Significance of Sai Babas Mahasamadhi III by B.V.Narasimha Swamy

[Guest guest]

The 1945 Mahasamadh day comes at a very crucial period in the history of

this country and of the world The second World War has practically ended and

terms of "Peace" and plans for readjustment and reconstruction are discussed

everywhere. But are there any hopes of securing real World Peace i.e.

abiding peace and will there be stable reconstruction of the social and

political factors in this country and in. the world?

Brushing aside the extreme pessimistic view that Nature being red in tooth

and claw and progress being always preceded by fierce struggles

extinguishing the weak and establishing the survival of the fittest, as a

view really without solid foundation and contradicted by a complete view

of the physical, mental, and spiritual evolution of creatures, there

still remain disquieting factors to face. Impartial spectators have noted

the utter lack of long vision, self-control and true wisdom in the

conduct and utterances of the victors and are predicting the

recrudescence of War— a third World War, for more horrible in its

results than the two preceding ones. What then is the duty of Sai

devotees and the general public at tfiis hour? What are the ways and

means by which on this memorable punyatithi day the devotees and others

can show their grateful appreciation of Baba's guardianship of his devotees

and of his mission for the benefit of mankind — at least in this country?

Sai the kind mother of all persons that sought and seek refuge with him was

and is ever carefully watching over their destinies and their conduct, He

saves them from temporal and spiritual perils and leads them to the great

goal of life viz. to reach God—after long and selfless service to

Humanity. His whole life was devoted to this cause and wise devotees

could read this message in his utterances alone. He was thoroughly

selfless and could serve myriads or millions. Every true devotee ought

to have the same aim—to the extent allowed by his or her own

circumstances. Let none declare this too great a demand on poor human

nature. Selfishness, Deception, Exploitation of the weak by the strong,

untruth and unfairness or Injustice in innumerable forms are seen in most

of the transactions of individual and of groups, This unchecked current

has landed us alike in this country and in the world in most pitiable and

horrid conflicts, which threaten to disrupt nations and destroy mankind.

Radical measures are needed to treat this fell disease. Mere political

devices and process homilies from moralists will achieve nothing—practically

nothing. The rotting organ must be mercilessly cauterised or cut off in

order to save the body politic as a whole. Everyone must try and do his

little bit in averting the terrible catastrophe looming before us. How are

we to do this?

Let every Sai devotee resolve—at least from this moment (if he has not

already resolved to do so) to examine every act and word and thought of his

at every moment so as to maintain Love, Charily, Tolerance, Kindness, Truth

and Brotherliness towards every other person or group he has to deal with

regardless of country, caste, colour, race, religion, status, etc. Let us

rebuke any departure from this standard, alike in ourselves and in others,

and let us try our best to prevent it, so far as that may be in our power.

Hatred must be banished. Lying, hypocrisy, and exploitation must be

banished. Let us do everyday some positive acts helping on the harmonious

blending of all individuals and groups into a grand united whole

characterised by Love, Truth, Justice and Service to all.

This is a general instruction. It has to be explained and illustrated by

reference to what Sai Baba did and said. He had vast powers which he could

use for any constructive or destructive work. He however used his power

always to help people—especially the weak and unfortunate. He did this

selflessly and in utter disregard of their country, race, caste, creed,

status, etc. He loved all—even the erring sinners and criminals'. He told

people that if they quarreled with and hurt each other, his heart was

burning within him and that, if they endured each other's faults and

attacks with patience, his heart was rejoicing. He added that,

'divided they would be ruined, while sympathy and union would take

them to prosperity and the goal of life.' In his own mosque, Hindus and

Muslims, Christians and Parses have stood side by side in their

adoration to Him, the great Guru of all. Far from destroying each other,

they are building each other's temples, mosques and sacred structures,

and helping each other to have unmolested celebrations in the same building.

The Hindus rebuilt his mosque and a Brahmin devotee of his, Sri Upasani

Baba, built a mosque for Muslims next to Ms own temple. The Muslims

perform their Id ceremony etc., in the same mosque without noise and when

the turn for the Hindu worship in the same place comes up, the Muslim beats

the drum in the mosque to Help Hindu worship.

That muslims have joined in building Hindu temples and have carved

out Hindu images for the Hindus to worship. While the Muslim

calls his building his mosque and turns to the Nimber or Western

Wall Niche to worship, the Hindu calls it his Dwaraka Mayi and offers his

regular ceremonial pooja to Baba and his portrait, to the fire and

Tulasi Brindavan there with the usual din of drum, cymbals etc. and the

loud recitals of vedic and other mantra. It is a delightful spectacle that

we encounter when we proceed to the other parts of the country and note how

similar work is carried on by other Hindu, Muslim saints. There have

been and there are now other saints even to-day. In Ananthapur, Nagur

Baba Budan caves, etc., we see muslims or muslim looking saints

instructing (like Sai Baba) Hindus in Hindu spiritual methods, giving them

Upadesa of Hindu mantra and advising them to get on with their customary

poojas and sampradaya and not to forsake the faith of their Forefathers—and

at the same time imparting spiritual instruction and giving guidance to

muslims and other religionists in accordance with their own scriptures and

codes.

It is needless to go in to further detail. Let us one and all sincerely

abolish and discourage Fanaticism and intolerance, Hatred and Self-seeking,

Untruth and Deception. Let us resolve to leave all and help all. If there is

real sincerity and earnestness in this resolve, the application of these

principles to our conduct will be quite plain; and every day numerous

opportunities will present themselves for translating our ideas into action.

Let our deeds speak out. Their eloquence cannot be withstood or gainsaid by

all the utterances and deeds of those who follow the call of their lower

nature to the great peril of themselves and of mankind.