out of bed and simply turn on the computer and write a message without bothering anyone. Express yourself. I am reading a book written by a friend who lives in Arizona, Dixie Cooper. It is a wonderful book and she's had incredible experiences.

But the thing I wanted to bring out here is a Swami quote about the Sai Organization. It really fits in with what we have been talking about.....and then I promise I'll let it go. My sister says I try to 'social work' everything and people don't like it. This is the quote:

The main objective of the Sai Organization is to help you recognize the divinity in you. So your duty is to emphasize the One, to experience the One in all you do or speak. Do not give importance to differences of religion, sect, status or color. Have the feeling of One-ness permeating all your acts. Only those who do so have a place in this Organization, the rest can withdraw

Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya Sai Speaks Volume 9

And so we must emphasize Oneness at our Centers, the Sai Center of the Organization as well as the Sai Center of our very selves. In our meditation as well as our every day thoughts and feelings we must get in touch with that Onneness, get in touch with ourselvs. Youall may not have a problem with that after so many years of sadhana but I think I have a brain problem. I can't seem to zero in on myself. I think the reason I don't consentrate enough on Swami is because I don't consentrate on myself. Does anyone else have this problem? Probably not.

So I found another quote, this time not from Swami but from a guy named Manoinus and I think he lived centuries ago. Our friend Jackie Davies gives us this quote from her Blog, Awareness-translator or something like that. I'll look that up for your. She writes 'On the Reality'. Here is the quote:

Abandon the search for God and this creation and other matters of a similar sort. Look for Him (Look for Swami) by taking yourself as the starting point. Learn who it is within you who makes everything his own and says, 'MY God, MY mind, MY thoughts, MY soul, MY body. Learn the source of sorrow, joy, love and hate. If you carefully investigate these matters you will find HIM IN YOURSELF.

Swami talks about the I AM. Same thing isn't it. We spend our lives trying to get away from 'I and Mine' only to resume the search in a different way. I and Mine can be sheer ego but I AM is the liberating SELF within because it is the Lord.

My (ha ha) meditation has for years been the chanting of the Mother's mantra, the Panchadasi. It is simply a string of 'Bijas' or Sanskrit words and it definitely does encourage the Shakthi to awaken quietly. I probably shouldn't stop doing this but perhaps I should spend more time trying to focus on the Real Self. In fact I know I should. In fact I think that's what I should be doing now in my own space in the last years of my life. I wish I'd started sooner but I read something else in Dixie's book. Baba says, 'To remove anyone's ignorance is entirely dependant on my will'.

Dear Sai Baba Devotees holding US Passports,

OM SAI RAM

Welcome to all our overseas visitors.

Wishing everyone a lovely Ladies' Day and a glorious Bhagavan Baba's Birthday!!

Below are some really useful tips to help you have a safe and pleasant stay:

1) For any visitor to Prashanthi Nilayam, it is a GREAT idea to make a PHOTOCOPY

of your PASSPORT and VISA with the 24/7 PHONE NUMBER of the CONSULATE ,and carry it with you OUTSIDE as well as INSIDE the ashram.( TEL below for US Consulate)

This simple procedure will help you avoid a host of unwanted snafus, including passport theft, and it is the LAW. (Police may request that you produce your identification papers at any time.)

2) Several cases of mistaken identity have occurred inside the ashram which would have been cleared up instantly if identity papers could have been produced.

(Bear in mind that all Causasians tend to look the same to Indian Authorities)

3) Remember also, that your Tourist visa is for 180 days ( not six months), so count the days carefully.

"Overstay", unfortunately, is a crime with imprisonment..

4) If you are staying in Puttaparthi, please remember to fill out Police Form C upon arrival and Form F upon departure. Normally you will find these forms at your place of residence.

It is best to make a PHOTOCOPY of these DOCUMENTS as proof of police registration may be required at the airport.

All airports are now equipped with state of the art computers.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email address above , or Kryshna at kryshnajai@yahoo.com ,if I am not available.

All Baba's blessings of peace and happiness to you at this auspicious time.

Yours Lovingly in Sai Service,

Margot A. Hoagland,

Warden ACS, Puttaparthi Area

SOW

Sri Sathya Sai Western Organization or Sri Sathya Sai Organization of the West SWO OR SOW

It is Saturday morning about 2;30 AND I'M WIDE AWAKE. I wondered what Swami had woken me up to think about and decided this was the time to start our PROTESTANT MOVEMENT

I have been to the Tampa Bay Sai Center only about four times since I got back to the states 6 months ago. I suppose Swami is simply guiding me away from 'group worship' now. and towards the formless....one of the reasons He axed me out of the Ashram. But as this blog implies, it is hard to change life long habits. It's definitely time to focus on myself though...so what do I do? I think about the Sai Protestant movement or SOW or SPOM

SOME OF MY FRIENDS LIVING OR VISITING THE WEST ARE SORT OF INTERESTED IN DOING SOMETHING LIKE THIS. Frankly it seems so threating that I can't even imagine actually doing anything about the idea but...somehow at 2;30 IT SEEMS POSSIBLE.

I can only write what I've been thinking tonight.

WEEKLY schedule

SUNDAY....we would more or less go to church or in our case, go to the Center. Should we change that to...go to the Mandir to give it a particular meaning. WE COULD CALL THE PLACE WHERE WE HOLD MEETINGS, OUR MANDIR....WHICH IT REALLY IS.

The service would consist of ....Sunday school or SSE for the younger members. I don't know what Bernice teaches but MY SWAMI'S ASTOTRA might be a good thing for the kids. I'M NOT ADVERTISING MY WORK AND IF WE DID START THIS ,OTHER PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A CHANCE TO EDIT AND CREATE. There are three books covering the 108 names and each name consists of a lesson plan; meaning a Bhajan (with English singable lyrics as well as the Sanskrit) one of Swami's stories (starting with Swami as a small child so that small members can identify), the human value in the story, a plan to use that value during the week and activities such as short skits, pantomimes, imaginary interviews etc. Actually all of this is in the books which are on sale in Trust Book Store AT LEAST ONE AND THREE ARE. TWO IS IN THE VILLAGE

Ok so while this is going on with the kids in one room, we would be having a 'Service' consisting of a report of last week's Center Seva, a short talk by someone (different each week) which could be from one of the discourses and how it might apply to those of us in the west, three or four English songs...assigned the previous week....not the song but the singer would be asked to do the song 'next week'....'Mary would you please sing next week and Jose, will you give a short talk?' This should be done so that the Bhajans might be better prepared as well as the talk. English Songs and/or Sanskrit Bhajans WITH ENGLISH singable lyricsshould be chosen by the singers. Oh and before the 'Service' some of us could chant 'The Rudram' in English. During Dasara the Sahastranama could also be chanted in English. I think that it should be pointed out that all of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses could continue to be worshipped and Lord Buddha and Mohammed also because our worship is based on the teacings of Sri SathyaSai who would, of course always be regarded as AVATARA AS WELL AS OUR BELOVED.

I would like to add something here about festivals. Festivals are great and add joy and creativity to our lives. There could be a standing committee on festivals creating a chance for children and adults to be included in center worship. They could always be working on some project or the other writing skits, learning music and doing artistic activities to present to the center. THERE COULD BE A VALENTINE'S DAY PROGRAM AND A THANKSGIVING PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE USUAL RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS. There could also be an ongoing choir AND MAYBE A PLAY GROUP..

After the Service we could have refreshments BECAUSE OUR CENTER MEMBERSHIP WOULD BE BASED ON FATHERHOOD OF GOD AND BROTHERHOOD OF MAN. And because we see each member AS THE SAME AS SWAMI We would extend our unconditional love to each not just SAY Sai Ram and run off. You know this non attachment is a wonderful attribute among INDIANS and much praised by Swami. We are different, maybe even our DNA is different and I think we need to value AND MAYBE EXPRESS OUR own feelings.

YOU'VE HEARD OF GOOD OLD CHRISTIAN BROTHERHOOD, WELL WE WILL BORROW THIS CONCEPT AND ACTUALLY FORGE A SAI FAMILY BECAUSE WE MAY NEED IT HERE IN THE WEST. WE NEED TO CARE AND LOVE AND SERVE ONE ANOTHER.

OK SO ON THURSDAYS WE WILL HAVE OUR ADDITION TO THE STUDY GROUP AND IT WOULD BE MORE LIKE A GROUP SHARING! I know this is where many will hardily disagree. I think our study groups could apply to our personal lives AND WE SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO ESTABLISH PLATONIC INTIMACY WITH MEMBERS. Like the Episcopal church we would happily include people of all faiths, all races and all genders...including gays. AND PEOPLE LIVING TOGETHER IN PARTNERSHIPS. LET ME ADD THAT THE DRESS CODE SHOULD BE MORE WESTERN AND NOT DICTATED BY ASHRAM LIMITS. We would encourage honesty and sincerity and unconditional love. We would try to love one another as SWAMI LOVES US not according to our place in society or our education. At our centers...or mandirs (instead of churches or temples), we would really love all and serve all. When someone is having a problem, financially, personally; with health or WITH RELATIONSHIPS...our study group AS GOOD FRIENDS WOULD be there to help. None of this....'gee that's too bad you're having this problem well, good luck with that, Swami will help. We ARE SWAMI. ' We would be free to discuss everything and extend the hand of real friendship. I know this is radical but I think this is the missing link and without this 'unconditional love' these centers will seem to be the empty places they SEEM today.

So then there's seva. Our Tampa Bay center does a lot of seva and most of it is based on 'medical camps' I'm not knocking it BECAUSE ITS A WONDERFUL CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY but many or us are not prepared for such seva. I think it is the actual ACT of serving which should be be encouraged. Kids as young as six should be given the opportunity of ...handing a bag lunch to a hungry person or a sweater when it's cold. And I think the adults should do the same...just hand out food in the park....walk the talk....feel the compassion. Maybe this would mean working in a soup kitchen or helping in a shelter but I think the seva should be simple, enjoyable and help us to grow in compassion. It should be an act of love

WHEN I WENT TO THE CENTER HERE THEY WERE READING SWAMI QUOTES AS A STUDY GROUP . iT WAS a bit DRY SO I ASKED....HOW THIS APPLIED TO MY BEING IRRITATED STANDING IN LINE AT THE SUPERMARKET. I WAS TOLD THAT BY ATTEMPING TO APPLY Swami's human values to standing in a super market line, I WAS DEBASING THE HUMAN VALUES WHICH SHOULD BE ONLY ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL.

But our western group would not separate the spiritual from the worldly life because EVERYTHING IS SWAMI. Western Sai groups should be ...heart felt or they will never attract people. It should be heart felt and center on Swami's omnipresent form which is below, around above and inside us all the time. This doesn't mean that we won't head for India when He gives the call but it also means that we devotees can worship Him and Ourselves and other Sai Devotees right here where we took birth.

Me First

A couple of years ago I decided to write English lyrics to the bhajans I was using for Swami's Astotra. I guess it was more than a couple of years. This turned into a great project and the Shakthi was flowing with inspiration. I shared some of these songs with a friend whose opinion I valued and she said it would be a good thing for the westerners because lots of people knew the Bhajan tunes but had no idea of the meaning of the Sanskrit words.

So I put these Bhajans together by singing these on audio files, with the keyboard as fast as I could, so people could use them. Trouble was it was done so fast no one could have understood the lyrics. Anyway they are on my website, saiwonderland.net.

Ok now I am one of those westerners and its time for Akhanda Bhajan. I've been back for 6 months but have not adjusted well and am still sad and upset about being here, if you want to know the truth!

I made a little file of twelve of these Bhajans with English words, singable English words, and emailed them to the person at the local Sai Center so they could be included in the Song book and we could use them for Akhanda Bhajan. The song book is excellent and projected on a large screen so that every one can read the words, I wanted to do the English along with the Sanskrit. I received no reply so I thought they were not well received. The Center is almost totally NRI.

Ok there is an additional problem here. I have no transportation to the Center so I said I would like to go but needed a ride. The Bhajan person is a very busy doctor and could take me but would have to go early because of a meeting he had to attend. I finally saw the hand of the Lord in all of this.

How many Akhanda Bhajans have I attended? I remember one I sang in the Mandir and Swami looked in on us when our group was singing. I remember another when I led a Bhajan in the Mandir, 'Nithananda, Sathchiananda'. Why was I trying to grab a little more for myself? The Sai Youth at this Tampa Bay Center are sort of in charge of the Bhajans. I'm sure they were learning to be confident and to selflessly do Swami's seva.

But then the message I seemed to get this morning was all together different. No more Community worship. 30 years is enough. You share with others easily and have learned to sacrifice your own desires but now, at the fag end of your life, living here in your 15th floor hideaway, it is time to focus on YOURSELF. Be kind to yourself because that is being kind to Swami. Forget doing everything for everyone and do everything for yourself. And why? Because Swami and you are ONE and when you constantly sacrifice your own feelings and needs you are sacrificing Swami.

But then the last thought came buzzing through and I knew...hey, this is a blog. I must like myself because if I don't, I won't like Swami either. I don't like selfish people and go out of my way to put others first...only it doesn't work so well. I put others first but I still don't like myself. I sort of take myself for granted and don't give myself credit.....just like I take HIM for granted and don't give HIM credit either. Anyway I will spend Akhanda Bhajan in my mountain cave singing sweetly to the Lord.

St Petersburg International Folk Fair

Well it finally happened. We had SPIFFS this last weekend and it was great. We had a cold wind but at least it wasn't hot. My precious sister was introduced on stage as the founder or the Mother of SPIFFS and everyone applauded her and also applauded the 36 years it has been in existence.

She thought SPIFFS was over because many of the original members have died but she was wrong. My sister is very much alive and the fair which is her child, has grown into something very beautiful celebrating the diverse cultures of the Tampa Bay area.

This year there were thousands of school children who attended which is good because the government has cut out the social studies portion of the school curriculum. They really need to know about other cultures, sample a little of their food, listen to a little of their music and see their costumes. Many of those children will not be tourists in Asia and Europe to see it first hand. Because our continent is a little isolated over here we need to feel that we belong to the global culture.

About 11 o'clock a gentleman wearing a great red,white and blue tie from the Federal Government of Immigration came forward and 20 brand new citizens took their oath. I also took that oath which was important because I've been away 30 years. In fact as they said their pledge to the USA and promised undying locality it occurred to me that not even a year before I was trying very hard to get Indian citizenship. During those 30 years I have tried three times for Indian citizenship. The major hurdle has been my lack of an Indian language though some of my fellow foreigners got away with faking it. We lived at an ashram and everyone spoke English so it didn't matter. I simply couldn't learn Hindi though I tried very hard. I frankly think that I was not suppose to learn Hindi. I was destined to return to the west and live in this wonderful apartment I have now. The fear of ending up in an Indian Nursing Home is gone. If and when I start slipping I will simply be placed by Swami, in another home where I'll be taken care of also. Perhaps the ghost of my father and maybe my uncle mixed up my papers so they didn't give me citizenship. I thought of all this when we.. the new American citizens and I were taking our oath.

For 30 years I listened to Swami talking about loyalty to 'our mother land'. I had no idea He was talking about USA but I guess He was. Since returning I've voted and taken advantage of the privileges we enjoy. I live in government housing, get food stamps and may even collect a little extra money every month because my pension is so low. I am grateful to the USA and proud to be an American. I am 76 now and a little old to bloom where I was born as Swami suggests, but at least I can enjoy old age here where I can get the help I need.

Another thing. Each country is, according to the Lord, merely a room in the one house of the world which is the Lord's house. I am and always was, a citizen of the world and a devotee of the Lord.

But now don't ask me to shut the door on India. I hope to go back some day even just for a visit or....when I leave my body.

Out of the Box and into the Fire

My Internet connection is broken and I just got my telephone yesterday but am afraid to use it for long distance because I have no money to pay regular rates. My programmer isn't going to like this blog because it's too negative and because I'm suppose to be a Sai Graduate,,,,not today though.

Instead of meditating this morning I was busy with my psychological analysis as usual. I'm suppose to be writing about the Absolute and how all this is only imagination but this morning its all Freud and seems too real..

It's good to think outside the box. I think when you think inside a box, whither its as a member of a family, a school class, or in a place in society you take on the attributes of that box.

I was born with various problems as we all were. Mine are visible which makes it harder to hide them. So because of this and a hundred other things, I never jumped into the proper box, not the family box, not the social box, nor the political box. I was always 'out of the box'. In the family I was the southern baby sister but I didn't add any children to my family line. In school I was not scholastic and so I joined the music and drama clubs because I was good at those things. I chose a career as a social worker helping the oppressed and never sided with the higher classes. Anyway I couldn't hack it any more so I fled to India and into the spiritual arms of the Purna Avatar. I was very happy and moved right into the 'Ashram box'. You're tired of hearing about my being more Indian than Indians, aren't you so I won't say it again?

I loved my Ashram box and put down long thick roots. I developed tons of Indian attributes based on my adoration of Indian culture. One day the ever merciful Purna Avatar had me yanked out, throwing me on the trash heap labeled 'western world'. Unfortunately a few of those roots tore off and are still in India. I still feel sad. One grows a lot of roots in 30 years.

This blog answers the 'Why Swami, why, why did you destroy me.' question. Most of you know it's my usual theme.

OK Madhu, you can relax now, I'm back on the Absolute. Off the wall, out of the box and into the Absolute. I'm not sure there is any other way to find the Absolute, I know that the eternal Om has no box. The Absolute Truth has no attributes. If Swami had not destroyed that Indian box I'd still be happily strolling back and forth to Darsan thinking I was on my way to knowledge of the Truth. Instead I was happily on my way to knowledge of the ashram not of the Truth.

I am not saying that all of you fortunate devotees strolling around the ashram with a blissful 'Sai Ram' on your lips will not find out the Truth right there in this life time. I do, however, think it might be more difficult within the safety of your cozy box full of attributes because you may think they is true.

But, is 'Ashram Life' so peaceful? Does everyone say Sai Ram all day or does one careen from pain to pleasure and back again, just like here in the west.

Report From India

Sai Ram,

Below is an email just received from Sathya Narayanan. Sathya spoke at the Manhattan Center this past summer and was the featured speaker at the Flushing Center's Guru Purnima Observance. Sathya is responsible for reciting the Rudram (daily) at Swami's Ashram in Whitefield, whether Swami is in attendance or not.

Although the following update contains a few unconfirmed reports (which are stated as unconfirmed), I thought it was well worth sharing with everyone. It provides a bird-eye view of the preparations, as well as the genuine sense of awe and anticipation for the upcoming 85th Birthday of our beloved Bhagavan,

Enjoy...

"Om Sri Sai Ram dearest Sai Family, greetings and loving Sairams.

The following contents of this email is subject to change and is based on information gathered from various sources.

The 85th birthday celebrations are in full swing. Even though the organisers are keeping a low profile, it is learnt that it will be one of the historic events and will be remembered for generations. All ready all the THINK TANKS and top brass of Sri Sathya Sai Organisations, Mr.Goldstien, Dr.Reddy, Mr.Cheema and many others are already here to play their role in this historic celebration.The birthday programme would be held in the Sri Sathya Sai Hill View stadium as it is customary to celebrate the birthday once in five years in the stadium. Close to one and half million devotees from all over the world are expected and this itself tells how HUGE this festival is going to be. There would be hardly any place to stand and only Swami knows, whom He has chosen to witness this beautiful festival.Arrangements are being made for Swami to come into the stadium in the Golden Chariot this time. That will be a momentous moment for every one assembled.

There are also unconfirmed reports that the President and Prime Minister of India would attend the Convocation and Birthday celebrations.

There is also a mass marriage ceremony, which would be held in Sai Kulwanth hall. Swami will be blessing this huge mass marriage ceremony(for which names have already been registered) which (SWAMI WILLING) may happen either on the 17th November or 21st November 2010 All the BIG WIGS from politics, cinema, community would be present for this year's birthday celebrations. Arrangements are also made by ashram for free food seva for all the devotees, three times a day, for one full week. This will be a mammoth task for the authorities, sevadals in particular. Food counters will be placed at various places within the ashram premises and also near the Hill View stadium.

There are many other local devotees, organisations who are planning free food distribution for the devotees outside the ashram premises which would be very handy for every one.

The electricity department is working round the clock to provide adequate and uninterrupted power supply.A team of government doctors and para medical staff equipped with latest mobile hospitals would be operating for the whole fortnight.

The authorities are also busy laying new bypass roads to reach Puttaparthi without entering the main road, which passes through all the school buildings and to the bus stations.

Temporary bus stations are being planned at two places, one at the dead end of Chitravathi Road and one by the Hanuman temple. No vehicles would be allowed to pass in the main road and few thousands of security personnel would be looking at the security arrangements. There are many private schools, colleges which are planning some social activities like blood donations, planting trees etc on this holy occasion.

All these millions would be coming with just a small hope, to see Swami atleast for few seconds and wish Him a happy birthday... Not sure how many would be that fortunate, but our Lord's blessings are always with us no matter where we are and what He wants us to do.. Please click this link from sssbpt website for the detailed official programmes which are confirmed as of now..http://sssbpt.org/Pages/Pdf/Programme%20Sheet%20Birthday.pdf

Sai is Everybody!

A couple years ago I took all the bhajans I had compilled for my three books based on Swami's Astotra, 108 of them, and wrote singable english words as a transliteration. Something happened to the middle book, 37 through 72 but there are still over sixty bhajans. I remember someone told me that they probably would be popular in the west because westerners would enjoy singing bhajan tunes in english. Well its taken me 6 months to try to get the project together. The Tampa Bay Sai Center has put out a very comprehensive power point presentation with hundreds of bhajans and english songs and I finally asked Dr. Axshy to allow me to send him the material. He agreed.

I think we all want our projects to have a wide scope and for many people to use the work we do as seva but this morning as I was doing my prayers I received an interesting thought, a bit of the Truth. Swami is everyone. If you do your seva, no matter what it may be, if you are doing it for Swami, you are doing it for everybody. If He accepts the offering, it has been accepted by everyone. Well a couple years ago when these songs were compilled, they were compilled for Him. Every word pertains to Swami. Every meaning offered in prayer to the Lord.

So, enjoy. These english bhajans have been offered and accepted by the Lord. Maybe the songs will be used here in the western centers but maybe not. Just depends on Him.

Sanskrit and English bhajans 1 I am not sensitive. Go ahead and make changes if you wish to add to your power point list.

Sai Baba Pranams

Shirdie Baba Pranams

Oh Mere Atma Ram

Lela Mere Pranams

Ishwara Allah Ram

Suba Ke Ghar Sai Ram

Purana karo Mere Kam

Parama Shanti Priya Ram

To you. Sai Baba, we bow

To Shirdie Baba we bow

You are the Atma inside

Accept my pranams, Dear Sai

You are Ishwara Allah Ram

Please accept my pranams

Fulfill my hopes and desires

And quench the thirst of ego's fire

Tripura Sundari Ma

Amba Daya sagari Ma

Sundara Vadani Ma

Amba Sugara Manohari Ma

Jaya Jagot Jnani Ma

Amba Jagodarini Ma

Parthi nivasini Ma

Amba papa vimochini Ma

Most beautiful of the three worlds

Amba please shower me with your compassion

Creatrix of the beauty everywhere

Amba you are the mothers in the world

victory to mothers everywhere

For each is the soul of Lalitha

Mother who resides in Puttaparthi

Won't you purify our hearts, Mother Sai

Para Karo ( this machine wants to underline and I can't change its mind. Sorry

Para Karo Uddhara karo

Prabho Parthi puri Bhagavan

Hare Ram Ram Ran

Ghana sham sham sham

He Sai Natha Bhagavan

Dina Daya karu karuna murthi

Kale yuga avatar Sai Ram

Allah Sai Buddha Zorastra (2)

Yeshu Kristu Bhagavan

Para Karo in english

No more births. No more deaths

Oh help me Lord of Parthi'

Sai Ram Ram Ram, Ghana sham sham sham

You are the Lord, Bhagavan

Merciful embodiment of Kali yuga age

You are the Lord, Bhagavan

Allah Sai Buddha Zorastra (2)

Yeshu Christu Bhagavan

Karuna Sindhu Dasaratha Nandana

Parthi Purishwara Ram

Prema Swarupa Prasanthi Niketana

Maruti Sevita Ram

Ahalyo dharika Rajiva Lochana (2)

Ragokula Nandan Ram

Compassionate Savior

Son of Dasaratha

Now you are our Parthi Sai Ram

Form of love, Lord Hanuman's Rama

Now you are our Parthi Sai Ram

You changed Aholya from stone to human

As our Parthi Sai Ram

Please change us also from stone to human

As our Parth Sai ram

Sansjrit-English Bhajans 2 You may wish to correct if used

Allah bhajo, Maula bhajo, He Allah Sai Bhagavan

Ram bhajo. He Krishna bhajo, He Rama Krishna Bhagavan

Nanak bhajo. Gautam bhajo, He Buddha Sai Bhagavan

Yeshu bhajo, Zorarastra bhajo, He Maha vira Bhagavan

Sai bhajo, Shirdie Sai bhajo, He Shirdie Sai Bhagavan

Sathya bhajo, Sathya Sai bhajo, He Sathya Sai Bhagavan

Worship Allah for He is God

Allah and Sai are divine

Worship Lord Rama, worship Lord Krishna

Rama and Krishna are divine

Worship Nanaka. Worship Gautama

He Buddha and Sai are divine

Worship Lord Sai yes worship Lord Sai

He Shirdie Sai is divine

Worship Sathya Sai, worship Sathya Sai

He Lord Sathya Sai is divine

Worship Lord Jesus, and Zorarastra

He Maha vira is divine

Dina Dukhiyon Ke Tarana Karuna

Tu Hai Isa Messiah Oh Sai Baba

Dina Dukhiyon Ke Tarana Karuna

Dharma Udharana Bhakta Parayana

Adi Narayana Sai (2)

Alakani Ranjana Bhava Bhaya Bhanjana

Parthi Narayana Sai, Parthi Narayana Sai

Take away our miseries, take all our pain

You are our messiah Oh Lord Sai Baba

Take away our miseries, take all our pain

Revive the Dharma by guiding us devotees

Adi Narayana Sai, Adi Narayana Sai

No longer will we fear. another birth, another death

Parthi Narayana Sai, Parthi Narayana Sai

I am that Atmic Truth

This is from 'Talks with Ramana Maharshi'

Sri Bhagavan always stressed the one essential truth that is necessary for Liberation. This cannot be repeated too often. 'You are the Self ' He tells us, 'there is nothing but the Self, anything else is just imagination. So BE THE SELF HERE AND NOW.

There is no need to run off to a forest or shut oneself in a room. Carry on with your essential activities but free yourself from the association as THE DOER of them. SELF IS THE WITTNESS. YOU ARE THAT.

So it seems that by quoting, 'Talks by Ramana Maharshi' we have started our new emphasis on the Truth by dishing up the entire banquet at one sitting. What more is there to say?

What about love, tho. Swami says if we really truly focus on love while saying His name we need nothing more to obtain the 'Big L' So you see, if we can focus on the love in the above statement by Ramana, we need nothing more. Grab it. swallow it down and make it your very own.

I am convinced that love is the essential ingredient even though Ramana's statement is pure Vedanta, Jnana. In fact, I think that if you try to imbibe these Vedanta Truths without the elixir of pure Divine love you'll whither and die of thirst. Ramana and Sai are embodiments of that love which is God. When we try to see different attributes rather than just the love, we cannot approach reality.

Excuse me please, John Stewart is on the TV now.

John Stewart was very funny and I think that we really need to laugh as often as possible. I think it may create that 'wittiness state' mentioned above.

What is love, I mean besides being God. Perhaps it is 'bliss' which does not depend on our thoughts, words or deeds. That bliss is, according to Swami, our true state. I am a chronic depressive. Even when things are going well, the depression remain just under the surface. I think the bliss may remain also. But we were dissecting love, weren't we. Love between family, friends and lovers we already know about. Oh and love of our possessions and our pets, our country, our ideas etc. Perhaps love is just a feeling that encompasses all these attachments. But there doesn't have to be attachment to produce love does there? Well we don't 'love' anyone else's mother or house or pet, only our own. Does that mean our ego does the loving. Swami loves everyone even those who criticize Him. But Swami doesn't have an ego to limit His love and we do now or do we? I think that maybe the idea of 'a doer' is that ego. When we realize we are not that 'doer' we will move closer to knowing who we are.

I am hoping that you may have some thoughts on the subject. I hope they aren't too complicated because as I grow older the old brain doesn't move so fast any more.

Atma is eternal, however, and does not change.

Comments From Loyal Readers

Love this post. From one nun to another.

By translator on Swami's Nuns on 10/31/10

I have to applaud you because you articulate what so many people feel about their time in Parthi, especially for those who return to their own countries and who end up staying far away and concentrating on more worldly matters. Just know that you are NOT a failure, because all our experiences make us into bangaroo eventually! Your blog should go out to many more devotees and be read more.

By Divya on Atmic Arch Ladies on 10/31/10

Congrats and best wishes for a new life of finally looking after your own spiritual welfare!

By Eileen on The Still Quiet Lake on 10/31/10

Do you remember at Summer Course 1977 when Swami had the boys pile high the food on our plates when we were invited TWICE to eat with him? As I watched him pop miniscule amounts of curd and rice into his mouth I thought, "Swami, why do you give us so much when you take so little?" I looked from my plate to his several times before he jumped out of his seat and walked straight up. Standing between Camille Swenson and me he said "Eat it all!" So how might that apply now? Certainly we aren't to stuff our fat little faces? Perhaps the directive was much broader? Take it all in? Sorry I have little food advice to share. My limitations are much less than yours as I eat a little fish, tofu, and legumes for protein. The other part is easy. Not a big ice-cream fan, but I have my share of sweet goodies now and then. Does it hamper my meditation...what meditation? It happens or it doesn't. I just sit.

By translator on Eat, Pray and Atmic Love on 10/30/10

I say when in Rome, do as the Romans do! You are living alone in a new place and a contact or friend or two is not only nice, but necessary. There is no harm in it. You are lucky to have a helpful friend in Jerry! And you already know that platonic friendships in the West are perfectly normal. In fact, to keep restrictions against gents is considered abnormal here. Believe me - I only have my husband and make no other gent contacts or friends and I am definately considered a weirdo! Try to make some female friends in the building too, they will have many helpful suggestions for things you need help with!

By Divya on Gender issues on 10/20/10

WOW Congrats on your new home! Such a low rate is unheard of, are you sure it includes everything and it won't go up? What about the visa to India you mentioned last time, did you get that?

By Divya on Swami. Please give me a blog on 9/12/10

You are lucky to have a wonderful sister who wants you there and has comfortable accomodation for you, but good to know of the options available. Vidya is staying in the special housing you described.

By Divya on Good Morning Humanity on 8/17/10

I just read 'On Leave #5' and I must say, it reflects perfectly what I and other long time Parthi ashramites feel - about the West, about the Ashram and about materialism in general. Well done!

By Divya on #4 #5 # 6 ‘On Leave' on 7/24/10

They require a round trip ticket BACK TO USA before issuing a visa?! That is shocking! I wonder if it is the same rule all over USA?? I'm sorry, hope you can work it out. Hopefully your web programmer can give you some hints to publishing your blog entries yourself. I used to do it for Karuna Society and it is quite easy.

By Divya on Atma not having fun on 6/13/10

Mahalo for your sharing. It is good and good for us.

By Judith on Real Devotion on 5/11/10

SaiRam! I am SaiRam!

By VSK on Words Of God on 4/30/10