How I was Drawn to Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi

[Guest guest]

During my five days stay at Shirdi one mysterious leela of Baba came to my

knowledge. I met one young and energetic Telugu man of Sholapur there. He

told me that one of his ancestors suffered like hell from a dreadful

disease. He was taken to Bombay for expert medical treatment which proved

ineffective. All hopes of his survival were given up. On their way back to

Sholapur, the patient's kinsfolk learned about Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi and

took him to Sai Nath as a last resort. The patient was put before Baba and

His Yogic glances fell upon the diseased. Baba assured the patient that the

disease would be cured in a short time. Besides He instructed the patient

never to stir out of Shirdi if he wanted to live. The patient became hale

and healthy after some time. He was meditating on Baba. To the great

misfortune of the patient, certain relatives of his visited Shirdi after

some time. They happened to see the man to be alive and also strong and

sturdy. He was tempted by his relatives to return to his native place.

Having acted contrary to the wishes of Baba, he paid the penalty of his own

life after reaching his native place.

 

I had the immense, pleasure and good fortune of having the holy darshan of

Shri Marthand Maharaj, and Shri Rasne Maharaj, the two living contemporaries

and devotees of Baba.

Of late, I began to think and feel that I am under the kind care and

protection of Baba. This feeling of mine has been duly and rightly confirmed

by Shri Rasne Maharaj during my recent meeting with him at Shirdi. He

further declared to me that Baba has saved me from certain dangerous

situations and averted possible entanglements. What is beyond the ken of

knowledge and capacity of Baba ? I was reminded of Oliver Goldsmith's lines.

"OFFENCES ARE EASILY PARDONED WHERE THERE IS LOVE AT BOTTOMS”

 

Baba expressly told His devotees that Nishta (implicit faith) and Saburi

(courageous patience) will alone lead them to the destination in Spiritual

life. Sai Nath is the very embodiment of all saintly virtues. With our

tongues let us always chant His name, with the ears hear His glory and with

the eyes see His manifestations.

 

 

K. C. Pandu Ranga Rao

Ongole (A. P.)

 

 

(The experiences of Devotees as published in Shri Sai Leela Magazine, can be

read at www.saileelas.org/magazines/SAILEELA/exp.htm)