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APRIL 2001 Volume 6 No. 9

Aum Sri Sai Ram!

Dear readers, We are happy to let you know that Phyllis Krystal's books Cutting the ties that Bind (price: $14.95;US$10.50), Cutting More ties that bind (price: $14.95;US$10.50) and Cutting the ties – workbook (price: $8.95;US$6.30) are now back in stock.  Before we begin the book reviews let us give you a glimpse of all the new videos, which are priced at CA$20 and US$14.00.

- VII World Seva Conference- Held in Prashanthi Nilayam in November 2000.  In this video we can clearly hear Swami's Valedictory Speech he made to Seva dal from all over the world.
- Chaithanya Hall Opening & Mahila Day (Ladies Day) - This video starts with Swami opening the 75th Year of the Avatar Commemorative Hall, which was built by the devotees' contributions from all parts of the world. It is a beautiful building to see. This is followed by the Ladies Day discourse and the Cultural program performed by ladies on this Day.
- Sports Day 2001 - This is an annual student Program held in the Hill view stadium in January 2001.
- Super Speciality Hospital Inauguration at Bangalore – This video mostly covers the speeches made by Swami and the Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee. You can get a beautiful view of the hospital.
- Mahashivarathri 2001 - In this video you can see Swami materializing the Atmalingam in the Kulwant Hall on February 21st evening, and Him happily showing to all devotees.

GOD LIVES IN INDIA – SAI BABA ANSWERS ALL YOUR QUESTIONS
Russy Khursheed Karanjia (b. September 15, 1912), Editor-in-chief of the BLITZ is the doyen of Indian journalism.  Starting his career with the Times of India, he took over as editor of the newly started Sunday Standard in 1937.  He dazzled the nation with his weekly magazine BLITZ, which made its debut on February 1st 1941.  Committed to his remorseless exposure of things foul, he became a pioneer in the field of investigative journalism and bust hundreds of scandals.  He has the unique distinction of having interviewed such a galaxy of world leaders as Nehru, Khrushchev, Castro, Arafat and the Shah of Iran.  He is author of a dozen books, including Arab Dawn, Dawn or Darkness, Castro: The Storm Over Latin America, The Philosophy of Mr. Nehru and The Mind of Mr. Nehru.

He traveled all the way to Puttaparthi in September 1976 to investigate the truth and seek answers to all the questions raised by Baba's critics.  Karanjia employed his vast journalistic experience and skill to ask pointed questions to Baba on the issues raised by His detractors during no-holds barred, two and a half hour interview – the longest ever granted by Baba to any journalist.  And, Baba effectively answered all these queries, and many more.  Russy came, saw and was conquered.  The interview, which forms the core of this book was published as a four part series in BLITZ, and was a comprehensive exploration of Baba's mind, philosophy and technology.  Karanjia calls Baba a scientist of Consciousness.  It will be of interest to the skeptics, as well as His devotees, for all times to come.  Price:  $5.25;US$3.70.

GLIMPSES OF THE DIVINE – WORKING WITH THE TEACHINGS OF SAI BABA
The author of this book, Birgitte Rodriguez was born in Denmark.  Her spiritual quest took her to several countries.  Her first stop was Rome, where she explored Catholicism and Protestantism.  Then she traveled to Paris where she attended meditation classes of a Japanese Zen Master and then she went to Zurich where she studied teachings on yoga by Selva Raja Yesudian and Elisabeth Haich.  Her inner voice led her to India where she followed J Krishnamurti.  Fascinated by his teachings she arranges for her son to attend Krishnamurti's Rishi Valley School.  After following Krishnamurti for 4 years she lived in Sri Aurobindo ashram at Pondicherry and studied under the guidance of the Divine Mother.  After the death of the Divine Mother she made her next and the final stop at Prashanti Nilayam, the ashram of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.  Here she witnessed and experienced many astounding leelas (divine sports) and Teachings of Guruji which is the main theme of this book.  Some of the leelas of Sai Baba, though very subtle and humourous, helped raise the spiritual consciousness of the author.  Rodriguez presents the philosophy of Sai Baba in a way that a westerner can easily understand.  This is a great book if you want to initiate yourself or a friend to the Divine teachings of Sai Baba and begin your Spiritual Saadhana (practice) now!  The final phase of the book contains quotes from Sai Baba, which form the essence of His teachings.  Also at the end of the book there is a glossary of some of the Sanskrit words used by the author.  This is a suitable book for ages 13 and up.  Price: $15.95;US$11.20

STEPPING STONES BY LIGHTSTORM – Review by Vani Madgal
Stepping Stones describes the journey of a soul from body consciousness to the Divine Consciousness.  'Angel's journey is intertwined with stories of Sai Baba with Lightstorm (Johnima & Kalassu).  Their dramatic life and death experience with forest fire in Idaho, Kalassu's experience when she saw Sai Baba riding on His golden chariot during the Dasara festival in Prashanti Nilayam (Swami's Ashram) and their son's mysterious escape when his friend's boat exploded are stunning!  Besides these stories and more, the book offers in a series what is called a Stepping Stone practice in order to help us deal with anger, impatience and other negative emotions.  I absolutely loved reading this book!  It is very uplifting, thought provoking and gives us a deeper insight into our own quest for God.  This book is suitable for ages 14 and up.  Price: $8.50;US$5.95

A to Z Series – WISDOM OF SATHYA SAI Review by Sanjay Madgal
Back in kindergarten, you were taught that 'A' is for apple and 'B' is for banana.  Well, it's time to re-learn the English alphabet Dr. Aruna Nath's way.  'A' is for Abode of Peace (Prashanthi Nilayam), 'B' is for Bhagavan Baba, and 'C' is for Commandments of Sathya Sai.  What about the rest of the alphabet, you may ask.  That's for you to find out by reading this compact yet stimulating and thought-provoking book.  Dr. Nath has compiled this micropaedia with the aim of putting the wisdom of Baba, the Vedas and the Universe together in one place for easy reference.  The title 'A to Z' is a fitting metaphor that captures the all-encompassing nature of Baba's teachings within an entity that every one of us can relate to - the alphabet!
This book begins with a brief introduction to Sai Baba and the Vedas.  The large print, compact size and simple, easy-to-understand language make this book a must-have for all.  Price:  $5.00;CA$3.50
[Ed.Note: We also have A to Z Series – Prayers & Rituals from Around the Globe (Price:  $5.00;US$3.50), which will be reviewed in our next issue.]

MY DIVINE SAI BY KIRAN KAPUR – Review by Gopal Mehta
Sri Sathya Sai Baba's love and blessings to humanity has no physical boundaries.  Millions all over the world have experienced His infinite love and grace.  This book is a witness to the miracles of Divine love experienced by one such family.  It reveals the power and message of Sri Sathya Sai Baba whose mission is to bring love and peace and make us realize our true nature.  A retired army officer, his wife (the author) and their children have been visited by Baba in the form of vibhuti appearing all over the house.  Showers of vibhuti have appeared on the photographs of Baba, on His chair, on the floor and even on the personal photographs and watches of the family members.  There are ample photographs in the book to substantiate this.  They have been distributing this Divine vibhuti ever since and Baba continues to bless them with more.

The author, however, admits that the biggest miracle that happened to her is the transformation in her attitude to life.  She finds herself more relaxed and calm on day-to-day basis.  She gives full credit to Baba for her having developed the attitude of surrender to His will.  She now enjoys doing social service for the poor children in the community by helping them with their schoolwork.  She is also imparting Bal Vikas (Education in Human Values for children) to them to make a better and nobler future for them.  The author includes in the book Baba's message of love, strong faith and selfless service to the community.  She gives a detailed explanation on the significance of Baba's vibhuti.  This book will be of special interest to newcomers to Baba in understanding his Divinity and mission.  Price: $2.00;US$1.50.

ALONG THE NEW SILK ROAD BY MARK GRANT – Review by Gopal Mehta
The author Mark Grant, a Canadian, lived for about 31/2 years in Japan working as a teacher.  He has written about his travels to India in particular and then to U.K. and France.  He has written in this voluminous book of over 600 pages about the daily events of his travel and his visits to St. Thomas Church, palm leaf reader in Madras, Sri Sathya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi and finally to Mother Teresa in Calcutta.

The author visits Sri Sathya Sai Baba out of curiosity.  He admits to having doubts about Sri Sai Baba's divinity and could not accept the statement made by Baba that it was He (Father) who had sent Christ on earth.  The author stayed in Sai Baba's Prashanthi Nilayam for 3 days during Christmas celebration and expresses his disappointment for not getting direct personal attention and interview from Sai Baba.  However he writes about meeting and hearing from some other western devotees about their wonderful experiences of Sai Baba's love, compassion and divinity.  Although he admits himself as being very skeptical, he also writes about Sri Sai Baba's astral visit to him and the communication he received from Him while he was returning from Bangalore to Madras by train.  The author is finally convinced about Sri Sai Baba's divine powers and advises the readers not to go to Baba with too many expectations.  Sri Sathya Sai Baba said, "Deserve before you desire".  Being an Avatar, Baba knows what we need the most at both material and spiritual levels.

The author also narrates in detail about the events that took place between Jesus and St. Thomas in their later years while traveling to India.  Almost half of the book is about daily events that took place for himself while traveling to Japan, U.K. and France.  The book will not be of much help to serious spiritual seekers of truth.  Price:  $16.50;CA$11.50

Jai Sai Ram!

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