SAI-SATCHARITA
Shirdi Sai Baba's life story and miracles
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter X
Sai Baba's Mode of Life - His Sleeping - board - His Stay in Shirdi - His
Teachings - His Humility - The Easiest Path.
Remember Him (Sai Baba) always with love, for He was engrossed in doing
good to all, and always abided in His Self. To remember Him only is to
solve the riddle of life and death. This is the best and easiest of
Sadhanas, as it involves no expenditure. A little exertion here brings
great rewards. So as long as our senses are sound, we should, minute my
minute, practice this Sadhana. All other Gods are illusory ; Guru is the
only God. If we believe in Sad-guru's holy feet, he can change our fortune
for the better. If we serve Him nicely, we get rid of our Samsar. We need
not study any philosophy like the Nyaya and the Mimansa. If we make Him
our Helmsman, we can easily cross over the sea of all our pains and
sorrows. As we trust the helmsman in crossing rivers and seas, so we have
to trust our Sadguru in getting over the ocean of worldly existence. The
Sadguru looks to the intense feeling and devotion of his devotees, endows
them with knowledge and eternal bliss.
In the last chapter, Baba's mendicancy, and devotees' experiences and
other subjects are dealt with. Let the readers now hear, where and how
Baba lived, how He slept, and how He taught etc. >
Baba's Wonderful Bed-Stead
Let us first see where and how Baba slept, Mr. Nanasaheb Dengale brought,
for Sai Baba, a wooden plank, amount 4 cubits in length and only a span in
breath, for sleeping upon. Instead of keeping the plank on the floor and
then sleeping on it, Baba tied it like a swing to the rafters of the
Masjid with old shreds or rags and commenced to sleep upon it. The rags
were so thin and worn out that it was a problem how they could bear or
support even weight of the plank itself, let alone the weight of Baba. But
somehow or other-it was Baba's sheer Leela that the worn out rags did
sustain the plank, with the weight of Baba on it. On the four corners of
this plank, Baba lighted panatis (earthen lamps), one at each corner, and
kept them burning the whole night. It was a sight for the Gods to see Baba
sitting or sleeping on this plank! It was a wonder to all, how Baba got up
and down the plank. Out of curiosity, many careful observers kept watching
the process of mounting and dismounting, but none succeeded. As crowds
began to swell so to detect this wonderful feat, Baba one day broke the
plank into pieces and threw it away. Baba had all the eight Siddhis
(powers) at His command. He never practiced nor craved for them. They came
to Him naturally, as a result of His perfection.
Sagun Manifestation of Brahman
Though Sai Baba looked like a man, three cubits and a half in length,
still He dwelt in the hearts of all. Inwardly, he was unattached and
indifferent, but outwardly, He longed for public welfare. Inwardly most
disinterested, He looked outwardly full of desires, for the sake of His
devotees. Inwardly an abode of peace, he looked outwardly restless.
Inwardly He had the state of Brahman, outwardly He acted like a devil.
Inwardly He had the state of Brahman, outwardly he acted like a devil.
Inwardly He loved Adwaita (union or monism), outwardly He got entangled
with the world. Sometimes He looked on all with affection, and at times He
threw stones at them; sometimes He scolded them, while at times He
embraced them and was calm, composed, tolerant and well-balanced. He
always abided and was engrossed in the Self and was well-disposed towards
His Bhaktas. He always sat on one Asan and never travelled. His 'band' was
a small stick, which He always carried in His hand. He was calm, being
thought-free. He never cared for wealth and fame and lived on begging.
Such a life He led. He always uttered 'Allah Malik' (God the real owner).
Entire and unbroken was His love for the Bhaktas. He was the mine or
store-house for self-knowledge and full of Divine Bliss. Such was the
Divine Form of Sai Baba, boundless, endless and undifferentiated. One
principle which envelopes the whole universe, (from a stone pillar to
Brahma) incarnated in Sai Baba. The really meritorious and fortunate
people got this treasure-trove in their hands, while those people who not
knowing the real worth of Sai Baba took or take Him to be a man, a mere
human being, were and are indeed miserable.
His Stay in Shirdi and Probable Birth-date
None knew or knows the parents and exact birth-date of Sai Baba; but it
can be approximately determined by His stay in Shirdi. Baba first came to
Shirdi, when he was a young lad of sixteen and stayed there for three
years. Then all of a sudden He disappeared for some time. After some time,
He reappeared in the Nizam state near Aurangabad, and again came to Shirdi
with the marriage-party of Chand Patil, when He was twenty years old.
Since then, He stayed in Shirdi continuously for a period of sixty years,
after which Baba took His Maha-Samadhi in the year 1918. From this we can
say that the year of Baba's birth is approximately 1838 A.D.
Baba's Mission and Advice
Saint Ramadas (1608-1681) flourished in the 17th century, and fulfilled to
a great extent his mission of protecting cows and Brahmins against the
Yavanas (Mahomedans), but within two centuries after him, the split
between the two communities -- Hindus and Mahomedans widened again, and
Sai Baba came to bridge the gulf. His constant advice to all was to this
effect. "Rama (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the God of the
Mahomedans) were one and the same; there was not the slightest difference
between them; then why should their devotees and quarrel among themselves?
You ignorant folk, children, join hands and bring both the communities
together, act sanely and thus you will gain your object of national unity.
It is not good to dispute and argue. So don't argue, don't emulate others.
Always consider your interest and welfare. The Lord will protect you.
Yoga, sacrifice, penance, and knowledge are the means to attain God. If
you do not succeed in this by any means, vain is your birth. If any one
does any evil unto you, to do not retaliate. If you can do anything, do
some good unto other." This in short was Sai Baba's advice to all; and
this will stand in good stead both in material and spiritual matters.
Sai Baba as Sadguru
There are Gurus and Gurus. There are many so-called Gurus, who go about
from house to house with cymbals and veena in their hands, and make a show
of their spirtituality. They blow mantras into the ears of their disciples
and extract money from them. They profess to teach piety and religion to
their disciples, but are themselves impious and irreligious. Sai Baba
never thought of making the least show of His worth (piety).
Body-consciousness, He had none, but He had great love for the disciples.
There are two kinds of Gurus (1) 'Niyat' (appointed or fixed) and (2)
'Aniyat' unappointed or general). The latter by their advice develop the
good qualities in us, purify our hearts and set us on the path of
salvation; but contact with the former, dispels our quality (sense of
difference); and estalishes us in Unity by making us realize "Thou art
that". There are various Gurus imparting to us various kinds of wordly
knowledge, but he, who fixes us in our Nature (Self) and carries us beyond
the ocean of worldly existence, is the Sadguru. Sai Baba was such a
Sadguru. His greatness is undescribable. If anybody went to take His
darshana, he, without being asked, would give every detail of his past,
present and future life. He saw Divinity in all beings. Friends and foes
were alike to Him. Disinterested and equal-balanced, He obliged the
evil-doers. He was the same in prosperity and adversity. No doubt, ever
touched Him. Though He possessed the human body, He was not in the least
attached to His body or house. Though He looked embodied, He was really
disembodied, i.e., free in this every life.
Blessed are the people of Shirdi, who worshipped Sai as their God. While
eating, drinking, working in their backyards and fields and doing various
household works, they always remembered Sai and sang His glory. They knew
no other God except Sai. What to speak of the love, the sweetness of the
love, of the women of Shirdi! They were quite ignorant, but their pure
love inspired them to compose poems or songs in their simple rural
language. Letters or learning they had none, still one can discern real
poetry in their simple songs. It is not intelligence, but love, that
inspires real poetry as such. Real poetry is the manifestation of true
love; and this can be seen and appreciated by intelligent listeners.
Collection of these folk songs is desirable and Baba willing, some
fortunate devotee may undertake the task of collecting and publishing
these folk-songs, either in the Sai Leela magazine or separately in a
book-form.
Baba's Humility
Lord or Bhagwan is said to have six qualities, viz. (1) Fame, (2) Wealth,
(3) Non-attachment, (4) Knowledge, (5) Grandeur, and (6) Generosity. Baba
had all these in Him. He incarnated in flesh for the sake of the Bhaktas.
Wonderful was His grace and kindness! He drew the devotees to Him, or how
else one could have known Him! For the sake of His Bhaktas Baba spoke such
words, as the Goddness of Speech dare not utter. Here is a specimen. Baba
spoke very humbly as follows:- "Slave of slaves I am your debtor, I am
satisfied at your darshan. It is a great favour that I saw your feet. I am
an insect in your excreta. I consider Myself blessed thereby". What
humility is this? If anybody would think that by publishing this, any
disrespect is shown to Sai, we beg His pardon and to atone for this we
sing and chant Baba's name.
Though Baba seemed outwardly to enjoy sense-objects, he had not the least
flavour in them, nor even the consciousness of enjoying them. Though He
ate, he had no taste and though He saw, He never felt any interest in what
He saw. Regarding passion, He was as perfect a celibate as Hanuman. He was
not attached to anything. He was pure consciousness, the resting place of
desire, anger, and other feelings. In short, He was disinterested, free
and perfect. A striking instance may be citied in illustration of this
statement.
Nanavalli
There was in Shirdi, a very quaint and queer fellow, by name Nanavalli. He
looked to Baba's work and affairs. He once approached Baba who was seated
on His Gadi (seat) and asked Him to get up, as he wanted to occupy the
same. Baba at once got up and left the seat, which he occupied. After
sitting there awhile Nanavalli got up, and asked Baba to take His seat.
Then Baba sat on the seat and Nanavalli fell at His feet, and then went
away. Baba did not show the slightest displeasure in being dictated to and
ousted.
This Nanavalli loved Baba so much that he breathed his last, on the
thirteenth day of Baba's taking Maha-Samadhi. >
The Easiest Path
Hearing the stories of the Saints and Being in their Company:
Though Sai Baba acted outwardly like an ordinary man, His actions showed
extraordinary intelligence and skill. Whatever He did, was done for the
good of His devotees. He never prescribed any asan, regulation of
breathing or any rites to His Bhaktas, nor did He blow any mantra into
their ears. He told them to leave off all cleverness and always remember
"Sai" "Sai". "If you did that" He said, "all your shackles would be
removed and you would be free". Sitting between five fires, sacrifices,
chantings, eight-fold Yoga are possible for the Brahmins only. They are of
no use to the other classes. The function of the mind is to think, it
cannot remain for a minute without thinking. If you give it a
Sense-object, it will think about it. If you give it to a Guru, it will
think about Guru. You have heard most attentively the greatness, grandeur
of Sai. This is the natural remembrance, worship and Kirtan of Sai.
Hearing the stories of the Saints is not so difficult, as the other
Sadhanas mentioned above. They (stories) remove all fear of this Samsar
(worldly existence), and take you on to the spiritual path. So listen to
these stories, meditate on them, and assimilate them. If this is done, not
only the Brahmins, but women and lower clases will get pure and holy. You
may do or attend to your worldy duties, but give your mind to Sai and His
stories, and then, He is sure to bless you. This is the easiest path, but
why do not all take to it? The reason is that without God's grace, we do
not get the desire to listen to the stories of Saints. With God's grace
everything is smooth and easy. Hearing the stories of the Saints is, in a
way, keeping their company. The importance of the company of Saints is
very great. It removes our body-consciousness and egoism, destroys
completely the chain of our birth and death, cuts asunder all the knots of
the heart, and takes us to God, Who is pure Consciousness. It certainly
increases our non-attachment to sense-objects, and makes us quite
indifferent to pleasures and pains, and leads us on the spiritual path. If
you have no other Sadhana, such as uttering God's name, worship or
devotion etc., but if you take refuge in them (Saints) whole-heartedly,
they will carry you off safety across the ocean of wordly existence. It is
for this reason that the Saint manifest themselves in this world. even
sacred rivers such as the Ganges, Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri etc., which
wash away the sins of the world, desire that the Saints should come to
them, for a bath and purify them. Such is the grandeur of the Saints. It
is on account of the store of merit in past births that we have attained
the feet of Sai Baba. >
We conclude this chapter with meditation on Sai's Form. He, the beautiful
and handsome Sai, standing on the edge of the Masjid and distributing Udi
to each and every Bhakta, with a view to his welfare. He who thinks the
world as naught and Who is ever engrossed in Supreme Bliss -- before Him
-- we humbly prostrate ourselves.
Bow to Shri Sai -- Peace be to all Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter XI
Sai, as Sagun Brahman -- Dr. Pandit's Worship -- Haji Sidik Falke
--Control over the Elements>
Let us now, in this Chapter, describe the manifested (Sagun) Brahman Sai.
How He was worshipped and how He controlled the elements.
Sai as Sagun Brahman
There are two aspects of God or Brahman : (1) the Unmanifested (Nirgun)
and (2) the Manifested (Sagun). The Nirgun is formless, while the Sagun is
with form, though both denote the same Brahman. Some prefer to worship the
former, some the latter. As stated in the Gita (chapter XII) the worship
of the latter is easy and preferable. As man has got a form (body, senses,
etc.), it is natural and easy for him to worship the God with form. Our
love and devotion do not develop unless we worship Sagun Brahman for a
certain period of time, and as we advance; it leads us to the worship
(meditation) of Nirgun Brahman. So let us start with Sagun worship. Image,
altar, fire, light, sun, water, Brahman are the seven objects of worship,
but Sadguru is better than all these. Let us, on this occasion, bring to
our mind the form of Sai, Who was non-attachment Incarnate, and Who was a
resting-place for His whole-hearted devotees. Our faith in His words is
the seat of Asan; and our Sankalpa (determination to start and finish the
Puja) is the abandonment of all our desires. Some say that Sai was a
Bhagwad-bhakta (devotee of the Lord), others say He was a Maha-Bhagwat (a
great devotee), but to us He is God Incarnate. He was extremely forgiving,
never irritable, straight, soft, tolerant and content beyond comparison.
Though He looked embodied (as having the form), He was really
dis-embodied, emotionless, unattached and internally free. The Ganges on
its way to the sea, cools and refreshes the creatures affected with heat,
gives life to the crops and trees, and quenches the thirst of many.
Similarly Saints (Souls) like Sai, while they live their own life, give
solace and comfort to all. Lord Krishna has said that 'the Saint is My
soul, My living image, I am He or He is My pure form (Being).' This
in-describable Shakti or Power of God, known as Pure Existence, Knowledge
and Bliss, incarnated in the form of Sai in Shirdi. The Shruti (Taitiriya
Upanishad) describes Brahman as Bliss. This we read or hear daily in the
books, but the devout people experienced this Brahman or Bliss in Shirdi.
Baba, the support of all, required no prop or support (Asan) from anybody.
He always used a piece of sack-cloth for His seat, which was covered with
a small beautiful bed by His bhaktas and has a bolster placed by them, as
a rest to His back. Baba respected the feelings of His devotees and
allowed them to worship Him as they liked. Some waved Chamara or fans
before Him, some played on musical instruments, some washed His hands and
Feet, some others applied scent and chandan, some gave betel nut with
leaves and other things, and some others offered naivedya. Though He
looked like living in Shirdi, He was present everywhere. This
all-pervasiveness of His way daily experienced by His devotees. Our humble
prostration to this all-pervasive Sadguru.
Dr. Pandit's Worship
One Dr. Pandit, a friend of Tatyasaheb Noolkar, once came to Shirdi for
Baba's darshana. After saluting Baba, he stayed in the Masjid for some
time. Baba asked him to go to Dadabhat Kelkar. He went to Dadabhat, by
whom he was well received. Then Dababhat left his house for Puja and Dr.
Pandit accompanied him. Dadabhat worshipped Baba. Nobody until then dared
to apply sandal paste to Baba's forehead. Only Mhalsapati used to apply it
to His throat. But this simple-hearted devout, Dr. Pandit, took Dabadhat's
dish containing Puja-materials and taking sandal-paste out of it, drew a
Tripundra, i.e. there horizontal lines on Baba's forehead. To the surprise
of all, Baba kept silent without uttering a single word. Then Dababhat
that evening asked Baba, "How is it, that though You object to the
sandal-paste being applied by others to Your forehead, but You allowed Dr.
Pandit to do so now?" Baba replied that Dr. Pandit believed Him to be the
same as his Guru, Raghunath Maharaja of Dhopeshwar, known as Kaka Puranik,
and he applied the paste to His forehead, as he was doing to his Guru.
Hence He could not object. On enquiry, Dr. Pandit told Dadabhat that he
took Baba as his Guru Kaka Puranik, and hence he marked the Tripundra on
Baba's forehead, as he did on his Guru's head.
Though Baba allowed the devotees to worship Him as they pleased, still
sometimes, He acted in a strange way. Sometimes, He threw away the
Puja-dish and was wrath Incarnate, then who could approach Him? Sometimes,
He scolded the devotees, at times, He looked softer than wax, a statue of
peace and forgiveness. Though He seemed to shake with anger and His red
eyes rolled round and round, still, He was internally a stream of
affection and motherly love. Immediately, He called out His devotees and
said, that He ever angry with His devotees; that if mothers kicked their
children and if the sea turned back the rivers, He would neglect the
devotees' welfare: that He, the slave of His devotees, always stood by
them, and responded to them, whenever they called upon Him, and that He
always longed for their love.
Haji Sidik Falke
There was no knowing, when Baba would accept a devotee. That depended on
His sweet will. Sidik Falke's story is to the point. One Mahomedan
gentleman by name Sidik Falke of Kalyan, after making a pilgrimage to
Mecca and Madina, came to Shirdi. He lived in a Chavadi, facing north, and
sat in the open court-yard of the Masjid. For nine months, Baba ignored
him, and did not allow him to step into the Masjid. Falke felt much
disconsolate, and did not know what to do. Somebody advised him not to be
disappointed; but to try to approach Baba through Shama (Madhavarao
Deshpande), a close and intimate devotee of Baba. He told him that as they
approach the God Shiva through his servant and devotee, Nandi, so Baba
should be approached through Shama. Falke liked the idea and implored
Shama to intercede for him. Shama agreed and on a convenient occasion
spoke to Baba about him thus:- "Baba, why don't You allow the old Haji to
step into the Masjid, while so many persons freely come and go, after
taking Your darshan; why not bless him once?" Baba replied "Shama, you are
too young to understand things. If the Fakir (Allah) does not allow, what
can I do? Without His grace, who will climb into the masjid? Well, go to
him and ask him whether he will come to the narrow footpath near the Barvi
well." Shama went and returned with an affirmative answer. Again Baba said
to Shama,"Ask him whether he is willing to pay me the sum of Rs. 40,000/-
in four instalments." Shama went and returned with the answer that he was
willing to pay even 40 lacs. Again Baba said to Shama- "We are going to
butcher a goat in the Masjid, so ask him, whether he would like to have
mutton, haunch or testicles of the goat." Shama returned with the answer
that the Haji would be happy to receive a small crumb from Baba's kolamba
(mudpot). Hearing this Baba got excited and with His hands threw away the
earthen jars and kolamba and straightway advanced to the Haji and lifting
His Kafni up with His hands said - "Why do you brag and fancy yourself
great and pose yourself as an old Haji? Do you read Koran like this? You
are proud of your pilgrimage to Macca, but you do not know Me." Being thus
scolded, the Haji was confounded. Baba then went back to the Masjid,
purchased a few baskets of mangoes and sent them to the Haji. Then again
Baba went to the Haji and taking out Rs.55/- from His pocket, gave them to
the Haji. From that time, Baba loved the Haji, invited him for meals and
the Haji, thereafter, came into the Masjid whenever he liked. Baba gave
him at times some rupees, and thus the Haji was enlisted in Baba's Darbar.
Baba's Control over the Elements
We shall close this Chapter after describing two incidents showing Baba's
control over the elements. (1) Once at evening time, there was a terrible
storm at Shirdi. The sky was overcast with thick black clouds. The winds
began to blow forcibly; the clouds roared and the lighting began to flash,
and the rains began to descend in torrents. In a short time, the whole
place was flooded with water, All the creatures, birds, beasts and men got
terribly frightened; and they all flocked to the Masjid for shelter. There
are many local deities in Shirdi, but none of them came to their help. So
they all prayed to Baba - their God, Who was fond of their devotion, to
intercede and quell the storm. Baba was much moved. He came out and
standing at the edge of the Masjid, addressed the storm in a loud and
thunderous voice - "Stop, stop your fury and the calm." In a few minutes
the rains subsided, the winds ceased to blow, and the storm came to a
stop. Then the moon rose in the sky, and the people then went back home
well-pleased, (2) On another occasion at noon the fire in the Dhuni began
to burn brightly, its flames were seen to be reaching the rafters above.
The people who were sitting in the Masjid did not know what to do. They
dared not to ask Baba to pour water or do anything to quench the flames.
But Baba soon came to realize, what was happening. He took up His Satka
(short stick) and dashed it against a pillar in front, saying - "Get down,
Be calm." At each stroke of the Satka, the flames began to lower and slow
down; and in a few minutes the Dhuni became calm and normal.
This is our Sai, an Incarnation of God. He will bless any man who will
prostrate and surrender himself to Him. He, who will read the stories of
this Chapter daily with faith and devotion, will soon be free from all
calamities; not only this, but always attached and devoted to Sai, he will
get very soon God-vision: all his desires will be fulfilled and being
ultimately desireless, he will attain the Supreme. Amen!
Bow to Shri Sai -- Peace be to all
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter XII
Sai Leelas - Experience of (1) Kaka Mahajani - (2) Dhumal Pleader - (3)
Mrs. Nimonkar - (4) Moolay Shastri - (5) A Doctor
Now let us see in this Chapter how devotees were received and treated by
Baba.
Saints' Mission
We have seen before, that the purpose or object of Divine Incarnation is
to protect the good and destory the wicked. But the mission of the Saints
is quite different. To them the good and the wicked are the same. First
they feel for the evil-doers and set them on the right path. They are like
the Agasti to destroy the Bhava-sagar (the ocean of wordly existence) or
like the Sun to the darkness of ignorance. The Lord (God) dwells in the
Saints. In fact they are not different from Him. Our Sai is One of these,
Who incarnated for the welfare of the devotees, Supreme in knowledge and
surrounded with divine lustre, He loved all beings equally. He was
unattached. Foes and friends, kings and paupers, were the same to Him.
Hear His powers. For the sake of devotees, He spent His stock of merits
and was ever alert to help them. But the devotees could never approach
HIm, unless He meant to receive them. If their turn did not come, Baba did
not remember them, and His Leelas could not reach their ears. Then, how
could they think of seeing Him? some men desired to see Sai Baba's but
they did not get any opportunity of taking His darshan, till His
Mahasamadhi. There are many such persons, whose desire for Baba's darshan
was not thus satisfied. If these persons, believing in Him, listen to His
Leelas, their quest for milk (darshan) will be, to a great extent,
satisfied by the butter-milk (Leelas). If some persons went there by sheer
luck and took Baba's darshan, were they able to stay there longer? No.
Nobody could go there of his own accord, and nobody culd stay there long
even if he so wished. They could stay there, so long as Baba permitted
them to stay, and had to leave the place when asked to do so by Baba; so
everything depended of Baba's will.
Kala Mahajani
Once, Kaka Mahajani went to Shirdi from Bombay. He wanted to stay there
for one week, and enjoy the Gokul-Ashtami festival. As soon as he took
Baba's darshan, Baba asked him - "When are you returning home?" He was
rather surprised at this question, but he had to given an answer. He said
that he would go home when Baba ordered him to do so. Then Baba said - "Go
to-morrow". Baba's word was law and had to be obeyed. Kaka Mahajani,
therefore, left Shirdi, immediately. When he went to his office in Bombay,
he found that his employer was anxiously waiting for him. His munim, i.e.,
the manager, suddenly fell ill, hence Kaka's presence was absolutely
necessary. He had sent a letter to Kaka at Shirdi, which was redirected to
him at Bombay.
Bhausaheb Dhumal
Now listen to an opposite story. Once Bhausaheb Dhumal, a pleader, was
going to Niphad for a case. On the way he came to Shirdi, took Baba's
darshan and wanted to proceed to Niphad immediately. But, Baba did not
premit him to do so. He made him stay at shirdi, for a week or more. In
the meanwhile, the magistrate at Niphad suffered intensely from pain in
his abdomen, and the case was adjourned. Mr. Dhumal was then allowed to go
and attend to his case. It went on for some months and was tried by four
magistrates. Ultimately Mr. Dhumal won the case, and his client was
acquitted.
Mrs. Nimonkar
Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar, Watandar of Nomon and Honorary Magistrate, was
staying at Shirdi with his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Nimonkar were spending most
of their time in the Masjid with Baba and serving Him. It so happened,
that their son fell ill at Belapur and the mother decided, with Baba's
consent, to go to Belapur, and see her son and other relatives; and stay
there for a few days, but Mr. Nanasaheb asked her to return the next day.
The lady was in a fix and did not know what to do; but her God Sai came to
her help. While leaving Shirdi she went to Baba, who was standing in front
of Sathe's wada with Mr. Nanasaheb and others, and prostrated at His Feet
and asked His permission to go. Baba said to her, "Go, go quickly, be calm
and unperturbed. Stay comfortably at Belapur for four days. See all your
relatives and then return to Shirdi." How opportune were Baba's words! Mr.
Nanasaheb's proposal was overruled by Baba's decree.
Moolay Shastri of Nasik
An orthodox Agnihotri Brahmin of Nasik, by name moolay Shastri, who had
studied the six Shastras and was well-versed in astrology and palmistry,
once came to Shirdi to see Mr. Bapusaheb Booty, the famous millionarire of
Nagpur. After seeing him, he and others went to see Baba in the Masjid.
Baba bought various fruits and other things from vendors with His own
money, and distributed them to the persons present in the Masjid. Baba
used to press the mango on all sides so skilfully that when any person
received it from Baba and sucked it, he got all the pulp at once in his
mouth and could throw away the stone and the skin forthwith. Plantains
were peeled off by Baba and the kernel was distributed to the devotees,
while the skins were retained by Baba for Himself. Moolay Shastri, as a
palmist, wanted to examine Baba's hand or plam and requested Him to extend
the same. Baba ignored his request and gave four plantains to him. Then,
they all returned to the Wada and Moolay Shastri bathed, wore sacred
clothes, and started his routine duties, viz. Agnihotra etc. Then Baba as
usual started for Lendi and said - "Take some Geru (i.e. a red miry
substance, to dye clothes in saffron-colour), we shall today don
saffron-coloured cloth. None understood what Baba meant. Then after some
time when Baba returned, and preparations for the noon-Arati were being
made. Bapusaheb Jog asked Moolay Shastri, whether he would accompany him
for the Arti. He replied that he would see Baba in the afternoon. Very
soon Baba sat on his seat, was worshipped by the devotees and Arti
commenced. Then Baba said - "Get some Dakshina from the new (Nasik)
Brahmin." Booty himself went to get the Dakshina; and when he gave Baba's
message to Moolay Shastri, he was sorely perplexed. He thought in his mind
thus: "I am a pure Agnihotri Brahmin, why should I pay Dakshina? Baba may
be a great Saint. I am not His dependent." But as a great Saint like Sai
Baba was asking for Dakshina through a millionaire like Booty, he could
not refuse. So leaving his routine unfinished, he forthwith started with
Booty to the Masjid. Thinking himself holy and sacred, and the Masjid
otherwise, he remained at a distance, and joining his hands threw flowers
at Baba. Then lo! all of a sudden, he saw no Baba on the seat, but saw his
late Guru Gholap Swami there. He was wonder-struck. Could this be a dream?
No, it was not, as he was wide awake; but though awake, how could his late
Guru Gholap be there? He was speechless for some time. He pinched himself
and thought again, but could not reconcile the fact of his late Guru
Gholap being in the Masjid. Ultimately, leaving all doubt, he went up,
fell at his Guru's feet and then getting up stood there with folded hands.
Other people sang Baba's Arati, while Moolay Shastri chanted his Guru's
name. Then casting off all pride of caste and ideas about sacredness, he
fell flat at his Guru's feet and closed his eyes. When he got up and
opened his eyes, he saw Baba asking for Dakshina. Seeing Baba's blissful
form, and His inconceivable power, Moolay Shastri forgot himself. He was
extremely pleased, his eyes were full of tears of joy. He again saluted
Baba and gave the Dakshina. He said that his doubt was removed and that he
saw his own Guru. On seeing his wonderful Leela of Baba all the people,
including Moolay Shastri, were much moved, and they realized the meaning
of Baba's words, "Bring Geru, we shall don saffron-coloured garment." Such
is the wonderful Leela of Baba.
A Doctor
Once a Mamlatdar came to Shirdi with a doctor friend of his. The Doctor
said that his Deity was Rama and that he would not bow before a Mahomedan,
and so, he was unwilling to go to Shirdi. The Mamlatdar replied, that
nobody would press him to make a bow, nor would ask him to do so. So he
should come and give the pleasure of his company. Accordingly, they came
to Shirdi, and went to the Masjid for Baba's darshan. All were
wonder-struck to see the Doctor going ahead and saluting Baba. They asked
him how he forgot his resolve and bowed before a Mussalman. Then the
Doctor replied that he saw his beloved Deity, Rama, on the seat and he,
therefore prostrated himself before Him. Then as he was saying this, he
saw Sai Baba there again. Being dismayed, he said, "Is this a dream? How
could He be a Mahomedan? He is a great Yogasampanna (full of Yoga)
Avatar."
Next day, he made a vow and began to fast. He absented himself from the
Masjid, resolving not to go there, until Baba blessed him. Three days
passed and on the fourth day, a close friend of his from Khandesh, turned
up, and with him, he went to the Masjid for Baba's darshan. After the
salutation, Baba asked him, whether anybody had gone to call him, so that
he had come. Hearing this vital question, the doctor was moved. The same
night he was blessed by Baba, and he experienced the Bliss supreme, in his
sleep. Then he left for his town, where the experienced the same state of
a fortnight. Thus his devotion to Sai Baba increased manifold.
The moral of all the stories mentioned above, specially, that of Moolay
Shastri, is this that we should have firm faith in our Guru and nowhere
else.
More Leelas of Sai Baba will be described in the next Chapter.
Bow to Shri Sai -- Peace be to all
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter XIII
More Sai Leelas - Diseases Cured - (1) bhimaji Patil - (2) Bala Shimpi -
(3) Bapusaheb Booty - (4) Alandi Swami - (5) Kaka Mahajani - (6) Dastopant
of Harda.
The Inscrutable Power of Maya
Baba's words were always short, pithy, deep, full of meaning, efficient
and well-balanced. He was ever content and never cared for anything. He
said, "Though I have become a Fakir, have no house or wife, and though
leaving off all cares, I have stayed at one place, the inevitable Maya
teases Me often. Though I forgot Myself I cannot forget Her. She always
envelops Me.This Maya (illusive power) of the Lord (Shri Hari) teases God
Brahma and others; then what to speak of a poor Fakir like Me? Those who
take refuge in the Lord wil be freed from Her clutches with his grace".
In such terms Baba spoke about the power of Maya. Lord Shri Krishna has
said to Uddhava in the Bhagwat that the Saints are His living forms; and
see what Baba had said for the welfare of His devotees: "Those who are
fortunate and whose demerits have vanished; take to My worship. If you
always say 'Sai, Sai' I shall take you over the seven seas; believe in
these words, and you will be certainly benefited. I do not need any
paraphernalia of worship - either eight-fold or sixteen-fold. I rest there
where there is full devotion". Now read what Sai, the friend of those, who
surrendered themselves to Him, did for their welfare.
Bhimaji Patil
One Bhimaji Patil of Narayanagaon, Taluka Junnar, Dist. Poona, suffered in
the year 1909 A.D. from a severe and chronic chest-disease which
ultimately developed into Tuberculosis. He tried all sorts of pathos
(remedies), but to no effect. Losing all hopes, he ultimately prayed to
God - Oh Lord Narayana, help me now . It is a well known fact that, when
our circumstances are well off, we do not remember God, but when
calamities and adversities overtake us, we are reminded of Him, So Bhimaji
now turned to God. It occurred to him that he should consult Mr. Nanasaheb
Chandorkar, a great devotee of Baba, in this respect. So he wrote to him a
letter, giving all details of his malady, and asking for his opinion. In
reply, Mr. Nanasaheb wrote to him that there was only one remedy left, and
that was to have recourse to Baba's Feet. Relying on Mr. Nanasaheb's
advice, he made preparations for going to Shirdi. He was brought to Shirdi
and taken to the Masjid, and placed before Baba. Mr. Nanasaheb and Shama
(Madhavrao Deshpande) were then present. Baba pointed out that the disease
was due to the previous evil karma, and was not at first disposed to
interfere. But the patient cried out in despair that he was helpless, and
sought refuge in Him, as He was his last hope, and prayed for mercy. Then
Baba's heart melted an He said, "Stay, cast off your anxiety, your
sufferings have come to an end. However, oppressed and troubled one may be
as soon as he steps into the Masjid, he is on the pathway to happiness.
The Fakir here is very kind and He will cure the disease, and protect all
with love and kindness." The patient vomitted blood every five minutes,
but there wa no vomiting in the presence of Baba. From the time, Baba
uttered the words of hope and mercy, the malady took a favourable turn.
Baba asked him to stay in Bhimabai's house, which was not a convenient and
healthy place, but Baba's order had to be obeyed. While he was staying
there, Baba cured him by two dreams. In the first dream, he saw himself as
a boy suffering the severe pain of a flogging, which he received for not
reciting his 'Swami-poetry' lesson before his class-master. In the second
dream, some one caused him intense pain, and torture, by rolling a stone
up and down over his chest. With the pain thus suffered in dream, his cure
was complete, and he went home. He then often came to Shirdi, gratefully
remembering what Baba did for him, and prostrated before Him. Baba also
did not expect anything from devotees, but grateful remembrance,
unchanging faith and devotion. People in the Maharashtra, always celebrate
Satya-Narayana Puja in their homes every fortnight or month. But it was
this Bhimaji Patil, who started a new Sai Satya-vrata Puja, instead of
Satya-Narayana-vrata Puja, in his house, when he returned to his village.
Bala Ganpat Shimpi
Another devotee of Baba by name Bala Ganapat Shimpi, suffered much from a
malignant type of Malaria. he tried all sorts of medicines and decoctions,
but in vain. The fever did not abate a jot and so he ran to Shirdi and
fell on Baba's Feet. Baba gave him a strage recipe, in this case as
follows:- "Give a black dog some morsels of rice mixed with curds in front
of the Laxmi temple". Bala Shimpi did not know, how to execute this
recipe; but no sonner he went home, then he found rice and curds. After
mixing them together, he brought the mixture near the Laxmi temple, when
he found the a black dog waving its tail. He placed the curds and rice
before the dog. The dog ate it and, strange to say, Bala got rid of his
Malaria.
Bapusaheb Booty
Shriman Bapusaheb Booty suffered, once from dysentery and vomitting. His
cupboard was full of patent drugs and medicines, but none of them had any
effect. Bapusaheb got very weak, on account of purgings and vomittings
and, therefore, was not able to go to the Masjid for Baba's darshana. Baba
then sent for him and made him sit before Him and said, "Now take care,
you should not purge any more" and waving His index-finger "The vomiting
must also stop". Now look at the force of Baba's words. Both the maladies
took to their heels (disappeared) and Booty felt well.
On another occasion he had an attack of Cholera, and suffered from severe
thirst. Dr. Pillai tried all sorts of remedies but could give him no
relief. Then he went to Baba and consulted Him as what to drink that would
allay his thirst and cure the disease. Baba prescribed an infusion of
almonds, walnuts, pistachio (a kind of dry fruit), boiled in sugared milk.
This would be considered, as a fatal aggravation of the disease by any
other doctor or physician, but in implicit obedience to Baba's order, the
infusion was administered and strange to say, the disease was cured.
Alandi Swami
A Swami from Alandi, wishing to take Baba's darshana, came to Shirdi. He
suffered form a severe pain in his ear, which prevented him from getting
the sleep. He was operated for this, but it served no purpose. The pain
was severe and he did not know what to do. While he was returning, he came
to take Baba's leave, when Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande) requested Baba to
do something for the pain in the Swami's ear. Baba comforted him saying,
"Alla Accha Karega (God will do good)." The Swami then returned to Poona,
and after a week sent a letter to Shirdi, stating that the pain in his ear
had subsided though the swelling was there, and in order to get the
swelling removed, he went to Bombay for operation, but the surgeon on
examining the ear said that no operation was then necessary. Such was the
wonderful effect of Baba's words.
Kaka Mahajani
Another devotee named Kaka Mahajani suffered once from diarrhea. In order
that there should be no break in his services to Baba, Kaka kept a tambya
(pot) with water in some corner of the Masjid and whenever there was a
call, he would go out. As Sai Baba knew everything, Kaka did not inform
Him of his disease, thinking that Baba would of His own cure it soon. The
work of constructing the pavement in front of the Masjid was permitted by
Baba, but when the actual work was begun, Baba got wild and shouted out
loudly. Everybody ran away, and as Kaka was also doing the same, Baba
caught hold of him and made him sit there. In the confusion that followed,
somebody left the a small bag of groundnuts. Baba took a handful of
groundnuts, rubbed them in His hands, blew away the skins, and gave the
clean nuts to Kaka and made him eat them. Scolding and cleaning the nuts,
and making Kaka eat them, went on similtaneously. Baba Himself ate some of
them. Then, when the bag was finished, Baba asked him to fetch water as He
felt thirsty. Kaka brought a pitcher full of water. Then Baba drank some
water and made Kaka also drink it. Baba then said, "Now your diarrhea has
stopped, and you may attend to the work of the pavement." In the meanwhile
other persons, who had run away, returned and started the work; and Kaka,
whose motions had stopped, also joined them. Are groundnuts medicine for
diarrhea? According to current medical opinion, groundnuts would aggravate
the disease, and not cure it. The true medicine, in this as in other
cases, was Baba's word.
Dattopant of Harda
A gentleman from Harda by name Dattopant suffered form stomach-ache for
fourteen yeas. None of the remedies gave him any relief. Then hearing of
Baba's fame, that He cures diseases by sight he ran to Shirdi, and fell at
Baba's Feet. Baba looked at him kindly and gave him blessings. When Baba
placed His hand on his head, and when he got Baba's Udi with blessing, he
felt relieved and there was no further trouble about the malady.
Towards the end ot his Chapter three cases are cited in footnotes:
1. Madhavrao Deshpande suffered from Piles. Baba gave him decoction of
Sonamukhi (senna pods). This relieved him. Then after two years the
trouble again recurred and Mahdavrao took the same decoction without
consulting Baba. The result was that the disease aggravated but later on
it was cured by Baba's grace.
2. Kaka Mahajani's elder brother, Gangadharpant, suffered for many years
from stomach-pain. Hearing Baba's fame he came to Shirdi and requested
Baba to cure him. Baba touched his belly and said, "God will cure". From
that time there was no stomach-pain and he was completely cured.
3. Nanasaheb Chandorkar also once suffered from intense stomach-pain; he
was restless the whole day and night. Doctors administered syringes which
produced no effect. Then he approached Baba, who told him to eat Burfi (a
kind of sweetmeat) mixed with ghee. This recipe gave him complete relief.
All these stories go to show, that the real medicine that cured the
various diseases permanently was Baba's word, and grace, and not any
medicines or drugs.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter XIV
Ruttonji Wadia of Nanded - Saint Moulisaheb - Dakshina Mimansa.
In the last Chapter, we described how Baba's word and grace cured many
incurable diseases. Now, we shall describe, how Baba blessed Mr. Ruttonji
Wadia with an issue.
The life of this Saint is naturally sweet in and out. His various doings,
eating, walking and His natural sayings are also sweet. His life is Bliss
incarnate. Sai gave it out as a means of His devotee's remembrance to Him.
He gave them various stories of duty and action, which ultimately led them
to true religion. His object may be that people should live happily in
this world, but they should be ever cautious and gain the object of their
life, viz. self-realization. We get human body as a result of merits in
past births and it is worth-while that with its aid, we should attain
devotion and liberation in this life. So we should never be lazy, but
always be on the alert to gain our end and aim of life.
If you daily hear the Leelas (stories) of Sai, you will always see Him.
Day and night you will remember Him in your mind, When you assimilate Sai
in this way, your mind will lose its fickleness and if you go on in this
manner, it will finally be merged in pure Consciousness.
Ruttonji of Nanded :
Now let us come to the main story of this Chapter. In Nanded, in the Nizam
state, there lived a Parsi mill-contractor and trader, by name Ruttonji
Shapurji Wadia. He had amassed a large amount of money and had acquired
fields and lands. He had got cattle, horses and conveyances and was very
prosperous. To all outward appearances he looked very happy and contented,
but inwardly, and really he was not so. Providential dispensation is such,
that no one in this world is completely happy and rich; Ruttonji was no
exception to this. He was liberal and charitable, gave food and clothing
to the poor and helped all in various ways. The people took him to be a
good and happy man, but Ruttonji thought himself miserable as he had no
issue, male or female, for a long time. As Kirtan (singing glories of the
Lord) without love or devotion, music of singing without rhythmical
accompaniments, Brahmin without the sacred thread, proficiency in all arts
without commonsense, pilgrimage without repentance and ornamentation
without a necklace, are ugly and useless, so is the house of a man or
house-holder without a male issue. Ruttonji always brooded on this matter
and said in his mind, "Would God be ever pleased to grant me a son?" He
thus looked morose, had no relish for his food. Day and night, he was
enveloped with anxiety whether he would ever be blessed with a son. He had
a great regard for Dasganu Mahajat. He saw him and opened his heart before
him. Dasganu advised him to go to Shirdi, take Baba's darshan, fall at His
Feet and seek His blessing and pray for issue. Ruttonji liked the idea,
and decided to go to Shirdi. After some days he went to Shirdi, took
Baba's darshana and fell at His Feet. Then opening a basket, he took out a
beautiful garland of flowers and placed it around Baba's neck and offered
Him a basket of fruits. With great respect he then sat near Baba, and
prayed to Him saying- "Many persons who find themselves in difficult
situations come to You, and You relieve them immediately. Hearting this, I
have sought anxiously Your Feet; please, therefore, do not disappoint me."
Sai Baba then asked him for Daksbina of Rs. five which Ruttonji intended
to give, but added, that He has already received Rs. 3-14-0 from him, and
that he should pay the balance only. Hearing this, Ruttonji was rather
puzzled. he could not make out what Baba meant. That was the first time,
he thought, that he went to Shirdi and how was it that Baba said that He
had formerly got Rs. 3-14-0 from him? He cold not solve the riddle. But he
sat at Baba's Feet and gave the balance of the Dakshina asked for,
explained to Baba fully, as to why he came and sought His help, and prayed
that Baba should bless him with a son. Baba was moved and told him not to
be worried, and that that time his bad days had ended. He then gave him
Udi, placed His hand on his head and blessed him saying that Allah (God)
would satisfy his heart's desire.
Then after taking Baba's leave, Ruttonji returned to Nanded and told
Dasganu everything that took place at Shirdi, He said that everything went
on well there, that he got Baba's darshan and blessing with Prasad, but
there was one thing which he could not understand. Baba said to him that
he had got Rs.3-14-0 before. Please explain as to what Baba meant by this
remark. He said to Dasganu, "I never went to Shirdi before, and how cold I
give Him the sum to which Baba referred?" To Dasganu also, it was a
puzzle, and he pondered much over it for a long time. Some time afterwards
it struck him that Ruttonji had received some days ago a Mahomedan Saint,
by name Moulisaheb, in his house and had spent some money for his
reception. This Moulisaheb was coolie-saint wellknown to the people of
Nanded. When Ruttonji decided to go the Shirdi, this Molisaheb
accidentally came to Ruttonji's house. Ruttonji knew him and loved him. So
he gave a small party in his honour. Dasganu got from Ruttonji the yadi or
memo of expenses of this reception, and everybody was wonderstruck to see,
that the expenses amounted to exactly Rs.3-14-0, nothing more, nothing
less. They all came to know, that Baba was omniscient, that thought He
lived in Shirdi, He knew what happened outside far away from Shirdi. In
fact He knew the past, present and future, and could identify Himself
heart and soul with anybody. In this particular instance how could He know
the reception given to Moulisaheb, and the amount spent therefore, unless
He could identify Himself with him, and be One with him?
Ruttonji was satisfied with this explanation and his faith in Baba was
confirmed and increased. In due time afterwards, he was blessed with a son
and his joy knew no bounds. It is said that he had in all a dozen (12)
issues out of which only four survived.
In a foot-note towards the end of this Chapter,it is stated that Baba told
Rao Bahadur Hari Vinayak Sathe, after the death of his first wife, to
remarry and that he would get a son. R.B. Sathe married second time. The
first two issues by this wife were daughters and he, therefore, felt very
despondent. But the third issue was a son. Baba's word did turn out true
and he was satisfied.
Dakshina - Mimansa
Now we shall close this Chapter with a few remarks about Dakshina. It is a
well-known fact that Baba always asked for Dakshina from people who went
to see Him. Somebody may ask a question, "If Baba was a Fakir and
perfectly non-attached, why should he ask for Dakshina and care for
money?" We shall consider this question broadly now.
First for a long time, Baba did not accept anything. He stored burnt
matches and filled His pocket with them. He never asked anything from
anybody--whether he be a devotee or otherwise. If anybody placed before
Him a pice or two, He purchased oil or tobacco. He was fond of tobacco,
for He always smoked a bidi or Chilim (an earthen pipe). Then some persons
thought that they could not see the Saints empty-handed, and they,
therefore, placed some copper coins before Baba. If a pice was placed
before Him. He used to pocket it; if it was a two pice coin, it was
returned immediately. Then after Baba's fame had spread far and wide,
people began to flock in numbers; and Baba began to ask Dakshina from
them. It is said in the Shruti (veda) that Puja of the Gods is not
complete, unless a golden coin was offered. If a coin was necessary in the
Puja of the Gods, why should it be not so in the Puja of the Saints also?
Ultimately, the Shastras laid it down that, when one goes to see God,
King, Saint or Guru, he should not go empty-handed. He should offer
something, preferably coin or money. In this connection we may notice the
precepts recommended by the Upanishads. The Brihadaranyak Upanishad says
that the Lord Prajapati advised the Gods, men and demons by one letter
"Da". The Gods understood by this letter that they should practice (1)
"Dama" i.e. self-control; the men thought or understood that they should
practice (2) "Dana" i.e. charity; the demons understood that they should
practice (3) "Daya" i.e. compassion. To men Charity or giving was
recommended. The teacher in the Taittiriya Upanishad exhorts his pupils to
practise charity and other virtues. Regarding charity he says, "Give with
faith, give with magnanimity, i.e. liberally, give with modesty, with awe
and with sympathy. In order to teach the devotees the lesson of charity
and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds,
Baba extracted Dakshina from them; but there was this peculiarity, as Baba
said, that He had to give back hundred times more of what He received.
There are many instances, in which this has happened. To quote an
instance, Mr. Ganpatrao Bodas, the famous actor, says in his Marathi
autobiography, that on Baba's pressing him often and often for Dakshina,
he emptied his money-bag before Him. The result of this was, as Mr. Bodas
says, that in later life he never lacked money, as it came to him
abundantly.
There were also secondary meanings of Dakshina, in many cases, in which
Baba did not want any pecuniary amount. To quote two instances - (1) Baba
asked Rs.15/- as Dakshina from Pro. G.G.Narke, who replied that he did not
have even a pie. Then Baba said, "I know you have no money; but you are
reading Yoga-Vashistha. Give Me Dakshina from that." Giving Dakshina in
this case meant - `Deriving lessons from the book and lodging them in the
heart where Baba resides'. (2) In the second case Baba asked a certain
lady (Mrs. R. A. Tarkhad) to give Rs.6/- as Dakshina. The lady felt
pained, as she had nothing to give. Then her husband explained to her that
Baba wanted six inner enemies (lust, anger, avarice etc.) to be
surrendered to Him. Baba agreed with this explanation.
It is to be noted, that though Baba collected a lot of money by Dakshina,
He would distribute the whole amount the same day, and the next morning He
would become a poor Fakir as usual. When Baba took His Mahasamadhi, after
receiving thousands and thousands of Rupees as Dakshina for about ten
years, He had only a few Rupees in His possession.
In short, Baba's main object in taking Dakshina, from His devotees was to
teach them the lessons of Renunciation and Purification.
Post-script
Mr. B. V. Deo of Thana, retired Mamlatdar, and a great devotee of Baba,
has written an article on this subject (Dakshina) in "Shri Sai Leela"
magazine, Vol.VII, P.6-26, in which he says amongst other things, as
follows:-
"Baba did not ask Dakshina from all. If some gave Dakshina without being
asked, He sometimes accepted it; and at other times He refused it. He
asked it from certain devotees only. He never demanded it, from those
devotees, who thought in their minds that Baba should ask them for it, and
then they should pay it. If anybody offered it against His wish, He never
touched it, and if he kept it there, He asked him to take it away. He
asked for small or big amounts from devotees, according to their wish,
devotion and convenience. He asked it, even from women and children. He
never asked all the rich for it, nor from all the poor."
"Baba never got angry with those from whom He asked Dakshina, and who did
not give it. If any Dakshina was sent, through some friend, who forgot to
hand over the same to Baba, He reminded him somehow of it and made him pay
it. On some occasons, Baba used to return some sum from the amount
tendered as Dakshina, and ask the donor to guard it or keep it in his
shrine for worship. This procedure benefited the donor or devotee
immensely. If anybody offered more than he originally intended to give, He
returned the extra amount. Sometimes, He asked more Dakshina from some,
than what they originally intended to give and, if they had no money,
asked them to get or borrow from others. From some, He demanded Dakshina
three or four times a day."
"Out of the amount collected as Dakshina, Baba spent very little for His
own sake, viz., for buying Chilim (clay pipe) and fuel for His Dhuni
(sacred fire), and all the rest, He distributed as charity in varying
proportions to various persons. All the paraphenalia of the Shirdi
Sansthan was brought, by various rich devotees at the instance and
suggestion of Radha-Krishna-Mai. Baba always used to get wild and scolded
those, who brought costly and rich articles. He said to Mr. Nanasaheb
Chandorkar, that all His property consisted of one koupin (codpiece), one
stray piece of cloth, one Kafni and a tumrel (tinpot), and that all the
people troubled Him by bringing all these unnecessary, useless and costly
articles."
Woman and wealth are the two main obstacles in the way of our Pramartha
(spiritual life); and Baba and provided in Shirdi two institutions, viz.,
Dakshina and Radha-Krishna-Mai. Whenever they came to Him, He demanded
Dakshina from them, and asked them to go to the 'SCHOOL'
(Radha-Krishna-Mai's house). If they stood these two tests well, i.e. if
they showed that they were free from attachment for woman and wealth,
their progress in spirituality was rapid and assured by Baba's grace and
blessings.
Mr. Deo has also quoted passanges from the Gita and Upanishads; and shown
that charity given in a holy place and to a holy personage, conduces to
the donors' welfare to a great degree. What is more holy than Shirdi and
its Presiding Deity -- Sai Baba?
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapter XV
Naradiya Kirtan - Paddhati - Mr. Cholkar's Sugarless Tea - Two Lizards.
The readers may remember that mention was made in the 6th Chapter
regarding the Rama-Navami Festival in Shirdi; how the festival originated
and how in the early years there was a great difficulty in getting a good
Hardidas for performing Kirtan on that occasion, and how Baba permanently
entrusted this function (Kirtan) to Dasganu permanently. Now in this
Chapter we shall describe the manner in which Dasganu was performing the
Kirtan.
Naradiya Kirtan-Paddhati
Generally our Haridasas, while performing the Kirtan, wear a gala and full
dress. They put on a head-dress, either a pheta or a turban, a long
flowing coat with a shirt inside, an uparane (short dhotar) on the
shoulders and the usual long dhotar from the waist below. Dressed in this
fashion for some Kirtan in the Shirdi village, Dasganu once went to bow to
Baba. Baba asked him - "Well, bridegroom! where are you going dressed so
beautifully like this?" 'For performing a Kirtan' was the reply. Then Baba
said - "Why do you want all this paraphemalia-coat, uparani and pheta etc,
doff all that before Me, why wear them on the body?" Dasganu immediately
took them off and placed them at the Baba's Feet. From that time Dasganu
never wore these things while performing the Kirtan. He was always bare
from waist upwards, a pair of `chiplis' was in his hand and a garland
round his neck. This is not in consonance with the practice generally
followed by all the Hardidasa, but this is the best and the purest method.
The sage Narada, from whom the Kirtan-Paddhati originated, wore nothing on
his trunk and head. He carried a 'veena' in his hand, and wandered from
place to place everywhere singing the glory of the Lord.
Mr. Cholkar's Sugarless Tea
Initially, Baba was known in Poona and Ahmednagar Districts, but Nanasaheb
Chandorkar, by his personal talks and by Dasganu, by his splendid Kirtans,
spread the fame of Baba in the Konkan (Bombay Presidency). In fact, it was
Dasganu - May God bless him-who, by his beautiful and inimitable Kirtans,
made Baba available to so many people there. The audience, who come to
hear the Kirtans have different tastes. Some like the erudition of the
Haridas; some his gestures, some his singing, some his wit and humour,
some his preliminary dissertation on Vedanta, and some others, his main
stories and so on; but among them, there are very few, who by hearing the
Kirtan get faith and devotion or love for God or saints. The effect of
hearing Dasganu's kirtan on the minds of audience was however electric, as
it were. We give an instance here
Dasganu was once performing his Kirtan and singing the glory of Sai Baba,
in the Koupineshwar temple in Thana. One Mr. Cholkar, a poor man serving
as a candidate in the Civil Courts in Thana, was amongst the audience. He
heard Dasganu's Kirtan most attentively and was much moved. He there and
then mentally bowed and vowed to Baba saying - "Baba, I am a poor man,
unable to support my family. If by your grace, I pass the departmental
examination, and get a permanent post, I shall go to Shirdi, fall at Your
Feet and distribute sugar-candy in Your name." As good luck would have it,
Mr.Cholkar did pass te examination and did get the permanent post and now
it remained for him to fulfil his vow, the sooner the better. Mr. Cholkar
was a poor man with a large family to support; and he could not afford to
pay for the expenses of a Shirdi trip. As is well said, one can easily
cross over Nahne ghat in Thana District or even the Sahyadri Range; but it
is very difficult for a poor man to cross Umbareghat, i.e., the threshold
of his house. As Mr. Cholkar was anxious to fulfill his vow as early as
possible, he resolved to economize, cut down his expenses, and save money.
He determined not to use sugar in his diet; and began to take his tea
without it. After he was able to save some money in this way, he came to
Shirdi, took Baba's darshan, fell at His Feet, offered a coconut,
distributed it with a clean conscience along with sugar-candy as per his
vow and said to Baba that he was much pleased with His darshan and that
his desires were fulfilled that day. Mr. Cholkar was in the Masjid with
his host Bapusaheb Jog. When the host and the guest both got up and were
about to leave the Masjid, Baba spoke to Jog as follows:- "Give him (your
guest) cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar." Hearing these significant
words, Mr. Cholkar was much moved, he was wonderstruck, his eyes were
bedewed with tears, and he fell at Baba's Feet again. Mr. Jog was also
curious about this direction, regarding the tea-cups to be given to his
guest. Baba wanted by His words to create faith and devotion in Cholkar's
mind. He hinted as it were, that He got the sugar-candy as per his vow and
that He knew full well his secret determination not to use sugar in his
diet. Baba meant to say, "If you spread your palms with devotion before
Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here bodily,
still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will,
over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am
within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in
the hearts of all beings, Blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows
Me thus."
What a beautiful and important lesson was thus imparted by Baba to Mr.
Chokar ! >
Two Lizards
Now we close this Chapter, with a story of two little lizards. Once Baba
was sitting in the Masjid. A devotee sat in front of Him, when a lizard
tick-ticked. Out of curiosity, the devotee asked Baba whether this
tick-ticking of the lizard signified anything; was it a good sign or a bad
omen? Baba said that the lizard was overjoyed as her sister from
Aurangabad was coming to see her. The devotee sat silent, not making out
the meaning of Baba's words. Immediately, a gentleman from Aurangabad came
on horse-back to see Baba. He wanted to proceed further, but his horse
would not go, as it was hungry and wanted grams. He took out a bag from
his shoulders to bring grams and dashed it on the ground to remove dirt. A
lizard came out therefrom and in the presence of all, climbed up the wall.
Baba asked the questioner devotee to mark her well. She at once went
strutting to her sister. Both sisters met each other after a long time,
kissed and embraced each other, whirled round and danced with love! Where
is Shirdi and where is Aurangabad? How should the man on horse-back come
there from Aurangabad with the lizard? And how should Baba make the
prophesy of the meeting of the two sisters? All this is really very
wonderful and proves the omniscience -- the all-knowing nature of Baba.
Post Script
He who respectfully reads this Chapter or studies it daily, will get all
his miseries removed by the grace of the Sadguru Sai Baba, Hence:
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapters XVI & XVII
These two Chapters relate the story of a rich gentleman, who wanted
Brahma-Jnana, quickly from Sai Baba.
Preliminary
The last Chapter described how Mr. Cholkar's vow of small offering was
completed and accepted. In that story, Sai Baba showed that He would
accept with appreciation any small thing offered with love and devotion,
but if the same thing was offered with pride and haughtiness, He would
reject it. Being Himself full of Sat-Chit-Anand (Existence, Knowledge and
Bliss) He did not care much for more outward formalities but if an
offering was made in meek and humble spirit, the same was welcome and He
accepted it with pleasure and avidity. In fact there is no person more
liberal and benevolent than a Sadguru, like Sai Baba. He cannot be
compared to the Chintamani jewel (the Philosopher's stone which satisfies
desires), the Kalpataru (the Celestial Tree which fulfills our desires) or
the the Kamadhenu (the Celestial Cow which yields what we desire), for
they give us only what we desire; but the Sadguru gives us the most
precious thing that is inconceivable and inscrutable (The reality). Now
let us hear, how Sai Baba disposed of a rich man, who came to Him and
implored Him to give him Brahma-Jnana.
These was a rich gentleman (unfortunately his name and whereabouts are not
mentioned) who was very prosperous in his life. He had amassed a large
quantity of wealth, houses, field and lands, and had many servants and
dependents. When Baba's fame reached his ears, he said to a friend of his,
that he was not in want of anything, and so he would go to Shirdi and ask
Baba to give him Brahma-Jnana which, if he got, would certainly make him
more happy. His friend dissuaded him, saying, "it is not easy to know
Brahman, and especially so for an avaricious man like you, who is always
engrossed in wealth, wife and children. Who will, in your quest of
Brahma-Jnana, satisfy you that won't give away even a pice in charity?"
Not minding his friend's advice, the fellow engaged a return-journey tanga
and came to Shirdi. He went to the Masjid, saw Sai Baba, fell at His Feet
and said, "Baba, hearing that You show the Brahman to all who come over
here without any delay, I have come here all the way from my distant
place. I am much fatigued by the journey and if I get the Brahman from
You, my troubles will be well-paid and rewarded." Baba then replied, "Oh,
My dear friend, do not be anxious, I shall immediately show you the
Brahman; all My dealings are in cash and never on credit. So many people
come to Me, and ask for wealth, health, power, honour, position, cure of
diseases and other temporal matters. Rare is the person, who comes here to
Me and asks for Brahma-Jnana. There is no dearth of persons asking for
wordly things, but as persons interested in spiritual matters are very
rare, I think it a lucky and auspicious moment, when persons like you come
and press Me for Brahma-Jnana. So I show to you with pleasure, the Brahman
with all its accompaniments and complications."
Saying this, Baba started to show him the Brahman. He made him sit there
and engaged him in some other talk or affair and thus made him forget his
question for the time being. Then He called a boy and told him to go to
one Nandu Marwari, and get from him a hand-loan of Rs. five. The boy left
and returned immediately, saying that Nandu was absent and his house ws
locked. Then Baba asked him to go to Bala grocer and get from him, the
said loan. This time also, the boy was unsuccessful. This experiment was
repeated again twice or thrice, with the same result.
Sai Baba was, as we know, the living and moving Brahman Incarnate. Then,
some one may ask - "Why did He want the paltry sum of five rupees, and why
did He try hard to get it on loan? Really He did not want that sum at all.
He must have been fully knowing, that Nandu and Bala were absent, and he
seems to have adopted this procedure as a test for the seeker of Brahman.
That gentleman had a roll or bundle of currency notes in his pocket, and
if he was really earnest, he would not have sat quiet and be a mere
onlooker, when Baba was frantically trying to get a paltry sum of Rs.
five. He knew that Baba would keep His word and repay the debt, and that
the sum wanted was insignificant. Still he could not make up his mind and
advance the sum. Such a man wanted from Baba the greatest thing in the
world, viz., the Brahma-Jnana! Any other man, who really loved Baba, would
have at once given Rs. five, instead of being a mere onlooker. It was
otherwise with this man. He advanced no money nor did he sit silent, but
began to be impatient, as he was in a haste to return and implored Baba
saying- "Oh Baba, please show me the Brahman soon." Baba replied - "Oh my
dear friend, did you not understand all the procedure that I went through,
sitting in this place, for enabling you to see the Brahman? It is, in
short this. For seeing Brahman one has to give five things, i.e. surrender
five things viz. (1) Five Pranas (vital forces), (2) Five senses (five of
action and five of perception), (3) mind, (4) intellect and (5) ego. This
path of Brahma-Jnana of self-realization is 'as hard as to tread on the
edge of a razor'.
Sai Baba then gave rather a long discourse on the subject, the purport of
which is given below
Qualifications for Brahma-Jnana or Self-Realization
All persons do not see or realize the Brahman in their life-time. Certain
qualifications are absolutely necessary. (1) Mumuksha or intense desire to
get free. He, who thinks that he is bound and that he should get free from
bondage and works earnestly and resolutely to that end;and who does not
care for any other thinks, is qualified for the spiritual life. (2)
Virakti or a feeling of disgust with the things of this world and the
next. Unless a man feels disgusted with the things, emoluments and honors,
which his action would bring in this world and the next, he has no right
to enter into the spiritual realm. (3) Antarmukhata (introversion). Our
senses have been created by God with a tendency to move outward and so,
man always looks outside himself and not inside. He who wants
self-realization and immortal life, must turn his gaze inwards, and look
to his inner Self. (4) Catharsis from (Purging away of) sins. Unless a man
has turned away from wickedness, and stopped from doing wrong, and has
entirely composed himself and unless his mind is at rest, he cannot gain
self-realization, even by means of knowledge. (5) Right Conduct. Unless, a
man leads a life of truth, penance and insight, a life of celibacy, he
cannot get God-realization. (6) Preferring Shreyas, (the Good) to Preyas
(the Pleasant). There are two sorts of things viz., the Good and the
Pleasant; the former deals with spiritual affairs, and the latter with
mundane matters. Both these approach man for acceptance. He has to think
and choose one of them. The wise man prefers the Good to the Pleasant; but
the unwise, through greed and attachment, chooses the Pleasant. (7)
Control of the mind and the senses. The body is the chariot and the Self
is its master; intellect is the charioteer and the mind is the reins; the
senses are the horses and sense-objects their paths. He who has no
understanding and whose mind is unrestrained, his senses unmanageable like
the vicious horses of a charioteer, does not reach his destination (get
realization), but goes through the round of births and deaths; but he who
has understanding and whose mind is restrained, his senses being under
control, like the good horse of a charioteer, reaches that place, i.e.,
the state of self-realization, when he is not born again. The man, who has
understanding as his charioteer (guide) and is able to rein his mind,
reaches the end of the journey, which is the supreme abode of the
all-pervading, Vishnu (lord). (8) Purification of the mind. Unless a man
discharges satisfactorily and disinterestedly the duties of his station in
life, his mind will not be purified and, unless his mind is purified, he
cannot get self-realization. It is only in the purified mind that Viveka
(discrimination between the Unreal and the Real), and Vairagya
(Non-attachment to the unreal) crop up and lead on the self-realization.
Unless egoism is dropped, avarice got rid of, and the mind made desireless
(pure), self-realization is not possible. The idea that 'I am the body' is
a great delusion, and attachment to this idea is the cause of bondage.
Leave off this idea and attachment therefore, if you want to get to the
Self-realization. (9) The necessity of a Guru. The knowledge of the self
is so subtle and mystic, that no one could, by his own individual effort
ever hope to attain it. So the help of another person-Teacher, who has
himself got self-realization is absolutely necessary. What others cannot
give with great labour and pains, can be easily gained with the help of
such a Teacher; for he has walked on the path himself and can easily take
the disciple, step by step on the ladder of spiritual progress. (10) and
lastly the Lord's Grace is the most essential thing. When the Lord is
pleased with any body, He gives him Viveka and Vairagya; and takes him
safe beyond the ocean of mundane existence, "The Self cannot be gained by
the study of Vedas, nor by intellect, nor by much learning. He, whom the
Self chooses, by him It is gained. To him the Self reveals Its nature",
says the Katha Upanishad.
After the dissertation was over, Baba turned to the gentleman and said -
"Well sir, there is in your pocket the Brahma (or Mammon) in the form of
fifty-times five(Rs.250/-) rupees; please take that out." The gentleman
took out from his pocket the bundle of currency notes, and to his great
surprise found, on counting them, that there were 25 notes of 10 rupees
each, Seeing this ominiscience of Baba, he was moved and fell at Baba's
Feet and craved for His blessings. Then Baba said to him, "Roll up your
bundle of Brahma viz. Currency notes. Unless you get rid completely of
your avarice or greed, your will not get the real Brahma. How can be,
whose mind is engrossed in wealth, progeny and prosperity, expect to know
the Brahma, without removing away his attachment for the same? The
illusion of attachment or the love for money is a deep eddy (whirlpool) of
pain full of crocodiles in the form of conceit and jealousy. He, who is
desireless, can alone cross this whirlpool. Greed and Brahma are as poles
asunder, they are eternally opposed to each other. Where there is greed,
there is no room for thought or meditation of the Brahma. Then how can a
greedy man get dispassion and salvation? For a greedy man there is no
peace, neither contentment, nor certainty (steadiness). If there be even a
little trace of greed in mind, all the Sadhanas (spiritual endeavors) are
of no avail. Even the knowledge of a well-read man, who is not free from
the desire of the fruit or reward of his actions, and who has got no
disgust for the same, is useless and can't help him in getting
self-realization. The teachings of a Guru are of no use to a man, who is
full of egoism, and who always thinks about the sense-objects.
Purification of mind is absolutely necessary; without it, all our
spiritual endeavors are nothing, but useless show and pomp. It is,
therefore, better for one to take only what he can digest and assimilate.
My treasury is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to
see whether he is qualified to receive what I give. If you listen to Me
carefully, you will be certainly benefited. Sitting in this Masjid, I
never speak any untruth."
When a guest is invited to a house, all the members of the household and
other friends and relations that happen to be present, are entertained,
along with the guest. So all those that were present in the Masjid at this
time, could partake of the spiritual feast, that was served by Baba for
the rich gentleman. After getting Baba's blessings, one and all, including
the gentleman left the place quite happy and contented.
Special Characteristic of Baba
There are many Saints, who leaving their houses, stay in forest, caves or
hermitages and remaining in solitude, try to get liberation or salvation
for themselves. They do not care for other people, and are always
self-absorbed. Sai Baba was not of such a type. He had no home, no wife,
no progency, nor any relations, near or distant. Still, He lived in the
world (society). He begged His bread from four or five houses, always
lived at the foot of the (Neem) tree, carried on wordly dealings, and
taught all the people how to act. and behave in this world. Rare are the
Sadhus and Saints who, after attaining God-vision, strive for the welfare
of the people. Sai Baba was the foremost of these and, therefore, says
Hemadpant.
"Blessed is the country, blessed is the family, and blessed are the chaste
parents where This extraordinary, transcendent, precious and pure jewel
(Sai Baba) was born."
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
Shri Sai Satcharitra
Chapters XVII & XIX
How Hemadpant was Accepted and Blessed
Stories of Mr. Sathe and Mrs. Deshmukh - Encouraging Good Thoughts to
Fruition-Variety in Upadesh-Teachings Readings Slander, and Remuneration
for Labour.
In the last two Chapters, Hemadpant described, how a rich gentleman,
aspiring for quick Brahma-Jnana, was treated by Baba, and now in these two
Chapters, he describes how Hemadpant, himself, was accepted and blessed by
Baba, how Baba encouraged good throughts and fructified them; and gives
His teachings regarding Self-improvement, slander and remuneration for
labour.
Preliminary
It is a well-known fact, that the Sadguru looks first to the
qualifications of his disciples; and then gives them suitable
instructions, without unsettling their minds in the least, and leads them
on towards the goal of self-realization. In this respect, some say that
what the Sadguru teaches or instructs, should not be divulged to others.
They think that their instructions, become useless, if they are published.
This view is not correct. The Sadguru is like a monsoon cloud. He pours
down profusely, i.e., scatters widely his nectar-like teachings. These, we
should enjoy and assimilate to our heart's content; and then serve others
with them, without any reserve. This rule should apply, not only to what
he teaches in our waking state, but to the visions he gives us in our
dreams. To quote an instance: Budhakowshik Rishi composed his celebrated
Ram-raksha stotra, which he had seen in his dream.
Like a loving mother forcing bitter but wholesome medicines down the
throats of her children for the sake of their health, Sai Baba imparted
spiritual instructions to His devotees. His method was not veiled or
secret, but quite open. The devotees who followed His instructions got
their object. Sad-gurus like Sai Baba open our (eyes of the) intellect and
show us the divine beauties of the Self, and fulfill our tender longings
of devotion. When this is done, our desire for sense-objects vanishes,
twin fruits of Viveka (discrimination) and Vairagya (dispassion or
non-attachment) come to our hands; and knowledge sprouts up even in the
sleep. All this we get, when we come in contact with Saints (Sad-guru),
serve them and secure their love. The Lord, who fulfills the desires of
His devotees, comes to our aid, removes our troubles and sufferings, and
makes us happy. This progress or development is entirely due to the help
of the Sadguru, who is regarded as the Lord Himself. Therefore, we should
always be after the Sad-guru, hear His stories, fall at His Feet and serve
Him. Now we come to our main story.
Mr. Sathe
There was a gentleman named Mr. Sathe, who had attained some publicity
many year ago during Crowford Regime, which was put down by Lord Reay, the
then Governor of Bombay. He suffered servere losses in trade. Other
adverse circumstances gave him much trouble, and made him sad and
dejected. Being restless, he thought of leaving home; and going out to a
distant place. Man does not generally think of God, but when difficulties
and calamities overtake him, he turns to Him and prays for relief. If his
evil actions have come to an end, God arranges his meeting with a Saint,
who gives him proper directions regarding his welfare. Mr. Sathe had
similar experience. His friends advised him to go to Shirdi, where so many
people were flocking to get Sai Baba's darshan, for getting peace of mind
and the satisfaction of their wants. He liked the idea, and at once came
to Shirdi in 1917. Seeing Baba's Form, which was like Eternal Brahma,
Self-luminous, Spotless and Pure, his mind lost its restlessness and
became calm and composed. He thought, that it was the accumulation of
merits in his former births, that brought him to the Holy Feet of Baba. He
was a man of strong will. He at once started to make a parayana (study) of
Guru-charitra. When the reading was finished in the saptaha (seven days),
Baba gave him a vision that night. It was to this effect: Baba with
Guru-charitra in His hand was explaining its contents to Mr. Sathe, who
was sitting in front and listening carefully. When he woke up, he
remembered the dream and felt very happy. He thought that it was extremely
kind of Baba. Who awakens souls like his that are snoring in ignorance,
and makes them taste the nectar of Guru-charitra. Next day, he informed
Kakasaheb Dixit of this vision, and requested him to consult Sai Baba
regarding its meaning or significance -- whether one saptah (week's)
reading was sufficient or whether he should begin again. Kakasaheb Dixit,
when got a suitable opportunity, asked Baba - "Deva (Oh God), what did you
suggest to Mr. Sathe by this vision? Whether he should stop or continue
the saptaha? He is a simple devotee, his desire should be fulfilled and
the vision explained to him, and he should be blessed." Then Baba replied
- "He should make one more saptah of the book; if the work be studied
carefully, the devotee will become pure and will be benefited, the Lord
will be pleased and will rescue him from the bondage of the mundane
existence."
At this time, Hemadpant was present there. He was shampooing Baba's Legs.
When he heard Baba's words, he thought in his mind as follows - "What! Mr.
Sathe read for a week only and got a reward; and I am reading it for forty
years with no result! His seven days' stay here becomes fruitful while my
seven years' stay (1910 to m1917) goes for nothing. Like a Chatak bird I
am ever waiting for the Merciful Cloud (Baba) to pour its nectar on me;
and bless me with His instructions." No sooner did this thought cross his
mind, Baba knew it then and there. It was the experience of the Bhaktas
that Baba read and understood all their thoughts, and that He suppressed
the evil thoughts and encouraged the good ones. Reading Hemadpant's mind
Baba at once asked him to get up, go to Shama (Madhavrao Deshpande), get
from him Rs. 15/- as Dakshina, sit and chitchat with him for a while and
then return. Mercy dawned in Baba's mind, and so he issued this order. And
who could disobey Baba's order?
Hemadpant immediately left the Masjid and came to Shama's house. He had
just bathed, and was wearing a dhotar. He came out and asked Hemadpant -
"How is it that you are here now? It seems that you have come from the
Masjid. Why do you look restless and dejected? Why are you alone? Please
sit and rest, while I shall just do my worship and return: in the
meanwhile you please take pan-vida (leaves and betel nuts etc.) let us
then have a pleasant chat." After saying his, he went inside and Hemadpant
sat alone in the front varandah. He saw in the window a wellknown Marathi
book named 'Nath-Bhagwat.' This is a commentary by the Saint Ekanath, on
the eleventh Skandha (chapter) of the bigger Sanskrit work, the Bhagwat.
At the suggestion or recommendation of Sai Baba, Messrs. Bapusaheb Jog and
Kakasaheb Dixit read daily in Shirdi, BhagwadGeeta with its Marathi
commentary named Bhawartha-Deepika or Jnaneshwari (A dialogue between
Krishna and His friend devotee Arjuna) and Nath Bhagwat (A dialogue
between Krishna and His servant devotee Uddhava) and also Ekanath's othe
big work, viz. Bhawartha Ramayana. When devotees came to Baba and asked
Him certain questions. He sometimes answered them in part, and asked them
to go and listen to the readings of the above-mentioned works, which are
the main treatises of Bhagwat Dharma. When the devotes went and listened,
they got full and satisfactory replies to their questions. Hemadpant also
used to read daily some portions of the book Nath-Bhagwat.
That day, he did not complete the daily portion of his reading, but had
left it unfinished in order to accompany certain devotees, who were going
to the Masjid. When he took up the book from Shama's window and casually
opened, it, he found, to his surprise, that the unfinished portion turned
up. He thought that Baba sent him very kindly to Shama's house for
enabling him to complete his daily reading. So he went throught the
unfinished portion and completed it. As soon as this was over, Shama,
after doing his worship came out, and the following conversation took
place between them.
Hemadpant :- I have come with a message from Baba. He has asked me to
return with Rs. 15/- as Dakshina from you, also to sit with you for a
while and have a pleasant chitchat and then return to the Masjid with you.
Shama (with surprise):- I have no money to give. Take my 15 Namaskaras
(bows) in lieu of rupees as Dakshina, to Baba.
Hemadpant:- Alright, your Namaskaras are accepted. Now let us have some
chitchat. tell me some stories and Leelas of Baba, which will destroy our
sins.
Shama:- Then sit here for a while. Wonderful is the sport (Leela) of this
God (Baba). You know it already. I am a village rustic, while you are an
enlightened citizen. You have seen some more Leelas since your coming
here. How should I describe them before you? Well, take these leaves,
betel nut and chunam and eat the pan-vida; while I go in, dress myself and
come out.
In a few minutes Shama come out and sat talking with Hemadpant. He said -
"The Leela of this God (Baba) is inscrutable; there is no end to His
Leelas. Who can see them? He plays or sports with His Leelas, still He is
outside of (unaffected by) them. What do we rustics know? Why does not
Baba Himself tell stories? Why does He send learned men like you to fools
like me? His ways are inconceivable. I can only say, that they are not
human." With this preface Shama added, - "I now remember a story, which I
shall relate to you. I know it personally. As a devotee is resolute and
determined, so is Baba's immediate response. Sometimes Baba puts the
devotees to sereve test; and then gives them 'Upadesh' (instructions).
As soon as Hemadpant heard the word 'Upadesh', a flash of lightning
crossed, through his mind. He at once remembered the story of Mr. Sathe's
Guru-charitra reading and thought that Baba might have sent him to Shama,
in order to give peace to his restless mind. However, he curbed this
feeling, and began to listen to Shama's stories. They all showed how kind
and affectionate Baba was to His devotees. Hemadpant began to feel a sort
of joy while hearing them. Then Shama began to tell the following story.
Mrs. Radhabai Deshmukh
There was an old woman by name Radhabai, She was the mother of one
Khashaba Deshmukh. Hearing Baba's fame, she came to Shirdi with the people
of Sangamner. She took Baba's darshan and was much satisfied. She loved
Baba intimately and resolved in her mind, that She should accept Baba as
her Guru, and take some Upadesh from Him. She knew nothing else. She
determined to fast herself unto death, so long as Baba did not accept her,
and give her any Upadesh or Mantra. She stayed in her lodging and left off
taking any food or water for three days. I was frightened by this ordeal
of the old woman, and interceded with Baba on her behalf. I said, "Deva,
what is this You have started? You drag so many persons here. You know
that old lady. She is very obstinate and depends on You entirely, She has
resolved to fast unto death, if You don't accept and instruct her. If any
thing worse happens, people will blame You, and say that Baba did not
instruct her, and consequently she met her death. So take some mercy on
her, bless her and instruct her." On seeing her determination, Baba sent
for her, changed the turn of her mind by addressing her as follows:-
"Oh mother, why are you subjecting yourself to unnecessary tortures and
hastening your death? You are really My Mother and I am your child. Take
pity on Me and hear Me through. I tell you My own story, which if you
listen carefully, will do you good. I had a Guru. He was a great Saint and
most merciful. I served him long, very long; still he would not blow any
Mantra into My ears. I had a keen desire, never to leave him but to stay
with and serve him; and at all costs receive some instructions from him.
But he had his own way. He first got my head shaved and asked Me two pice
as Dakshina. I gave the same at once. If you say that as My Guru was
perfect, why should he ask for money and how should he be called
desireless? I replied plainly that he never cared for coins. What had he
to do with them? His two pice were (1) Firm Faith and (2) Patience or
perseverance. I gave these two pice or things to him, and he was pleased.
"I resorted to My Guru for 12 years. He brought Me up. There was no dearth
of food and clothing. He was full of love nay, he was love incarnate. How
can I describe it? He loved Me most. Rare is a Guru like him. When I
looked at him, he seemed as if he was in deep meditation, and then we both
were filled with Bliss. Night and day, I gazed at him with no thought of
hunger and thirst. Without him, I felt restless. I had no other object to
meditate, nor any other thing than My Guru to attend. He was My sole
refuge. My mind was always fixed on him. This is one pice Dakshina. Saburi
(Patience or perseverance) is the other pice. I waited patiently and very
long on My Guru and served him. This Saburi will ferry you across the sea
of this mundane existence. Saburi is manliness in man, it removes all sins
and afflictions, gets rid of calamities in various ways, and casts aside
all fear, and ultimately gives you success. Saburi is the mine of virtues,
consort of good thought. Nishtha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience) are like
twin sisters, loving each other very intimately."
"My Guru never expected any other thing from Me. He never neglected Me,
but protected Me at all times. I lived with him, and was sometimes away
from him; still I never felt the want or absence of his love. He always
protected Me by his glance, just as the tortoise feeds her young ones,
whether they are near her or away from her on the other side of the river
bank, by her loving looks. Oh mother, My Guru never taught Me any Mantra,
then how shall I blow any Mantra in your ears? Just remember that Guru's
tortoise-like loving glance gives us happiness. Do not try to get Mantra
or Upadesh from anybody. Make Me the sole object of your thoughts and
actions; and you will, no doubt, attain Paramartha (the spiritual goal of
life). Look at Me whole-heartedly, and I in turn look at you similarly.
Sitting in this Masjid, I speak the truth, nothing but the truth. No
Sadhanas, nor proficiency in the six Shastras, are necessary. Have faith
and confidence in your Guru. Believe fully, that Guru is the sole Actor or
Doer. Blessed is he who knows the greatness of his Guru and thinks him to
be Hari, Hara and Brahma (Trimurti) Incarnate."
Instructed in this way, the old lady was convinced; she bowed to Baba and
gave up her fast.
Hearing this story carefully and attentively, and marking its significance
and appropriateness, Hemadpant was most agreeably surprised. Seeing this
wonderful Leela of Baba, he was moved from top to toe, he was overflowing
with joy, his throat was choked, and he was not able to utter a single
word. Shama, on seeing him in this condition asked him, - "What is the
matter with you, why are you silent? How many innumerable Leelas of Baba
shall I describe!" >
Just at that time the bell in the Masjid began to ring, proclaiming that
the noon-worship and Arati ceremony had begun. Therefore, Shama and
Hemadpant hurried to the Masjid. Bapusaheb Jog had just started the
worship. Women were up in the Masjid, and men were standing below in the
open courtyard and they were all loudly singing the Arati in chorus to the
accompaniment of drums. Shama went up, pulling Hemadpant with him. He sat
to the right and Hemadpant in front of Baba. On seeing them, Baba asked
Hemadpant to give the Dakshina brought from Shama. He replied that Shama
gave Namaskaras in lieu of Rupees and that he was there in person. Baba
said, "Alright, now let Me know whether you both had a chitchat, and if
so, tell Me all that you talked about." Not minding the sounds of the
bell, the drum and the chorus songs, Hemadpant was eager to tell what they
had talked and started to narrate it. Baba was also anxious to hear, and
so He left the bolster and leaned forward. Hemadpant said all that they
talked about was very pleasant, and that specially the story of the old
lady was most wonderful and that on hearing it, he thought that His Leela
was inexplicable, and under the guise of that story, He really blessed
him. Baba then said - "Wonderful is the story. How were you blessed? I
would like to know everything in detail from you, so tell Me all about
it." Then Hemadpant related in full the story which he had heard a little
while before, and which had made a lasting impression on his mind. Hearing
this Baba was much pleased and asked him - "Did the story strike you and
did you catch its significance?" He replied - "Yes, Baba the restlessness
of my mind has vanished and I have got true peace and rest, and come to
know the true path."
Then Baba spoke as follows:- "My method is quite unique. Remember well,
this one story, and it will be very useful. To get the knowledge
(realization) of the Self, Dhyana (meditation) is necessary. If you
practice it continuously, the Vrittis (thoughts) will be pacified. Being
quite desireless, you should meditate on the Lord, Who is in all the
creatures, and when the mind is concentrated, the goal will be achieved.
Meditate always on My formless nature, which is knowledge incarnate,
consciousness and bliss. If you cannot do this, meditate on My Form from
top to toe as you see here night and day. As you go on doing this, your
Vrittis will concentrate on one point and the distinction between the
Dhyata (meditator), Dhyana (act of meditation), Dhyeya (this meditated
upon) will be lost and the meditator will be one with the Consciousness
and be merged in the Brahman. The (mother) tortoise is on one bank of the
river, and her young ones are on the other side. She gives neither milk,
nor warmth to them. Her mere glance gives them nutrition. The young ones
do nothing, but remember (meditate upon) their mother. The tortoise glance
is, to the young ones, a down-pour of nectar, the only source of
sustenance and happiness. Similar is the relation, between the Guru and
disciples."
When Baba uttered these last words, the chorus of the Arati songs stopped
and all cried out loudly in one voice: "Victory be to our Sadguru Sai
Maharaj, Who is Existence, Knowledge and Bliss." Dear readers, let us
imagine, that we are at this time, standing amongst the crowd in the
Masjid; and let us join them in this Jayajayakar.
After the Arati ceremony was over, Prasad was distributed. Bapusaheb Jog
advanced as usual, and after saluting Baba, gave into His hand a handful
of sugar-candy. Baba pushed all this quantity into the hands of Hemadpant
and said to him, "If you take this story to heart and remember it well,
your state will be sweet as the sugar-candy, all your desires will be
fulfilled and you will be happy." Hemadpant bowed before Baba and
implored, "Do favour me like this, bless and protect me always." Baba
replied - "Hear this story, meditate on it and assimilate its spirit. Then
you will always remember and meditate on the Lord, Who will manifest
Himself to you."
Dear readers! Hemadpant got Prasad of sugar-candy then; and we now get the
Prasad of sugar-candy or nectar of this story. Let us drink it to out
heart's content, meditate on it, and assimilate it, and be strong and
happy by Baba's grace. Amen!
Towards the end of the 19th Chapter Hemapter Hemadpant had dealt with some
other matters which are given below.
Baba's Advice Regarding our Behaviour
The following words of Baba are general and invaluable. If they are kept
in mind and acted upon, they will always do you good. "Unless there is
some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any men or
creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive
them well and treat them, with due respect. Shri Hari (God) will be
certainly pleased, if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry,
clothes to the naked, and your verandah to strangers for sitting and
resting. If anybody wants any money from you, and you are not inclined to
give, do not give, but do not bark at him, like a dog. Let anybody speak
hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply.
If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy. Let the
world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are. Standing or staying in
your own place, look on calmly at the show of all things passing before
you. Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then
the road for our meeting will be clear and open. The sense of
differentiation, as I and thou, is the barrier that keeps away the
disciple from his Master, and unless that is destroyed the state of union
or atonement is not possible, "Allah Malik" i.e. God is the sole
Proprietor, nobody else is our Protector. His method of work is
extra-ordinary, invaluable, and inscrutable. His will will be done and He
will show us the way, and satisfy our heart's desires. It is on account of
Rinaubandh (former relationship) that we have come together, let us love
and serve each other and be happy. He, who attain the supreme goal of
life, is immortal and happy; all others merely exist, i.e., live so long
as they breathe".
Encouraging Good Thoughts of Fruition
It is interesting to note how Sai Baba encouraged good thoughts. You have
to surrender yourself completely to Him with love, and devotion, and they
you will see how, He helps you, off and on, in so many things. Some Saint
has said, that when you get a good thought, immediately after awakening
from sleep, and if you develop the same afterwards during the day, your
intellect will be unfolded and your mind will attain calmness. Hemadpant
wanted to try this. On one Wednesday night before going to bed, be thought
- "To-morrow is Thursday - an auspicious day and the place, viz. Shirdi,
is so holy; so let me pass the whole day in remembering and chanting the
Rama-nama, and then he slept. Next morning when he got up he remembered
without any effort the name of Rama and was much pleased. He then, after
finishing his morning duties, went to see Baba with flowers. When he left
Dixit's Wada, and was just passing Booty's Wada (present Samadhi-mandir)
he heard a beautiful song that was being sung nicely by one Aurangabadkar,
in the Masjid before Baba. The song was Guru - kripanjan payo mere bhai"
etc. by Ekanath, in which he says that he got collyrium in the form of
Guru's grace which opened his vision and made him see Rama, in and out, in
sleep, dream, and waking state and everywhere. There were so many songs;
and why was this song particularly chosen by Aurangabadkar, a devotee of
Baba? Is this not a curious coincidence arranged by Baba to feed the
determination of Hemadpant to sing unceasingly Rama-nama, during the day?
All Saints agree on and lay stress upon the efficacy of uttering Rama's
(God's) name, in fulfilling the ambitions of the Bhaktas and in protecting
and saving them from all calamities.
Variety in Upadesh -- Slanderer Condemned
Sai Baba required no special place, nor any special time for giving
instructions. Whenever any occasion demanded, He gave them freely. Once it
so happened that a Bhakta of Baba, reviled another behind his back, before
other people. On leaving aside merits, he dwelt on the faults of his
brother, and spoke so sarcastically, that the hearers were disgusted.
Generally, we see that people have a tendency to scandalize others,
un-necessarily; and this brings on hatred and ill-will. Saints see
scandal, in another light. They say that there are various ways of
cleansing or removing dirt, viz. by means of earth, water and soap etc.,
but a scandal-monger has got a way of his own. He removes the dirt
(faults) of others by his tongue; so in a way of obliges the person, whom
he reviles and for this he is to be thanked. Sai Baba had his own method
of correcting the scandal-monger. He knew by his omniscience what the
slanderer had done and when He met him at noon near the Lendi, Baba
pointed out to him a pig that was eating filth near the fence and said to
him - "Behold how, with what relish it is gorging dung. Your conduct is
similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart's content.
After performing many deeds of merit, you are born a man, and if you act
like this, will Shirdi help you in any way?" Needless to say, that the
Bhakta took the lesson to his heart, and went away.
In this way Baba went on giving instructions whenever necessary. If these
are borne in our minds and acted upon, the spiritual goal (realization) is
not far off. There is a proverb which says - "If there be my Hari (Lord),
He will feed me on my cot." This proverb is only true in respect of food
and clothing, but if anyone trusting in this, sits quiet and does nothing
in spiritual matters, he will be ruined. One has to exert himself to his
utmost for attaining self-realization. The more he endeavours, the better
for him.
Baba said that He was omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world,
light and heaven, and that He was not limited. To remove the
misunderstanding of those, who thought that Baba was only His body - three
cubits and a half in length, He incarnated Himself in this form and if any
devotee meditated on Him day and night with complete self-surrender, he
experienced complete union (without any difference) with Him like
sweetness and sugar, waves and sea, eye and its luster. He, who wants to
get rid of the cycle of births and deaths, should lead a righteous life,
with his mind calm and composed. He should always engage himself in good
actions, should do his duties and surrender himself, heart and soul to
Him. He need not then be afraid of anything. He who trusts Him entirely,
hears and expounds His Leelas and does not think of anything else, is sure
to attain Self-realization. Baba asked many to remember His name and to
surrender to Him, but to those, who wanted to know who they were ('Who am
I' enquiry), He advised Shravanam (study) and Mananam (meditation). To
some, He advised remembering God's name, to others hearing His Leelas, to
some worship of His Feet, to others reading and studying Adhyatma Ramayan,
Jnaneshwari and other sacred scriptures. Some He made sit near His Feet,
some He sent to Khandoba's temple, and some He advised the repetition of
the thousands names of Vishnu and some the study of Chhandogya Upanishad
and Geeta. There were no limit, nor restriction to His instructions. To
some, He gave them in person. To others by visions in dreams. To one
addicted to drink, He appeared in his dream, sat on his chest, pressed it
and left him, after he gave a promise not to touch liquor anymore. To
some, He explained some Mantras like `Gurur Brahma' in dreams. To some
devotee, who was practising Hath-Yoga, He sent word that he should leave
off Hath-Yoga practices, sit quiet and wait (Saburi). It is impossible to
describe all His ways and methods. In ordinary wordly dealings, He set
examples by His actions, one of which is given below.
Remuneration for Labour
One day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and said -
"Bring Me a ladder." Some men brought it and set it against a house as
directed by Baba. He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar's house,
passed the roof of Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and then got down from the
other corner. What object Baba had, none could know. Radha-Krishna-Mai
was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that
fever, that He may have gone there. Immediately after getting down, Baba
paid Rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked
Baba, why he paid so much for this. He replied that nobody should take the
labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly
and liberally.
Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all
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* This
work is an electronic version of Shri Sai Satcharitra by Shri N.V.Gunaji
which was adapted from the Original Marathi Book by Shri Hemadpant. (The
book is titled in english Shri Sai Satcharitra where as the original work
is Shri Sai Satcharita.)
*titled in English Shri Sai Satcharitra where as the original work is
Shri Sai Satcharita
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