Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010715/spectrum/books.htm#4

 

More about Sai Trinity
Review by M.L. Sharma

The Sai Trinity
by Satya Pal Ruhela Tarang Paperbacks (Vikas Publishing House),
New Delhi. Pages 195+. Rs 110

THE Sai cult has been gaining momentum everyday despite many disparaging remarks about the sant in the media. This work is the revised and enlarged edition with a wealth of new information, by an authority who has several books to his credit.

The first Sai Baba, known as Shirdi Sai Baba revered as the holiest of the holies, to some even an avatar is responsible for uniting Hindus and Muslims and cementing their ties of mutual love and affection with his universal outlook, like that of Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur. He stayed for song (about 60 years) in a mosque known as Dwarkamai, where "aartis" and rituals were performed according to Hindu customs. This book brings to light many new facts and facets of the life of Shirdi Sai Baba and it has established the fact that Sai Baba was a Brahmin by birth. The Baba has also mentioned that he had served in the Army of Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi.

The book gives a profile of both Shirdi Sai Baba and Satya Sai Baba and gives information about the would -de Sai Baba, known as Prema Sai, besides their miracles, their gems of thought, their impact on the minds of people, details about the ashrams, temples, medical institutions, seats of learning, curricula, free education, etc. Embellished with attractive photographs, the book written in a racy style, provides food for the souls of spiritually inclined people.

Written in a balanced manner, neither flattering nor critical, the book makes an unbiased and sober attempt on the Sai cult and avoid a controversial approach without being defensive. As many as 165 books and other publications have appeared on Shirdi Baba, and about 400 books on Sri Satya Sai Baba. Some of the "words of wisdom" of both Sai Babas are:

Everything belongs to us for use. Nothing is for us to possess.

No one comes to without Rinanubandh (some previous bond of give and take). So when any dog, cat, pig, fly or person approaches you, do not drive it or him away with the words "hat, hat", "jit jit".

Humility is not towards all. Severity is necessary in dealing with the wicked.

Nobody should take the labour of others gratis. The worker should be paid his dues promptly and liberally.

You must always adhere to the truth and fulfil all the promises you make. Have Shraddhah (faith) and sabouri (patience). Then I will be with you wherever you are.

Greed and Brahman are poles apart (Shirdi Baba).

Love is God, live in love, truth is God, live in truth, bliss is God. Be fearless. God is with you.

Man is the embodiment of bliss. In spite of this he seeks bliss outside world... The divine has feet everywhere. (Satya Sai).

About educational facilities, the book informs that education from the first standard to post-graduate level is free of cost in Sai institutions. The last chapter relating to Prema Sai, the future incarnation of Sai Baba is of great interest as it records Satya Sai Baba’s devotees having seen him in dreams in the figure resembling Jesus Christ. He will be born in the 21st century in a Brahmin family in Bhardwaj gotra in Mysore state.

The unique chapter in the book is "Bibliographical Guide on Satya Sai Baba", compiled by Brian Steel, Giving a bird’s eyeview of the whole Satya Sai Baba literature and devotees experiences. Chapters like "Divine life of Satya Sai Baba", and "Recent developments in the Sai kingdom" give a biographical account of the Baba, his work in the educational field and in the spiritual uplift of youth, besides free medical help and information about the future plans and new additions at Prasanthi Nilayam. The book will inspire readers provide ample food for their spiritual quest and guide those who are eager to train youth on the lines of Satya Sai institutions.

The ABC’s of Chakra Therapy

by Deedre Diemer. Motilal Banarsi Dass, Delhi. Pages 178+VII, Rs 125.

Deeder Diemer, an American intuitive counsellor, speaker and seminar leader, has dealt with the system of Chakras in a systematic manner. Her work is a trend-setter as she uses all therapies, visualisation, sound, colour, aromatherapy, reflexology, gems and yoga and explains their working in a lucid style. Caroline Shola Arewa another expert on chakra, in her book, "Way of the Chakras" defines Chakras as the wheel of vibrating light that bring inner wisdom and knowledge. The seven Chakras viz. root chakra, spleen chakra, solar plexus chakra, heart chakra, throat chakra, third eye and crown chakra are the major centres in a human body that awaken us to the "wealth of spiritual, psychological and physical power."

Spread over three sections, the book includes chapters on how to use different therapies, seven main energy centres, where energy blocked, exercising chakras. These seven major chakras relate to the physical organs of human body and need to be balanced and aligned with each other. In the chapter, "Getting to know your chakras", she has provided information, about all the seven chakras. About the fourth, heart chakra, she writes in a poetic way, "The heart chakra! what a beautiful, beautiful chakra! The heart chakra is the centre of the entire chakra system. It is the bridge between the lower three physical and emotional centres. This is where the best of the both "worlds" integrate facilitating the healing and transformation of yourself and others".

In the chapter Basic skills for clearing your energy field, she has given several meditations and techniques for clearing energy fields and for self-protection. In the chapter, "Chakra therapies", she provides valuable information and procedures to practise various therapies. The effects of gemstones and the way in which they influence the physical, mental and emotional lives of people for the well-being are explained. The chapter "excercising your chakras" has described all exercises with illustrations. The author has given 110 items in the form of a questionnaire designed to locate which chakra needed particular attention.

The book is more in the nature of a practical workbook which guides through several therapies like visualisation, reflexology, yoga and gemstones to lead readers on a journey of self-healing and transformation through the exploration of the energy field. The details about the efficacy of gemstones in the treatment of physical problems is the most useful part in the book, which distinguished it from other works.