Christmas Wish

This morning when I woke up a song seemed to be playing in my head. As today is

Christmas you would have thought it would be a Christmas carol but it wasn't. 'When You wish upon a Star' was tinkling away. I wondered why Swami was giving me this song as I finished my meditation and then continued to the living room where I do prayers at the Hindu altar. I have the Hindu altar in the corner by the computer, the Christian altar in the hall way with baby Jesus and His mother and in the bedroom I have my Buddhist altar where I have Quan Yin and the Buddha. Yes I know they are all one and the same but just as we mortals have different forms and vibrations, so do the different Gods so I keep them all separate for different mantras and songs. I love doing this because...I love love.

Anyway, there I was this morning sitting at my Hindu altar. I won't say it is Swami's altar because I do have large pictures of Swami at every altar because He was the Buddha and He was Jesus Christ. In fact, I brought one of those large calendars for 2010 back with me and have 12 large size maybe 6x6 pictures framed and all over my flat. So at every altar I say, 'Salutations to my precious,adorable, Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Eternal Beloved, my very own divine Self, Kali Yuga Avatar...about three times.

So this morning as I finished my prayers to my Ganapati, my Divine Mother Lalitha and all the rest I glanced out the window of my 15th floor flat and there was a star winking at me. Winking, blinking, whatever, anyway I knew it was Swami and a mental message came in with the song, 'When you wish upon a star.' And just like something out of Disney I received the clear thoughts. 'What do you wish for this Christmas morning Susie. I am prepared to grant you a wish if it is a good wish and only about youself'' Swami knows I'd start by wishing things for other people...like a good home for Carol or help for Michele. I thought and thought. 'I don't need anything Swami, I...Oh...I want realization!'

Now, of course, knowledge of the Self is what we've always wanted, isn't it. I don't know about you but I've sort of put it aside as being...maybe something which will happen...on the way out...after we leave the 'bony cage'. But maybe...I glanced at the star again. 'A Christmas Wish' Well, it's worth a blog anyway!~

We'll see,as we are fond of saying. I asked Google for the words to the song.

I've changed the lyrics just a tad.

When you wish upon a star, makes no difference where you are, anything your heart desires will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme when you wish upon a star as dreamers do.

Fate (Swami) is kind. He brings to those who love, their secret longing, the sweet fulfillment.

Like a bolt out of the blue, Fate (Swami) steps in and sees you through, when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.

OK well now it's time to go pray to Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas morning!

THE NEXT STEP

Well it is Christmas eve in this very Christian place and I'm singing Christmas songs before an audience at the senior center across the street. Am I a hypocrite? Maybe but I figure...one god and He is omnipresent, so I'm singing about our Swami. The seniors don't know that and at their decrepit age are singing these hymns with great feeling because they're getting ready for the last journey...holding on to their savior for redemption. I am also holding on to my savior for redemption although we wouldn't agree about the goal or the identity of the savior. They want the golden streets and Swami says it is a temporary residence and that they'll stay there only as long as the good karma holds out. He said once that even the black void that Buddhists crave is temporary...now don't quote me on that, you know I get my facts all wrong. Anyway I know that He did say that only mergence with the absolute is the final final goal. Which is why all of us, 'true believers' work so hard all the time. According to psychologists we all exhibit characteristics of the obsessive compulsive disorder...praying at certain times, using a particular mantra a set number of times, kissing the right cheek only on a picture we think of as the same as the absolute divinity. It's kind of crazy isn't it but which of us will admit it.

Many of us Sai Graduates have returned to the 'Promised Land' for Christmas. I dreamed last night that I was there in my room but there was no electricity...no current,

sort of dim and dusty. I'm sure that isn't true at all but evidently part of me must think so. My maintenance is paid up until the end of 2013 so I would have lights if I returned. I probably will return one of these days but...you know I feel as if I am cleaning up some stuff here. I think I've found some crumbs I spilled and I have to clean them up. I know everyone doesn't think this way. I remember telling my friend Marsha that I didn't have enough self confidence to even sing in a bhajan group and she said...just concentrate on the reality...that's all imaginary. Maybe I'm cleaning up crumbs by singing across the street. I was asked to be the music director for Christmas one year and almost had a nervous breakdown so I begged Sylvia Alden to take it. Well obviously she was suppose to have it, Swami said after Christmas that she had danced and sung very well. I got switches and pieces of coal in my stocking! But it's all perfect. Even though He is no longer in that 'bone y cage' she is still leading the Christmas choir while I'm over here singing about Jesus. It's all very strange. Do you think that by giving these old people a little bliss as I sing of Lord Jesus Christ that I'm doing Swami's work this year just as she is? Hard to understand but in a way I feel that it's all His work and it's the intention that counts. During my last days over there in India I was feeling as if I was not putting into practice His teachings...30 years at the Feet must lead to something beneficial to someone somewhere. But maybe not.

I was wondering now about my next step...what should it be. I think maybe the next step should be...to not take another step. To not accomplish anything at all except to love all and serve all where ever I am. Maybe we just have to continue to surrender and be happy with whatever He puts on our plate. Oh, Merry, Holy Christmas everyone

US doctors to lead 2 Satya Sai bodies

US doctors to lead 2 Satya Sai bodies
TNN | Dec 20, 2011, 02.46AM IST

Anantapur: The Sri Satya Sai Central Trust on Monday appointed two persons as chairmen of the two international foundations run by it.

Michael Goldstein, an ardent devotee of Satya Sai Baba, will take charge as chairman of the Sri Satya Sai World Foundation, an official press release from the Sri Satya Sai Central Trust said. Goldstein, who received his doctorate in medicine from George Washington University, has been a practising physician for over 30 years and former medical director at a tertiary hospital in Southern California. He was selected as chairman on November 23, 2011 on the occasion of Baba's birth anniversary.

Similarly, Narendranath Reddy was elected chairman of the Prashanti Council. Narendranath Reddy, graduate from SV Medical College, Tirupati, received his training in internal medicine at the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry and did his sub-specialization in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York. He has been a practising internist-endocrinologist in Southern California for over 30 years.

Satya Sai Trust spokesperson Anantharaman told TOI that the world foundation takes care of all of the trust's publications outside India and ensures that they adhere to the local laws and also ensure that the publications do not deviate from the message of Satya Sai Baba. The Prashanti Council takes care of all international seva activities outside India including educational and welfare-oriented programmes. Both these organizations operate in 135 countries and the place of operation of the two chairmen will function as the headquarters of these two international bodies, he said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/US-doctors-to-lead-2-Satya-Sai-bodies/articleshow/11173922.cms

Shri Michael G. Goldstein's letter to devotees.

Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation

Michael G. Goldstein, MD
Chairman
____________________________________________________

To: All Sai devotees, International Sai Organizations

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Sai,

Sai Ram!

Holiday greetings to all of you during this special season when our hearts are so full of love. Our minds are focused on our Beloved Swami: on His Love, His Holiness, and on all Divine Names and Forms that He has assumed since the beginning. We are all in His Divine Embrace forever. That will never change. I write to share His Divine Love with you and to perform the duties entrusted to me by our Beloved Swami.

We are Sai devotees aspiring to realize our Beloved Sai in our spiritual hearts. In this world, there is perpetual change. Our minds change with every fleeting thought, our bodies change with every heartbeat. People change, organizations change, the structure and rules of organizations change. Our Beloved Swami has said, “The realm of the atma is beyond rules and regulations, but we require them in order to control the meandering of our minds.”

The spiritual principles given to us by our Beloved Swami are imperturbable. They are forever true. They will never change. The extent to which we apply and exemplify these principles is the measure of our spiritual authenticity. They are our refuge, our light, our way to enlightenment. The Divine Grace of our Beloved Swami imbues us with strong convictions that enable us to withstand the vagaries of worldly life. We are filled with the selfless love that enables us to realize His Divine Omnipresence.

We are members of the Sri Sathya Sai Organization, devotees of our beloved Swami, striving to be worthy of His Divine Name. The inevitable changes that occur in all Sai Organizations must be implemented wisely, lovingly, and in a responsible manner. Toward this end, I convened a “General Assembly” in Prasanthi Nilayam on this last November 24. In attendance were two members of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, namely, Sri Indulal Shah, first Chairman of the International Sai Organization and member of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, K. Chakraverty, member of the Central Trust and Secretary to our beloved Swami, four of the five members of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, all members of the Prasanthi Council, most of the Zone Chairmen, some of the Central Coordinators, Deputy Central Coordinators, and Chairmen of the Committees of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation. An august assembly indeed!

Over the last several days various accounts of this meeting have been circulated. Clarification is required.

The meeting commenced by chanting three OM’s. Subsequently, special guests Sri Indulal Shah, Sri K. Chakraverty, and all members of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation present, and all members of the Prasanthi Council were introduced to the general assembly and given an opportunity to address the assembly. Sri Chakraverty advised the assembly of the need for unity and cooperation. He indicated that the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust and the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation will continue to work side by side in that spirit. Dr. Michael Goldstein, Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation, will work with the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust to ensure unity and effective coordination of all programs.

Dr. Goldstein addressed the assembly and stated that the Spiritual Organization, bearing the Divine Name of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, should not be abused as a vehicle that confers power and authority. Rather, serving in the Sai Organization should be utilized as an opportunity to accept and discharge responsibility for ourselves and our organization selflessly. Our goal is to ensure spiritual authenticity of programs and practices performed in His Name.

Regarding the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation and Prasanthi Council:
The Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation is the apex body of the International Sai Organization. Dr. Goldstein advised the general assembly that we will proceed very carefully over the next one year to ensure that the changes introduced today will remain positive and become productive tomorrow. The Prasanthi Council will continue to report to the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation. Dr. Narendra Reddy will become the Chairman of the Prasanthi Council. The current function of the Prasanthi Council members, including the geographic distribution of responsibilities, will remain intact. The Prasanthi Council members will report to the Chairman of the Prasanthi Council. The Chairman of the Prasanthi Council will keep the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation informed periodically in all matters. Should the new Chairman of the Prasanthi Council have any difference with any of the Prasanthi Council members, he will present these matters to the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation for resolution. The system that I put into place early this year, which affords the Prasanthi Council members a degree of autonomy in their respective regions, will be respected and preserved. It has functioned very well.

Zone Chairmen and Chairwomen will continue to report directly to the Prasanthi Council member assigned to their respective zones for guidance. The Prasanthi Council members will be responsible for making important procedural decisions and recommendations for new office bearers to the Chairman of the Prasanthi Council, who will, in turn, submit the proposed changes to the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World foundation for review and final decision. We will strive for unanimity in all matters. However, should there be differences of opinion, the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation will resolve them. This system will remain intact for one year and then be reviewed, if necessary. In order to avoid ambiguity, confusion, or dissemination of misinformation, all international communications will come from the office of the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation or be authorized by him. This state of affairs will prevail over the next one year.

My dear brothers and sisters, let us all recognize that now we have an unprecedented spiritual opportunity, perhaps lifetimes in the making, to become His Divine Light in this world. We can realize His Message of Divine Love in these lives that we have been given. Let us not throw away this opportunity of a lifetime, nay of many lifetimes, by promoting our transient human ambitions. When we promote our ignoble and worldly selves, we demote our infinite spiritual stature.

We are all devotees of Divinity, our Beloved Swami.

We all want to serve faithfully and effectively.

We are all deeply affected by the transition from living and loving Him in His Divine Physical Presence to living and loving him in His Glorious Divine Omnipresence. Actually it has always been the latter but our Beloved Swami, in His Infinite Love and Care for us, His children, permitted a brief sanctuary in the course of our spiritual journey by joining us on our worldly jaunt. Now we must all come to know Him, to love Him, in the highest and purest way. Let us all seek His Counsel in our conscience and feel His Love in our most sacred heart of hearts.

Lovingly in the Service of Sai,

Michael Goldstein M.D.,
Chairman, Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation

Shri Indulal Shah' letter to devotees

To,

Trustees, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust;
Directors, Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation;
Members, Advisors and Secretary, Prashanti Council;
Zonal Chairmen, SSO (Overseas);
Central and Dy. Central Coordinators, SSO (Overseas);
Media Coordinator, SSSCT, Prashanti Nilayam.

Dear all,

Loving Sairam and Greetings for Holy and Merry Christmas well in advance!

As you would recall, Dr. Michael Goldstein, with the Divine Blessings of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba has been serving as the Chairman of Prashanti Council from its inception in 2003 and as the Chairman of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation from its inception in 2006. This is to inform all, that Dr. Goldstein continues to serve as the Chairman Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation and effective 23 November 2011, i.e. 86th Birthday of Revered Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Dr. Narendranath Reddy will serve as the Chairman of Prashanti Council.

All of you are aware that the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation was established at California, USA in March 2006 with the Divine Blessings and Guidance of Revered Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

The mission of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation is aimed towards the spiritual upliftment of mankind. The foundation works together with the Prashanti Council which administers the activities of Sathya Sai Organisations (Overseas) in about 135 countries.

Since many countries are unaware on the functioning of both organisations, I am happy to forward herewith a note on the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation and the Prashanti Council along with a brief introduction of the chairmen (although they are widely known),for information.

I, along with my colleagues in the Central trust convey our best wishes to the Chairmen of both the institutions for expansion of the Divine Mission of Bhagavan Baba to the greater heights in the times to come.

I appeal to all of you to work with unity and harmony by extending your wholehearted cooperation to them at every stage and in every sphere.

Warm regards,

Indulal Shah

International Advisor,
Sathya Sai Organisations (Overseas) and
Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust
and Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prashanti Nilayam.

THE 40 ASSURANCES OF OUR LORD

1. Those who are devoted to me in thought, word and deed shall receive my protection without their asking.

2. I am ever vigilant in the homes of my devotees.

3. Those that have called my name with sincerity even once shall receive the abundant grace of my love.

4. The moment you think of me, I am by your side to guide you through your confusions.

5. I always respond to a prayer instantaneously.

6. When you do not receive what you want, know that I have responded that way for your own welfare.

7. I stay by you even if you turn away from me.

8. I am always looking at you from the eyes of my heart.

9. I will destroy the negativity in you with my love for you.

10. I pretend to ignore you only for you to turn towards the right way.

11. I will never get angry with you but I deal firmly with your mundane affairs.

12. I alone stand and carry the burden of your worries and tears.

13. Whenever you experience fear in conducting a task, it is because you denied me and your own truth.

14. Give up your desires; then all your tasks and duties become mine.

15. I have sent you to fight this battle of life in my chariot, with my horses, and with me as your charioteer.

16. Your devotion is my breath, my only food.

17. I will never give up on you; you are mine even when you are unaware of it.

18. You do not need to search for truth.you are the truth. My light alone shall make you see that and I will grace you with that.

19. Nothing is difficult, nothing is painful, nothing is unbearable.why, it is me who has to face your misery, you are only to remember to call me.

20. I am always happy for you in whatever you choose, for I know that in whatever you do, I will be there to protect you from all evil.

21. Never be afraid of me, I am your root. If you fear me, then you will lose the true vision.

22. I will free you.that is my solemn pledge. Have faith.and that faith shall return you to me.

23. Live my life of loving all with an equal eye; then misery will fear your front door!

24. Did you wake up with another worry? Did you forget me again?

25. I never say things half-heartedly and the things I do not mean. My words have the strength of my presence.

26. I do not haggle, bargain or compromise. I do fully what is right until the end.

27. I listen patiently to what you have to say; you too must listen patiently to what I have to say.

28. I give you sometimes what you desire only so that one day you willingly uproot the root of that desire and cast away its rotting fruit.

29. I am never deaf to your requests.

30. I know every part of your life, the lives of your past and the life to come. I always prepare you for all that.

31. I do not change your mind; I change your ways with my example.

32. I myself bear many pains so that you learn to live with the awareness of truth alone and ignore the destructive calls of nature.

33. I shall teach you the perfect way of life.a life of pure, unconditional love.

34. I alone test you and again in that test, I alone help you to succeed.

35. Whenever you are lonely, you shall hear my voice from within.

36. The greatest proof of my presence within you is that you always wish to live for me, sometimes with your awareness and sometimes without

37. Even when all misunderstand you, I alone understand you at all times and I alone shall bring you out of that misery.

38. I am attached to your love as much as you are attached to mine.

39. There is no distance between you and me. I am as close to you as you are to yourself.

40. I am there with you.right now.this very moment. As you wonder if this is true, I too wonder what else, my dear one, could I do other than being with you!



I AM THERE WITH YOU .ALWAYS WITH YOU .AND THAT IS MY PLEDGE .MY ONLY TASK.."

Bhagavan Baba's Idol Installed in Sai Prem, Vashi, Navi Mumbai

STORY BEHIND THIS PHOTO – 41

New idol of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Installed in Sai Prem, Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Sai Ram. Today, the 14^th December 2011, was an auspicious day for sai devotees. The new Murthy of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was installed amidst chanting of vedic Mantras, in the altar of Sai Prem mandir, in Vashi, New Mumbai. Our Bhishma Pithamahan, Sri. Indulal Shah and Mrs. Saralaben graced the occasion in spite of their advanced age. Sri. Ramesh Sawant, State President of Maharashtra and Goa, and almost all Trust members, including Sri Nimish Pandya were present with their families.

At the appropriate auspicious moment, the curtains of the altar were pushed away, and we could see the glimpse of the altar. Soon, the colorful clothes covering sacred Idols were also removed to give a magnificent darshan of both Sai Babas; one from Shirdi, and another from Puttaparthi.

Tears of joy and devotion were visible on all sai devotees gathered in huge numbers to witness this holy event.

My thoughts went back to the day when the curtains were put to cover the veranda in Sai Kulwant Hall, and Divine Body was taken inside. When the curtains were pulled back after some time, Sai was nowhere to be seen. Crying and sobbing devotees could not come to terms for many days. Today, when the curtains were pulled back in Sai Prem Mandir, everybody could see of our Lord sitting majestically on a throne, smiling and blessing every one.

Apparently, what we seemed to have lost in Prashanthi Nilyam, we got back in Sai Prem in Vashi!!!

I congratulate the scores of volunteers and office bearers from Navi Mumbai who had made, excellent arrangements. A record crowd of devotees were in attendance in the vast prayer hall of Sai Prem. Devotees were eagerly waiting for the advent of Prem Sai, but in Sai Prem, our Loving Sathya Sai had taken His place.

Samastha Loka Sukhino Bhavanthu.

Jai Sai Ram!

__._,_.___

.

__,_._,___

A Christmas Story

This morning after my mediation I had a very bazaar thought. It is a very sad but true Christmas story .

I am ..a Christmas tree.

OK, here's the story. about two years ago, a government employee, a tree examiner in Andra Pradesh began examining a grove of trees in order to get rid of any non-native species which were becoming too invasive. He took a look at this one tree noting that it's branches were much to all-encompassing and it's height was just too tall, and so he cut it down at the bottom, to be shipped out. Cut off from it's roots, it got sent to St. Petersburg Florida where some nice lady gave it a place even though it was dead.

At first this lady who gave it a place thought maybe it could be propagated, attached to one of the native Florida species but it simply wouldn't grow that way. It's roots which had been cut off, had died and were still buried deeply in the soil of India.

Not knowing what else to do with it, this nice lady propped it up in a small apartment where they were storing other dead trees. So the good Lord who actually planned this tree pruning in the first place, allowed it to be propped up and used as a Christmas tree knowing it could be thrown out after a few seasonsr. It was decorated with some colorful talents which had been packed away for many seasons, talents like singing in a Mic, acting on a stage, writing plays, laughing at all the jokes and singing all the songs....It was attractive and colorful with all the outward displays decorating it as it simply waiting to be thrown out. This dead old tree could never sprout new roots because it's roots had been sawed off and were still buried deep in India..

Meanwhile many of the other trees which had been culled, grew their roots again in either the west or in India or were able to be saved by propagating with living trees native to the west. This tree was too old ,however, and it's shell remained in a state of shock until it could be used as fire wood. It looked like such a happy Christmas tree, gayly decorated with lines from dramas and song tinsels draped over Mics. The only thing alive about the tree though was an angel on the very top. She was only waiting for the moment when the tree body could be burned and she could fly back to God, to Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

Christmas

Sai Ram,

The weather has turned a bit cooler even with the sun shining. It is still great here. People have started to come for the holidays. Registration for Christmas Choir is December 14th. Some people from Croatia and surrounding area are continuing their practise as they are performing on the 20th and will also start decorating the ashram on the 21st.





Friday – December 9 to Tuesday – December 13. There was Rudram, bhajans, arathi and darshan both morning and evening.

A time schedule for ashram activities and shops was released. There have been some changes.

Attached is a wonderful interview, ”Bewitched By His Love” with Mrs. Prema Bose who knew Baba for many decades. Separately there are many pictures from her interview. I am not sure if she took them or they were from RadioSai archives.

There is also another article by Kasturi, “Is This Your Faith After all”.

If you go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owK5tHjL0aE , there is a funny Indian version of the “12 Days of Christmas”.

We had difficulty learning yoga so we enrolled in a Dog Yoga class. Attached are pictures of my classmates doing yoga.

Seema messages for this week are: “The Heart of God”, “Moment to Moment in Prayer” and Remaking of the Self”.

Thought for the Day
10 December 2011

Your worthiness is not measured by the number of temples you have visited, or the quantity and cost of the offerings you have made there. Do not calculate the length of time you have spent with the Lord's Name and exult; calculate rather the time you have wasted away from the Lord, and repent. How did Mother Sita in the epic Ramayana brave the taunts, insults and tortures of the aggressors in Lanka? What gave her the mental stamina? It was repetition of the Name of the Lord and nothing else. Always remember that desire, anger, greed and hatred can never co-exist with Divinity. A tasty dish will become inedible, if a drop of kerosene falls on it. One bad thought or action is sufficient to spoil the spiritual discipline, built painstakingly over time. Have the Divine Name ever in your thoughts and you can brave any calamity.

Baba

Thought for the Day
6th December 2011

Happiness makes one forget one's obligations to oneself as a human being. It drags one into egoism leading to committing of sins. Happiness draws a veil over experiences that make one tough. It also spends out one's stock of merit and arouses baser passions. On the other hand, grief renders man alert and watchful. Misery makes one think and leads to self-improvement. It also endows one with new and valuable experiences, and highlights the value of happiness. Realize that happiness and misery are inseparable and you cannot choose only one. Treat troubles and travails as your friends; at least, do not see them as your enemies! It is best to regard both happiness and misery as gifts of God. That is the easiest path for one's own liberation.

Baba

Thought for the Day
30th December 2010

You should not waste your life in merely eating, drinking, and sleeping. In fact such a life is a blot on human nature itself. Every activity of yours should reflect the divine message. Unfortunately, this is not the case today. Some people claim that they have dedicated their lives to the mission of God. But in reality it is not so. They are wasting their precious time in materialistic pursuits. There is nothing wrong in studying, doing jobs, and earning money provided they are done in the right spirit, which is beneficial to one and all. You see many people suffering. In what way are you helping them? The dualities of life such as pain and pleasure go hand in hand. Pain and pleasure coexist. It is impossible to separate them. Pleasure does not exist separately. The fructification of pain is pleasure. This message of truth must be taught to the entire world. Without pain, one does not realise the value of pleasure. The value of light can be realised only when there is darkness.

Baba

Distractions

Well, the projects are piling up and I am becoming distracted. This morning instead of meditating, in my mind I was giving an interview to the St. Pete Times, I was saying that I had been in India with an Indian Holy Man, Sri Sathya Sai Baba for over 30 years and that He had taught me to think of others before myself and to Love All and Serve All and also to Help Ever and Hurt Never.

Who is He? I was asked. Well for one thing, I said, He created two temples of healing in India where thousands of the very poorest are healed each day by the finest medical practices available on the planet and if you don't believe me, I said, look up Sri Sathya Sai Organization on Google. I went on and on about how our Swami encourages the best Indian and foreign doctors from all over the world to work for free at those hospitals. And, of course, I added, He has also founded the finest University in India which gives free education to all, KG through PHD and the graduates score very high on all the national scholastic exams. And why am I here and not there, they asked? Because the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs refused my visa extension, yes it was extremely unfair wasn't it, I concluded, but don't bother Hilary Clinton about it.

Why was I pretending to be interviewed? Because of the success of one of my 'pretend projects'. Did I tell youall about 'Peterborough's Got Talent? I think I did, you just don't remember. There are a couple of really talented peope here in the building and, well, I sing, so I thought we could have a talent night a couple of times a month and everyone get together in the 'party room' and just sing together or recite poetry or dance, which is hard when you're using a walker. But you know, I get higher and higher on this bi-polar pole. There is this Sunshine Senior Center across the street so why not expand to...Sunshine Seniors Got Talent. Not to far out so far but....there are maybe four Senior Centers in St. Pete. Why not make this city wide...Gulfport Seniors Got Talent, Pinallas Park Seniors...you got the idea, right. And for each center we could have the city councilman judge and pick the best and then we could have the final contest where the Mayor chooses...Best Talent and go on U Tube or Nightly News or Saturday Night Live. No, not Saturday Night Live...it is too obscene for me to even watch it myself. The ABC would interview me as well as the St. Pete Times, as I had, 'made a difference' in the lives of all the 30,000 seniors living here in St. Pete, the city of the living dead which is now, thank's to these talent shows, alive and thriving.

So, you see, by this imaginary interview I publicized Swami's hospitals and His teachings, which He NEVER wanted anyone to do.

Saieshwaraya Creed

This Saieshwaraya Creed is written from the Christian Nicene Creed according to our own beliefs.

I have enjoyed doing this project so much as it has made me focus on Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba throughout the day. I am sure that each one of us who attempts to write a Creed according to our beliefs will write some thing different even though we all know The Truth and we are all familiar with His life and teachings. So enjoy this exercise and please e -mail the results to me so that I can try to put it together. After that I'll post it maybe on my blog so we can use the creed in our sadhana.

I had another idea yesterday for us Sai graduates. Maybe we could do a Face book page and call it, Over Seas Sai Graduates Face Book. What do you think of that?

THE SAIESHWARAYA CREED

We believe in Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Kali Yuga Avatar as manifested from the eternal Absolute, God of Gods, Light of Light, the True God of the True God and created from the Fire of Consciousness; the Divine Atma from whom all things of the three worlds, seen and unseen, have been made. There is only one God and He is omnipresent.

We believe that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai was incarnated by the eternal Absolute through the Holy Spirit of Mother Eswaramma and for the salvation of humanity. His body suffered untold agonies both from His physical structure and from His false detractors. He suffered and was buried in the Mahasamadhi at His ashram, Prasanthi Nilayam in India. His Holy Omnipotence has become greater upon leaving the bony cage and has now joined even more with His Beloved disciples all over the three worlds everywhere.

We believe that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was the incarnation of Shirdie Sai Baba and in future will take birth as Prema Sai Baba. This was promised by our Divine Avatar in order to continue His Holy Mission to save humanity and which will culminate in the glorious golden age on earth.

We believe the all pervading Divine Atma, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, the giver of life, is worshipped and glorified by His disciples, and is the same as that which is spoken of by the Sages and Profits of all religions throughout the ages. And we believe in the Sathya Sai Organization which was deemed by The Lord Incarnate, to guide His disciples as they use the Power of His love for the benefit of all mankind and for the purification of each heart and soul towards emergence with their Divine Source once more.

Nicene Creed

This Christmas thing is getting to me. I sing all these carols and see pictures of the Manger and the Babe shivering in the cold, like our millions of homeless people oppressed by the Banks, and I feel such compassion. Trouble is I have no resources or money to help...not even a car to deliver toys to the homeless tots...like the ones in central Florida living in motels...that seem to be making TV news. And please don't complain about my 'run on sentences' as mine are a stream of consciousness, almost gushing.

OK, that was the introduction. Now for the blog body. Is there a connection? Oh yes, I remember, Christmas. I always have felt a bit left out at

Christmas even though, Lord knows, I celebrated 33 years of 'extreme Christmas' at Prasanthi Nilayam at His feet and I finally connected the dots and realized...JESUS AND OUR SAI BABA ARE THE SAME. So now you really have to get that, underline it in your brain; put it in capital letters. I finally realized that because they are the same, I LOVE JESUS JUST AS MUCH AS ANYONE ELSE, MAYBE MORE. He's MY SAVIOR too, only He used a different name and form, that's all.

So with this new ideology tucked under my arm I rode off to church with my sister yesterday. I live here happily in PETERborough apartments, I live in St. Petersburg and my sister attends St. Peter's Episcopal Church. AND she drives right by my building every Sunday and always offers to pick me up. I have usually said 'no thank you, I'm a Hindu, I believe in Swami '. How stupid is that when Swami is Jesus and besides how much of a Hindu am I? I haven't read the Sastras or the Vedas or the Agamas. Am I a Hindu? Well, I believe in the Atma, I believe in karma AND REINCARNATION and I believe we are all Divine and will merge hopefully at the end of this sou join. I believe in the Hindu Parthenon with all my heart and consider Ganesh and Bala and Saraswati to be my dearest friends but...does that make me a Hindu?

So am I a Christian? Oh God, no I'm not. OK so I believe He was an avatar and came to save humanity...as did our own precious Lord. I believe God has many names not only one name and I certainly don't believe you go to everlasting hell and damnation because you don't call yourself a certain name. Now come on, you know that Jesus doesn't believe that either or He wouldn't be a Divine Being. OK so I went to church and will probably continue to go to church and grit my teeth when they start saying their NICENE Creed. I automatically shut it out when they start their chant...their dogma, but then it occurred to me...what is OUR Nicene Creed, What would we call it. Our Vedic Creed, Our Prasanthi Creed, our Sai Creed? Maybe our Saieshwaraya Creed, which means omnipresent. So I came home and asked our omniscient Google about it. As always he had it at his fingertips and so I printed it out, one two three.

Anyway, I have it here and first thing I did this morning at 4 o'clock, was to rewrite it according to what we, Sai Graduates believe, you know so we could say it every day like they say their creed. I'm sure Dr. Goldstein could do a better job but...frankly I get tired of things being handed down to us from above, from committees.

So anyway, maybe we Sai Graduates could make our own committee. What do you think of that idea? OK, I'll admit that I've already rewritten it and now I will tell you what I've written...and ask that you guys be on this Saieshwaraya Creed committee and rewrite what I've rewritten. It's kinf of fun and maybe you would even enjoy it. First you have to ask Google to give you a copy of the REAL NICENE CREED then just take out the things we don't believe and substitute them with what we do believe. Knowing us free thinkers, we'll never agree on a certain particular dogma and everyone will have their own. I mean at one time earlier in our lives, we all left our religion and native land to find God thousands of miles away, so that shows what kind of intrepid non -followers we basically are but...maybe we could agree on this. I think we have always depended on our Beloved Lord to guide and point the correct path and now we have to try to figure out what He would want us say we believe.

So here are my first ideas. I would love it if you would e mail your suggestions so this could be a group effort. Wait until I get another cup of coffee and I'll tell you what I wrote. Oh God. It's seven o'clock and I haven't finished my prayers. I'll blog it tomorrow.

December promises...

Sai Ram,

It’s a new month. December promises to be filled with a lot of activities leading to a Merry and Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. The days have been sunny with warm temperatures with the early morning cool temperatures.

The crowd has been relatively small but on December 8th it started to increase. People are slowly coming in for the holidays.

The programs have been basically the same with great bhajans and darshan.

Thursday - December 1 to Thursday – December 8. Rudram, bhajans, arathi and darshan.

Attached is the Christmas program as of December 8th. More programs may be added.

BEWARE: A fake website has claimed to be representing the Sathya Sai Central Trust. The website is very well done with all sorts of valuable information that would lead one to believe it is real. It originates from Hyderabad and has no connection to the ashram or the real Sathya Sai Central Trust.

Also, it accepts donations. No Sai organization solicits money. Money must come on a voluntary basis. Also, the Central Trust never accepts any cash. All donations must be in check, credit card, etc. There must be a clear record of the transaction. Everything must always be above board and be transparent. (Fake Website)

Be alert as there will be more false claims and web sites as the ashrams grows to become the number One pilgrimage place in the world.

Also, attached is the incredible story of Sahayam. An example to us all.
In addition, there is a picture of Baba in Kodaikanal.

If you go to http://www.saicast.org/2011/brindavanearly.html, there is a wonderful video on Sai Baba in Brindavan in earlier years.

Another wonderful Baba story concerns the Andhra Bank which shows that it pays to listen to Baba at all times.

Charles Penn wrote a wonderful story of Baba being the flute player. “ I Play My Flute”.

Many people that come here stop in Dubai. Some information on the Sai Baba center has been included.

A new ritual has started on full moon nights where people gather at the Ganesh Gate with Baba photos to walk around the entire ashram. Ganesh Gate to Petrol Station, West Gate, Shiva Temple, Hanuman Temple ending at Ganesh Gate. This is about 7 kilometers. Bhajans are sung. In November there were 90 people and one 3-legged dog.

Needed is a monthly calendar from the United States such as those available in banks and pharmacies. Also, behind the ear hearing aids or body aids and used computers for orphans to practise typing.

There are 3 Seema Messages: “Minding the Soulful Self”, “Taking the Golden Step” and “The Last Game”.


Thought for the Day
8 December 2011

Dwell always on lofty thoughts. When air fills a football, it takes the form of a ball. When it fills a balloon, it takes the form of the balloon, oval or spherical. So too, the mind takes the form of the objects with which it is attached. If it gets fixed on small things, it becomes small. If it is fixed on noble and grand things, it becomes noble and grand. The camera takes a picture of whatever it is pointed at, so is the case with the mind. Discriminate before you develop attachment. If your attachment is towards spouse and children, lands and buildings, bank accounts and balances, you will experience grief when they decline. Develop sincere and steady attachment towards the Divine and you will grow in love and splendour. Devotion is not a matter of beads and beards, nor is worship signified by flowers, camphor or bell-ringing. You are judged by your spiritual discipline, thoughts and sense-co.

Baba

Thought for the Day
2 December 2011

If the senses keep to their places there is no reason to fear. It is only when they start to contact the objects around, the twin distractions of joy and grief are produced. When you hear someone defaming you, you experience anger and grief; but there is no such agitation if the words do not fall on your ears. The attraction of the senses to the objects is the cause of grief and its twin, joy. So long as the world is there, sense-object contact cannot be avoided; similarly till the time one has the burden of previous births, one cannot escape the joy-grief complex. But of what use is it to wait till the waves are silenced, before you wade into the sea for a shower? The wise one learns the trick of avoiding the blows of the onrushing waters and the drag of the receding waves. Wear the armour of fortitude (thithiksha), and weather the blows of good and bad fortune. Thithiksha means equanimity in the face of opposites, that is, putting up boldly with duality.

Baba

Thought for the Day
29 November 2011

Attachment to the body produces grief of all kinds and sorts, and its immediate precursors - affection and hatred as well. These two are the results of the intellect considering some things and conditions as beneficial, and others as not; this is a delusion. Despite the knowledge of this fact, at times, you get attached to objects that you consider favourable and start hating the others. From the highest point of view, there is neither; the distinction is just meaningless. There is no two at all; then how can there be good and bad? To see two where there is only one is ignorance (Maya). The fundamental ignorance is the belief that you are the body, and this is the cause for all grief. Practise to live in divine consciousness instead of body consciousness, and be free from grief and live in joy.

A fake website named "Sri Saibaba Trust"...

Prasanthi Nilayam, December 6, 2011:
It has been brought to our notice that a fake website named "Sri Saibaba Trust" has been created with the link: http://srisaibabatrust.in/ .

Following are some of the particulars of this website:

Registrant Organization: SAIBABA TRUST
Registrant Street1: 18-132
Registrant Street2: Pragathi Nagar
Registrant Street3: Ramanthapoor
Registrant City: Hyderabad
Registrant State/Province : Andhra Pradesh
Registrant Postal Code: 500013
Registrant Country: IN
Registrant Phone: +91.8883511157

We are issuing this Press Release to state that this is not the official website of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust or any of the associated Institutions operating from Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi . Our official website is:
www. srisathyasai.org.in

The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust does not solicit for donations.

We and our associated organisations have no connection with the website :http://srisaibabatrust.in/ ..

The public are advised that this is a fake website purporting to be the official website of the Sathya Sai Organisations and are warned against acting on any information contained therein.

Prof A. Anantharaman
(Media Coordinator, Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust)
Prasanthi Nilayam, Puttaparthi,
Anantapur, AP - 515134

Being Needy

Turned this computer on at five am and forgot to turn off the sound so...I'm sure my neighbors are irritated right now. But then everyone else seems to be irritated also and I've slid down the pole and I'm sitting on the ground.

My descent began yesterday when my elder sister (my only living relative) declined my offer to move back into her house for three months when her daughter leaves in April. At that time my sister is in that big old house alone...except for my little Puggles to keep her company. Betty's asthma has been worse lately and she said that she was having a hard time taking care of herself so I made the offer even though the last time I was there for even three days, I missed my own little apartment. She replied that we are much to different to ever live together and we really don't get along that well. I was thinking that we were getting along just fine and it was a blow to my heart.

She was my surrogate mother if you'll remember, and why should you. Why should I as a matter of fact, I'll be 78 this year for God's sake. And it is for God's sake other wise what would I be doing sitting on the floor...all alone. Yes, all alone. I still only have one friend...Christine who cleans for me and I can't pay her enough to take me places on the weekend because she has a significant other and weekends are for him. I remember when I had a significant other who of cancer before I ran over to be taken care of by Swami. He got me sent back to the USA almost one year to the day before He left His body. He wouldn't let me leave mine although I came kind of close with the TB and double pneumonia. So I've been slogging it out here sliding up and down the pole...a pole dancer. You know, of course that I'm referring to my being bi-polar though it isn't a medical diagnosis.

It seems that I have covered all of this many times before but I've been awake since 2 o'clock and in some pain. I think, however, I have an answer to why Swami tortures me by making me suffer alone on three hours sleep...except for Him, of course.

This could be my last life if I play my cards right. NO ATTACHMENTS, because attachments might cause me to want to come back and do it again. I have this TV program which I love...Sing Off....great music. Intelligent judges; I love it. After I leave this body, will I remember that great music as well as the Opera on PBS...and want to come back; take rebirth to hear it? Or, more to the point, will I want to come back to be with my elder sister? I wonder if this isn't one reason why Swami doesn't allow me to have a family or friends. When I was in India it was a piece of cake. I really didn't like the food or the music too much or the language so if I had died I wouldn't even have thought about taking rebirth. But now there's pasta and wonderful music and my view of Mirror lake out my window and my elderly sister. Will I be able to merge with our Swami if all these things are tugging at my senses? I hope so and in the mean time I'm reasonably happy here in my empty little apartment without a soul to call my own...except the Lord. Also, you know. I've become the singing sensation of the Senior Center across the street where I do my gigs, singing alone with a Mic for the first time in my life. Show business is a lonely life anyway, ask any Star, ask my peer, Susan Boyle.

'Dil without Bill'

(Note: 'Dil' means 'heart')

'Dil without Bill' on Sathya Sai Baba's birthday
TNN Nov 24, 2011, 11.31PM IST

RAJKOT: Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in the city celebrated late Sri Sathya Sai Baba's 86th birthday with a difference on November 23 at Sri Sathya Sai Heart Hospital in the city. Cardio-thoracic surgeon Dr Varsha Shah performed 11 open-heart surgeries at the hospital to mark the occasion.

"The hospital was set up in 2000 in keeping with Sathya Sai Baba's teaching that in a spirit of dedication to Sathya Sai Baba, doctors, nurses, technicians and administrators adopt a value-based approach towards patients. Many cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, physicians and Sai devotees have rendered voluntary services to the hospital,'' managing trustee of the charitable hospital Manoj Bhimani said.

The hospital is managed by Prashanti Medical Services and Research Foundation.

"Our motto is a 'Dil without Bill' and it's aimed to serve poorest of the poor in the country. Last year, nine open-heart surgeries were performed at the hospital on Sathya Sai Baba's birthday. This year, the number went on to 11, which is the highest ever performed by any cardiac surgeon in a day in the state'' Bhimani added.

According to Bhimani, the hospital provides services free of cost, irrespective of caste, creed or religion and patients from across the country come to the hospital for heart-related disease. "Last year, 784 heart surgeries were performed at hospital and this year, we target to perform 900 surgeries. Our main aim is to serve the poor and provide them with the best treatment related to heart problems, free of cost. Medical service is not a saleable commodity and a patient is not a customer,'' Bhimani said.

"We went to many hospitals in Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad and other places when I was diagnosed with heart ailment, but we did not have money to cure it. Finally, we came to know about this hospital where heart-related diseases are being cured free of cost. So we came here,'' said Jayaben Joliya, a resident of Nesvad village in Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar.

Jayaben's husband is a agricultural labour. "We could not have afforded this surgery had it not been free,'' said Jayaben, who underwent open-heart surgery on Thursday.

"Besides, hospital organizes mega free medical heart checkup camps every year in the state. More than 5,000 people are checked during these camps and those found with ailments are referred to the hospital in Rajkot. Sathya Baba wished that this model of heart hospital to be replicated in the country to reach out to as many poor people as possible,'' Bhimani said.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-24/rajkot/30437161_1_open-heart-surgeries-sathya-sai-heart-hospital-heart-problems