Guest guest Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 SAI THE GOD ON EARTH A HOLY BOOK IS THE PRECIOUS LIFE BLOOD OF A DEVOTEE'S SPIRIT By N. M. DAS PREFACE It was on Twenty Fourth July Nineteen Hundred Eighty Six (24-7-1986) my wife Smt. N. Ganga Devi underwent open-heart surgery at Durgabai Deshmuk hospital, Hyderabad (A.P.) I prayed Lord Sai Nath for her life. The Lord of Events heard my panic voice and came to my rescue, and saved her life. This event of the Lord SAI inspired me to write something significant on the sayings of BABA in the shape of booklet to be dedicated to HIM. I am grateful to SHIRDI SAMSTHAN, which has been the instrument of my inspiration to contribute articles to 'SAI LEELA' magazine for the last seven years, the articles published so far are: SAI's INVISIBLE HAND, FORGET SAI NOT, WHO IS THE REAL DEVOTEE O GOD, THE PURPOSE OF HUMAN LIFE, SAI BABA WHERE NOT, IN POOJA, SAI BABA TESTS HIS DEVOTEES, SAI KE KARSHME, SAI'S GREATEST MIRACLE and THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NINE IN SAI SATCHARITA. By the grace of SAI, I wish to continue to contribute articles till I breath last. If Ramayana and Bhagavath Gita are the sacred books to Hindus, Quaran to Muslims, Bible to Christians, SAI SATCHARITA, written in Marathi by late Sri Govind Rao Raghunath Dabholkar (Hemadpant), is sacred book to all sorts of religions in the world. I request the SAI brothers and sisters who intend to write about SAI not to deviate the original script. Small is beautiful. This publication is only a brief version of some of the most important events/maxims depicted in SHRI SAI SATCHARITA, with the sole intention of creating awareness amongst the readers and devotees who do not know or know a little about SAI BABA. "If you know more about SAIBABA much more remains to be known". My thanks are due to Sri Naresh Gunaji, Author of English SAI SATCHARITRA. I make an appeal to the readers to pardon me in case of any mistakes in this small publication. Putting my head on the Lotus feet of SAI forever with a sincere prayer to help and guide all of us in all the times and bless us by HIS boon bestowing hand. "BOLO SAMARATH SADGURU SRI SAI NATH MAHARAJ KI JAI". N.M. DAS. Warangal (A.P.), Dated 8-9-1988 I. SAI THE GOD "I shall draw out my devotees from the jaws of Death" - SAI BABA SAI, a naked fakir whose existence was ignored by many in the second half of nineteenth century, is mostly recognized at present. Though he is not in blood and flesh, he is widely celebrated now. Readers or devotees are likely to come across many doubts as to the omniscience of SAI, the GOD. When the entire treasure of the world was under SAI's feet where was the need for HIM to knock a few doors with a begging bowel? Was HE a juggler who performed some tricks to get livelihood? Why did HE extract Dakshina (money) from the people or devotees who went to HIM? When SAI is omnipresent, then why should the people go to SHIRDI? When whatever is written in our fate (Karma) is bound to happen, why should we pray to HIM? The answers to the above questions, which appear to be conflicting, controversial, and critic are attempted hereunder: When a supernatural power descends on earth, Godly wonders are hidden and never exposed unless the circumstances strongly warrant. Lord Shri Rama is worshipped as GOD or an Avatar. Why did HE Wander in search of HIS beloved wife, Sita kidnapped by Ravana? As an Avatar or omnipresent did HE not know the whereabouts of Sita? Had HE acted like GOD, Valmiki would not have constituted the big epic of Ramayana. Rama wanted to teach the people that the wicked should be punished to establish Dharma, and to prove that suffering is inevitable to each and everyone, however great or small one may be. Lord. SHIVA, the GOD went with a joli to test the depth of devotees and not to quench HIS thirst or satisfy appetite. Similarly SAI acted like an ordinary man around us. HE never created an impression that HE is GOD. Of course HE performed miracles not for Himself but to drag the devotees from calamities. Whatever the money HE collected was distributed to the poorest of the poor on the same day and was not used for HIS personal ends. HE never bothered about worldly life and went on serving the humanity selflessly. HE was neither, a juggler nor a magician who performed tricks but acted as a representative of GOD, an holy Saint, not for HIS livelihood but for others who suffered. HE did not go for alms to all, except a few devotees who had full faith in HIM. Whatever the edibles HE collected was cooked distributed as prasad to all the people. People need not go to SHIRDI, as SAI is all pervasive. HE is everywhere and gives Darshan and fulfills the desire of those who worship HIM devotionally. Once SAI BABA said to a friend of Shri B.A. Tarkhadkar "was I not with you in Bombay. People or devotees who think that I AM in SHIRDI only have not seen ME". When surrendered to SAI whole heartedly, HE Himself went to devotees in disguise of many unrecognized forms and fulfilled their desires. The example of Mataji Shivamma Tai who hails from Tamil Nadu is cited here, She is surviving at present aged ninety-eight years and had the good fortune of seeing BABA in her lifetime. She saw SAI BABA in September 1918 after taking Maha Samadhi, BABA came to her in the guise of a boy of fifteen years and gave two books. The next day, SAI BABA gave Darshan to her in a dream and made clear that HE himself had gifted her two valuable books 'PARIJATHA' and 'JANANA MARGAM'. BABA said, "it is My special characteristic that I look always to and provide for the welfare of the devotees wherever they may be even thousand miles away from Me provided they fix their minds on Me". For all BABA proved a supernatural power. Devotees feel that in the daily walk of life it may not be possible to concentrate towards GOD whole heartedly and do full justice to prayer. That being the reason they prefer sacred places temples mosques churches etc., to purify their minds. SHIRDI is supposed to be one of the holiest places because many Saints came to this place and BABA came and lived till HE took Maha Samadhi. As such it is believed that the soil of SHIRDI is most sacred and blessed one. So far as the belief in Karma is concerned some argue that when whatever is written in our fate happens without fail then why should pray to GOD and nothing emerges from the Pooja. Many a Saints say that punishment for the misdeeds and sin is a MUST and as such inescapable but by meditating and praying to GOD one is likely to mitigate the volume of deserving punishment. SAI BABA'S yogic powers, giving Darshan as Lord Sri Rama, Lord Shri Krishna, producing prayag (i.e., sacred, place where Ganga and Yamuna meet) from his feet, controlling the elements of nature, eradicating the epidemics and endemics, turning water into oil, curing the most incurable and dreadful diseases, rescue from snake bites, fulfilling the various desires of HIS devotees, HIS sleeping styles (keeping the eyes opened while sleeping), reading of minds, HIS reminiscence knowledge about the past telling people about the present and future, HIS fruitful advise, HIS udi producing magic effect and averting the deaths of HIS favorable devotee Late Shri Ramchandra Patil - all those are the greatest and supernatural achievements. HE had taken on HIM all sorts of diseases of the people with the result that HIS healthy body was reduced to skin and bones. HE sacrificed HIS whole life for the sake of people. Above all, to save HIS most beloved devotee Tatya Kote, HE Himself exchanged HIS life for Kote Can an ordinary man do all the above? The answer is "Nay". The above supernatural deeds lend support to the effect that SAI BABA is VISWATHAMAN an Avatar; more over it is not an ancient history of Ramayana or Mahabharatha. It is a reliable modern history. A few out, of some who saw BABA in flesh and blood are still alive in various parts of the country. Mention may be made of Sri Lakshman Rao Alias Bala Sabeb Naik, Yashwant Potdar, Mataji Shivamma Tai, Swami Ram Babu and Sri Morarji Desai. Late Sri Govind Rao Ragunath Dubholkar (Hemandpant the author of SHRI SAI SATCHARITA in Marati) Mrs. Sarojini Mulve, Shri Nana Saheb Ramsane, Dr. K. B. Gavankar, Sri Radha Krishnaswamy, Parvati Bai Sapatnekar, Lakshmi Bai Shinde, Bhagat Mahalsapathi and his son Marthand, Kaka Saheb, Dixit Gopal Rao Booti, Bhogoji Shinde (a leper devotee) Nana Saheb Nimmonkar, Madhavarao Despande, Alias Shama are some of the luckiest devotees whom BABA blessed. When Avatars incarnate in the world, they embody themselves, mix and act with the people. SAI acted like a very poor man (fakir), lived like a beggar and died like a man. God's life is always wrapped in mystery. SAI is no exception to this fact. Lord Krishna says in Bhagavath Gita "whenever there is a decay of Dharma, the righteousness, I manifest Myself for the protection of virtue and destruction of evils. When the Lord's creation dwells in ignorance misery and injustice, eternal light (Avatar) descends in to the world to elevate the people and bestow salvation. SAI BABA fulfilled the vow of Lord Krishna and came to earth us an Avatar. II. THUS SPOKE THE SAINTS BABA is Pandharinath Vithal incarnate and merciful Lord of the poor and most helpless. (Sri Gouli Buva); BABA was the original SATCHIT ANNAND SWARUP. (Upasani Maharaj); The crest Jewel Best of the Saints. (Shirdi Sansthan); If you know about SAI BABA what I know about HIM you will call HIM the Master of Creation. (Saint Meher Baba); SAI is equal to hundred mothers and hundred fathers (H.H. Basheer Baba); SHIRBI SAI BABA was a saga in the old Indian, tradition. HIS life and teachings continue to inspire people. (Late Smt. Indira Gandhi); SAI BABA is a great spiritual soul. (Sri Morarji Desai); I have placed Sri SAI BABA amongst the house hold gods we worship daily. sai baba is god. (Sri g.g. Narke); HE appeared to know the inner most thoughts of everybody, relieved their wants and carried comforts to all. HE fulfilled my idea of god on earth. (Sri Dida Saheb Khaparde); SAI BABA is Tirloknath and Kohinoor. (Saint Madhavnath); SAI BABA is an incarnation of Lord SHIVA (MEGHA); SAI BABA Light of All Light. (Swami Ram Babu); SAI BABA is the incarnation of GOD DATTATEEYA. (Sri Das Ganu); SAI BABA raises a storm and makes us restless and then calms it down and comforts us. (Sri Madhava Rao Deshpande Alias Shama); SHIRDI is lucky to be blessed with a precious Jewel, (Saint Sri Gangagir); In fact BABA is a precious and most valuable DIAMOND. You will realise this shortly. (Saint Sri Anand Math); SAI BABA is omniscient, Omni Present and Omnipotent. SAI BABA possessed the qualities of Lord Shri Krishna, Sri Rama, Buddha, Christ, Mohammed, Adi Shankaracharya and Gandhiji. Human birth is the result of karma but SAI's incarnation is a Leela. The result of Karma is inevitable but by repeating the name of SAI the evil effects shall be mitigated. An optimist sees an opportunity in every difficulty where as a pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. If adverse circumstances arise, we should look upon these as mere trials to test out spiritual strength. GOD is like a magnet. The magnet does not attract the needle as long as it contains mud and once the mud is washed off and made clean the magnet attracts the needle. Same is the case with GOD. GOD can only be experienced cannot be explained. baba's sweet and nectar like words and his boon bestowing hand are everlasting. By SAI's mere touch, the blind, deaf, dumb and other physically handicapped have got restored the normality. SAI BABA peculiar, some times mad, tender, merciful, casteless, simple, humble, childish, Bhola and inscrutable. Baba's life was like a rain bearing cloud and his heart is softer than wax. Just like a child gets the natural food from the breast of mother so also we get our spiritual strength from the lotus feet of SAI. Sri SAI baba is Kalpa Vriksha (wish fulfilling tree). Though BABA has cast off his mortal coil yet HE now appears and showers his blessings on HIS devotees. BABA neither left nay nor advocated any particular method of worship. HIS Udi is like the arrow of Sri Ram. It cured the enumerable and dreadful diseases. Barren woman begot children, and pregnant woman had easy and safe delivery. The true test to find out how much we have neared SAI is to find out how much patience and. concentration we have. III. WHO IS SAI BABA "Brahma is MY Father, Maya is MY Mother, and Universe is MY House" - SAI BABA Who is SAI BABA? When and where was HE born? Who were HIS parents? What was HIS Religion? When questioned. SAI BABA never gave straight and clear answers to the above questions. HE gave two different answers to the same question Perhaps SAI baba does not want us to bother about HIS religion. However, the answers as recorded in SHRI SAI SATCHARITA are reproduced for the information and ready reference. Once BABA said to Mahalsapathi that His parents were very pious and staunch devotees of Lord SHIVA. HE was born to them as a boon conferred by Lord Shankara. After some time the parents left PATHRI for performing penance and left the child SAI BABA under the tree. A childless fakir couple brought HIM (SAI) up from childhood days and drove HIM out when found attached to Lord Shankara At the Dhulia magistrate's court BABA said that people call HIM SAI BABA. HIS Guru was Venkuasa, HIS Religion was Kabir, caste parvat digar (GOD). BABA addressed the mosque as Brahmins Masjid. Saint Madhavanath told that SAI BABA was the eldest son of a Brahmin Yajuredi Deshasth who handed over HIM to a Fakir. SAI BABA came to SHIRDI in 1854 when HE was a lad of sixteen years and lived for about three years left SHIRDI and again; came with Chand Bhai Patil's marriage party in about 1858 and lived for sixty (60) years till HE attained Maha Samadhi on 15-10-1918. The mother of Nana Chopdar said that she saw this young Saint attractive and very handsome under the Neem tree, left SHIRDI came again. God Khandobha said that BABA practiced penance for 12 years beneath the present Neem tree. It is also agreed that BABA was first seen under the same Neem tree in the year 1854. When SAI BABA came to Khandoba's temple along with Chand Bhai Patil's marriage party, as soon as Bhagat Mahalsapathi, a priest saw this young fakir addressee Him `YA SAI' Welcome SAI, SAI is derived from Persian word meaning Saint. Since then the Fakir is known to one and all as SAI BABA. From this Khandobha temple, SAI BABA came to a dilapidated mud walled mosque and stayed there till the Maha Samadhi on 15-10-1918. The people who say SAI BABA was a Muslim argue that BABA uttered very often "Allah Malik", "Bismilia". During HIS childhood a Muslim fakir, perhaps named Roshan Shah, brought HIM up. Baba stayed in mosque. BABA expressed the desire that His mortal should be buried. HE used to speak Urdu very frequently and inherited Islamic customs, The people who oppose and contradict the above points say that one of the Islamic practices is reading of Quaran and performing Namaz. This Baba did so. Like Hindu, Baba had holes in his ears. He allowed worship of photos, statues, local deities, Muslims condemn idolatry. He kept dhuni burning which was a not Islamic ritual. He addressed mosque as Dwarakamai, Brahmins Masjid and in the mosque Tulsi plant was also worshipped by some Hindu Devotees. Baba's mortal were taken to a temple (closed shelter) meant for Murlidhar. >From the material narrated above it is seen that Baba's birth, parentage and religion as agreed by Shri Narasimhaswamy and others are still wrapped in mystery. The most compromising and the judicious approach about HIS religion may be based on HIS frequent utterance i.e. Subke Malik Ek Hai. It means all the religions are in HIM. Therefore it is superfluous to think about HIS religion, birthplace and parentage. BABA was Ram as well as Rahim. HE was all in one and one in all. HE is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. HE is Casteless, Birthless and Deathless. IV. SAI'S MIRACLES "I require no door to enter, I have no form nor any existence. I always live everywhere" - SAI BABA Is it not a wonderful thing to note that BABA's eyes are everywhere fulfilling the cherished desires of devotees sooner or later? One may shed tears while facing calamities in life but the same eyes may bring tears of joys in the long run. This is popularly known as SAI LEELA. If what is expected happens then there is no wonder in it. If unforeseen or unpredicted thing happens then it is a miracle. Some times with the best efforts put in, people fail and say bad luck and in some occasions with little efforts they get success. This is a matter of luck; if joys and sorrows are not mixed and interwoven then the very purpose of life is defeated. SAI BABA performed a number of miracles but the following are exceptionally wonderful and worth recording. 1. Once Chand Bhai, the Head mm of Daoop Khade village in Aurangabad district, was searching out for his more, SAI BABA who sat under a mango tree called Chand Bhai by his name and pointed out the mare. After finding the mare Chand Bhai was wonder-struck and bowed before SAI and uttered that the young lad was not an ordinary man. 2. SAI BABA every night used to light earthen lamps in mosque with the oil given by the grocers of SHIRDI village. One day the grocers refused to give oil. SAI returned to mosque with the empty oil tin. HE lit the lamps by pouring the water into the earthen lamps and kept the lamps burning the whole night very brightly. The grocers who came to make a fun of HIM were taken away by surprise and felt at HIS feet asking HIM to pardon. 3. Sri Nana Saheb Chandorker's daughter developed very acute delivery pains at Jamner. He could do nothing except praying BABA for the safe delivery. BABA heard the panic voice of Chandorker and gave sacred UDI to Bupugir Bava who was leaving for his native village in Khandesh to hand over to Nana Chandorker at Jarnner. Bupugir Bava had only Rupees two, which was a meager amount to meet the expense. SAI BABA read the mind of the messenger and told him that he should not worry. Allah will arrange every thing. Accordingly, Babugir reached Jalgaon at midnight. SAI in disguise of a tanga wala asked Bipugir whether he had come from SHIRDI and told that Nana had sent a tanga for HIM. By dawn these two reached Jamnere,. Nina applied the Udi to her daughter's forehead. She delivered to a child very safely. There after Babugir told Nana that had he not sent the tanga he would not have reached in time. Nana very amazingly said that he did not know anything about tanga. Then both came out from the house and searched out. Neither they found the tanga nor tangawala, Nana shed tears of joy and said "O BABA how merciful you are". 4. SHIRDI SAI BABA used to prepare prasad in a big Hundi; HE put rice, dal, vegetables and even meat with the required masala, in Hundi and put HIS hand to see whether the rice boiled. The devotees wondered to note that the hand placed in the boiling water did not burn. The devotees used to partake the prasad irrespective of caste creed or religion. 5. Once cholera epidemic broke out in Shirdi. The helpless people approached BABA and requested HIM to save them. BABA grinds wheat in the grinding stone in Dwarakamai. HE asked the village women to throw the wheat flower on the out skirts of SHIRDI village. The epidemic was arrested completely and was driven away. The people joyfully enjoyed this miracle. 6. Once the devotees who sat near BABA were taken away by surprise to see that BABA put both the hand in the burning firewood of Dhuni. Had I waited a moment longer she would have been burnt to death. The girl saved was Blacksmith's daughter who slipped from the lap of her mother and fell into the flames. Immediately the Blacksmith shouted BABA who took no time to save the girl. 7. Once Dasganu asked BABA to permit him to leave SHIRDI for Pandharapur to have the Darshan of VITHAL. BABA said for him SHIRDI itself is Pandharapur. Why leave SHIRDI and go so far? BABA manifested HIMSELF Vithal and Das Ganu became extremely happy and fell on HIS feet. 8. Once a doctor from Bombay who was a very close friend of SAI's devotee visited SHIRDI. He was a staunch devotee of Sri Rama; The Doctor accompanied his friend on the express on condition that he would not bow before BABA. When the doctor neared BABA, he saw Lord Sai Rama instead of SAI BABA. He went to BABA and fell at HIS lotus feet. 9. Once a terrible storm broke out in the evening at SHIDI. The rainfall was in torrents. All frightened and came to Dwarakamai shouted "BABA, BABA". SAI ordered the storm to be calm. The storm ceased and the moon shone on the sky very brilliantly. The normalcy was restored and the people went to homes safely. 10. Once SAI BABA poured water in the burning DHUNI. When the devotees asked about it, BABA replied that HE was putting out the fire in Tajuddin's Dargah. Next day a word came from Tajnddin that a fire had broken out at his Dargah. 11. Once a lizard on the wall of Dwarakamai was tick ticking. A devotee who heard this told BABA that it was a bad omen. BABA said no, the lizard was very glad and singing because her sister was expected to come to her shortly. Just then a person came from Aurangabad and put his luggage on the ground. Immediately the lizard jumped out and climbed up the wall. Both sisters who met after a long time kissed and embarrassed. This wonder in advance proved BABA's omniscience. 12. Shri Mule Shastri a palmist who had strong faith in Gholop Swami was put to great astonishment when he saw BABA assuming the form of his Guru Gholop Swami at the time Arati while all recited BABA's Arati Shastri recited the Arati for his Guru. After the Arati' Shastri prostrated before BABA and thanked for fulfilling his desire" This wonderful event moved all the devotees beyond measure. 13. Shri Gulam Hussain Jaffarally a Muslim surprised to BABA in guise of his beloved prophet Alliaa horse. He bowed before BABA. 14. Once a Parsi devotee from Koporgaon (district Ahmed Nagar) came to BABA He had strong belief in Paygambar Zarthostra. BABA satisfied his inner cherished desire by assuming himself, as Prostrated The Parsi was wonder struck and prostrated before BABA. 15. Once a lady devotee who prepared bread for BABA was just ready to start Meanwhile, a dog came she offered bread to the dog. She went to take another bread for BABA. now a pig came to her. She offered second bread. Later on seeing her BABA said 'MA, I ate two breads because I am in these creatures. From this miracle BABA proved that HE is all pervasive. 16. BABA used to sleep keeping HIS eyes opened on wooden plank tied to the rafters of the Masjid with old shreds or rages. People wondered as how BABA slept on it whose rags were weak and how he got up and down the plank. 17. Once the fire in the DHUNI flared up fiercely. The fire started rising higher. The devotees in Dwarakamai took fear. BABA ordered the fire to come down. Within no time the fire obeyed the order of BABA, and calmed down. This shows how SAI BABA had full control over the elements of nature. 18. In 1914 Shri Ganapath Dhod Kadam was going to SHIRDI in a train with his family. After the train left Nasik, a gang of Bhils boarded his compartment. At that time, Kadam was reading the holy songs. Seeing BABA the gang frightened and left the compartment within five minutes. When Kadam turned his face neither he saw the gang nor the old fakir. When he came to BABA to pay his homage BABA said, "Well have you come safe, "well guarded" Kadam felt at HIS feet and thanked for protecting him from the gang. 19. The greatest miracle performed by BABA is in case of lady Mrs. Malan Bai who was restored to life after death. This is the highest supernatural power exercised by baba, This lady suffered from a very serious t.b, disease. All sorts of medicines failed miserably. Having lost all hopes she came to SHIRDI and took refugee in SAI. The merciful SAI took pity on her, and she was advised to lie down on blanket and consumed water only and nothing else. She very obediently and devotionally followed the instructions. Unfortunately she died after a week early in the morning. Her parents wept bitterly and were preparing for the funeral. To the greatest surprise of one and all, the lady started breathing slowly and after a few minutes she opened the eyes and said that an unknown black person was carrying her she cried for BABA's help who came immediately and gave a blow to the black man and snatched her from the hand of the black person. Without seeing Chavadi, she gave a correct picture of it. This is the first time in the life of baba to leave Chavadi after 8. A.M. Tears of joy rolled on the cheeks of all the devotees who witnessed the unbelievable and invincible miracle of SAI NATH. After BABA took Maha Samadhi on 15-10-1918 the devotees are experiencing innumerable miracles even now in different parts of the country. Some of the experiences are being published in the books and in 'SAI LEELA' Magazines. V. SAYINGS OF SAI BABA SUBKA MALIK EK HAI" - SAI BABA SAI BABA's teachings are light giving and fruit bearing. They are easily adoptable by all sorts of religions, and have universal validity. BABA knew no caste, creed, except Humanism. Rich and poor were treated equally in his Durbar. HIS grace just like sunrays showered on all equally. HE neither left any heir nor advocated any particular religion. HIS teachings are through HIS sweet words. According to HIM God is universe and universe is GOD. It means GOD is all pervasive, everywhere in all greatness. SUBKA MALIK EK HAI. Lamps may be many but the light is the same. GOD is one, So far as karma is concerned, SAI BABA said that punishment for past deeds and sins is a MUST and not escapable but by praying to GOD the evil effects may be mitigated. The merits and demerits determine the assignment of heaven and hell respectively. Souls get their births or transmigration according to deeds. Damu Anna who sat near 'BABA was just thinking whether all the people who take Darshan of BABA are blessed and their desires fulfilled. SAI BABA, who was omniscient, read the mind of Damu Anna said that the mango tree bears a number of flowers. Each flower is expected to bring a fruit but this does not happen for the simple reason that most of the flowers, or unripe fruits fall as a result of whirlwind or storm and a few remain. Same is the case with people, who come to him. BABA said that the nine forms of Bhakti are hearing, praying, remembering, padaseva, service, worship, bowing, friendship and surrender of the soul. If all these nine are achieved, GOD will be pleased and you will be the happiest man. Real royalty is renunciation. Fakir's is the real Lordship and it is over lasting and the so-called Riches are evanescent. The saying of BABA calls for sense of Non-attachment amongst devotees. BABA used to utter very frequently ALLA MALIK, ALLA ACHA RAKHEGA, ALLA HU AKBAR. In, these divine words, bAba never claimed himself as GOD. NISHTA (faith) and SABURI (patience) are the two valuable gilts of a true devotee. Faith, as Rabindranath Tagore says, is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark, and patience in the words of Sarvapalli Radhakrisbna is tolerance, which is human culture. In the words of BABA. "Let any body 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. Once Kaka Dixit spoke ill of Christianity at his lodge. Later on he went to BABA to massage HIS feet. baba angrily told him to get away. Kaka Dixit who knew the omniscience of baba repented for having abused Jesus Christ. HE begged pardon. BABA forgave and allowed him to massage HIS legs. Prom this example it is quits clear that BABA, respected all sorts of religions. About human behavior, HE says that he who craps and cavils at others pierces ME in the heart and injures ME but he that suffers and endures pleases ME most". HE further says that our mind is fickle by nature. It should not be allowed to get wild. Sconce may get restless, the body however should be held in check and not allowed to be impatient. One should not do harm even by thoughts, speech or action. Beauty is to be admired. In this connection HE says, "God has created this beautiful world and it is our duty to appreciate its beauty. The mind will get Steady and calm slowly and gradually, when the front door is open why go by back one. When the heart is pure there is no difficulty whatever, way should one be afraid of any one if there bore no evil thought, Most of the divine aspects, which BABA preached, are based on ethical codes. HE says "Hari (God) will be certainly pleased if you give water to the thirsty, clothes to the naked and verandah to the strangers for sitting and resting. Feeding the hungry is one of the ways of pleasing the Almighty. Once seeing Mahalsapathi unwilling to give SAI BABA entry and stay at Kandoba temple BABA uttered these sweet words. "All Gods are, one, Hindus Muslims temples and Mosques are the same". Baba did not approve fasting for HE felt that the mind of a faster will not be peaceful to concentrate fully towards God. The soul has to be appeased. BABA's philosophical interpretation of UDI and DHUNI are worth noting. HE says light removes darkness i.e., ignorance. Atman body will be reduced to ashes like "UDI. Ram, Rahim were HIS right and left eyes. HE encouraged Muslim festivals like 'Muharram' equally on par with Hindus festival like Dasara. HIS teachings are beacon lights and fulfilled the spiritual and mental aspirations of all sorts of people on one hand and on the other brought unity between Hindus and Muslims. BABA said many a time "I give you what you want. You need not ask me. I know". This assurance was witnessed in a number of cases. Of many Mahalsapathi's case is worth mentioning. He had only daughter but never expressed his hearty desire of having a son. HE led the life of a Brahmachari for he slept daily with BABA in mosque. BABA told affectionately `Bhagat a daughter is a tamarind fruit whereas a son a mango fruit". Go and sleep in your house. You will have a son. These words of BABA proved and Mahalsapathi had a son by the grace of SAI BABA. BABA stressed the need to have a guide to walk in right direction. Avatars like Lord Shri Rama, Krishna had submitted to their Gurus. SAl SATCHARITA has already recorded the incidents faced by devotees when they disobeyed BABA's advice to have a guide along with them. Let all of us have SAI BABA as guide (Guru) and his teachings the golden principles of spiritual life. All HIS teachings put together constitute SAI ISM, which combines all sorts of religions Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Hebruism, Tavism. Confiucisim, Zordastraianism and Hinduism, BABA's preachings contain the following assurances. "If MY Leelas are either heard or told the diseases will disappear". "I AM OMNIPRESENT" said Baba. "I have no form nor existence-I always live everywhere", This assurance was proved by HIM in a number of cases on different occasions when devotees prayed him. HE assumed the form of a dog, cat, pit, some times snake, Sanyasi and so on, Human beings should not only treat each other generously but all creatures as well. "He who dives deep into MY Leelas would get precious jewel of knowledge". "If you look to ME I look to you. Why fear when I AM here. If you cast your burden on ME I shall surely bear it". This HE had proved in a number of instances with the devotees who suffered from different diseases. To quote one Mr. Dadha Saheb Khaparde who approached SAI BABA and begged for the life of his son who developed Bobonic plague. BABA took the disease on HIM and lifted HIS kafini up. People saw Bubbles like eggs under the arms. BABA said, "see how I suffer for MY devotees. Their difficulties are mine" "If you give ME ONE I shall give you TEN". This assurance proved in innumerable cases. "Be whatever you like, do whatever you choose, remember this well that all what you do is known to ME. I AM the Inner Ruler of all and seated in their hearts. I Am the Controller, the Wire Puller, of the show of this Universe". Simple remembrance of MY name SAI SAI will do away with sins of speech and hearing. SAI BABA said that there would never be any dearth or scarcity of food and clothes in MY devotee's house. It is fact that SAI BABA kept up the assurances given by HIM even now. Today SAI cult is spreading far and wide like passing the current when the switch is made on why? The answer is very simple. SAI teaching is easily adoptable by any person without observing any hard and fast dogmas or religious practices. HE is responding to the call of thousands of devotee who pray to HIM devotionally even after taking Maha Samadhi. This is in need a great blessing to mankind. VI. UDI AND ITS GREATNESS "Oh! Playful Rama come come bring with you sacks of udi" - SAI BABA In Dwarakamai, BABA kept the DHUNI burning. The ash from the fire is called UDI and regarded as most sacred. BABA explained the spiritual implication of UDI. He says that the dead human bodies when cremated will be reduced to ashes. Nothing remains except ashes-We come alone and go alone. UDI cured many physical and mental diseases. It is like Sri Rama's arrow. Never proved futile. Out of innumerable miracles the Jamner miracle of UDI is the most wonderful and well known already explained in the chapter on 'SAI'S MIRACLES'. Now a few memorable UDI miracles are narrated below. Even in case of non-availability of UDI on the spot the alternative used thinking that it is BABA's UDI by staunch devotees cured the diseases of others. The examples of Shri Narayan Rao Jani of Nasik and a devotee of BABA stand proof to this statement. They are a as follows; Scorpion and the pain become unbearable stung once a friend of Sri Narayan Rao Jani. As Sri Narayan Rao was not having udi with him, he burnt jass-sticks before BABA's photo picked up a pinch of the ashes of joss sticks thinking that it is BABA's udi, applied on the spot of pain. The pain diminished gradually and his friend became all right. In another instance a devotee's daughter at Bandra developed bubonic plague. HE came to Than railway station and told Nana Saheb Chandorker who was travelling with his wife to Kalyan. Nana Saheb was not having UDI. He took up soma dust from the earth mediated on BABA and applied it on the forehead of his wife praying for the life of devotees daughter. See the greatest miracle. The devotee's daughter became alright at Bandra. The effect of applying UDI had proved in a number of cases. Some are as follows: A doctor's nephew at Malegaoa District Nasik suffered from incurable tubercular-bone abscess. All sorts of medical treatments failed. The parents of the nephew came to SHIRDT and begged BABA who took pity on the boy and gave UDI. It was applied on the affected part for some times and the boy became healthy. Dr. Pillay a staunch devotee of BABA suffered from Guinea worms. The pain was so acute that he became desperate and preferred to die He approached BABA who mixed UDI with water and gave to Dr. Pillay. The disease was arrested with in ten days. Once Shama's sister-in-law got Bubonic plague. BABA gave UDI. It was applied on the Buboos and was mixed with water and given to her. As soon as she consumed it she got very sound sleep. When got up she found relief. An old gentleman of Harda suffered from a stone in his bladder. He was advised to undergo operation. Ho was very old and feeble. The gentleman's son brought some UDI poured in water and gave to his father. Within some minutes UDI did wonders. The stone was dissolved and came out through urine and the old man got relief. Once an Iranian gentleman's daughter got fits and fell down unconscious. Shri Kakasaheb Dixit gave UDI on request. It was mixed with water and was drunk. After its for some days she became quite alright. A lady from Bombay experienced very acute and unbearable pain at the time of delivery. She came to SHIRDI along with her husband-At that time she was pregnant. They both worshipped BABA and came back; again as usual she developed considerable pain at the time of delivery. A lady who was her neighbor put UDI in water and gave her to drink. She got rid of the pain and thanked BABA for her delivery. BABA gave UDI and blessed a gentleman of Horda by name Dattapant who suffered from acute stomachache for fourteen (14) years. Within few days he was completely cured by UDI. A Kayastha Prabhu of Bandra suffered from Insomnia for a long time. One of the devotees of BABA gave him UDI and asked him to apply a little of it to his forehead before going to bed and keep the udi packet under pillow while going to sleep. The gentleman followed the instructions and prayed BABA, got sound sleep and became healthy as usual. Another worth appreciating power of UDI was witnessed by Mrs. Newaskar and others on the anniversary day of Late Sri Balaji-The participants in the function were three fold to the invitees. Mrs. Newasker was puzzled. Her mother-in-law who was a devotee of BABA encouraged her by advising to put some SAI udi in all the vessels SAI would save from dishonor. See the effect of SAI's UDI. After satisfying all the participants with bellyful meals still plenty of food remained in the vessels. Their joy knew no bounds and the saying of a friend (udi), in need is a friend (udi) in deed had become a reality. Udi is proving numerous effects now and devotees are experiencing wonderful miracles throughout. A mere test with full faith is likely to bring the most desirable and successful results it is certainly the Master of all medicines. VII. TRANSCENDENTAL UNITY AMONG SAINTS "Saint is MY soul I am HE, HE is MY pure soul" - SRI KRISHNA Saints like Samartha Ramdas, Ananda Murthi, Kabir, Gajanan maharaj, Janaki Das, Gangagir, Ananath, Samrath, Sadguru, -Sri Sainath Maharaj and others are the great spiritual souls incarnated in various Parts of the country from time to time. Most of the saints who had the GOD vision are the true representatives of the GOD, came to earth to lead and guide the people on right path for self-realisation. What ever may be the method of preaching; the divine mission is one and the Same. They were found to be very simple, humble and above all merciful. Their mutual relations have been very cordial and supplementary. Shri Das Ganu Maharaj has nicely and very clearly inducted the spiritual linkage in his famous book "SAI HARI KATHA". Ha says "that BABA was saint Kabir in HIS previous birth and Venkusha was none other than Ramanada Maharaj who was the Guru of Kabir. Tajuddin Baba was a contemporary of SAI BABA". Saints are the best benefactors. The reincarnation of saints or sages on earth is ordered by the Almighty to carry out mission. Some of the worth appreciating, harmonious cordial relations of saints are illustrated below. Shri Bhai Krishnaji Al Bagkar a groat devotee of Akkalkotkar Maharaj wanted to go to Akkalkot (Sholapur District) for taking darshan of Padukas (foot prints) of the Maharaja of Akkalkotkar. The Maharaj appeared in his dream, asked him to visit SHIRDI, as it is HIS resting place. Accordingly, the gentleman visited SHIRDI, had the Darshan of SAI and as a reminiscence of the vision he installed the Padukas under the Neem tree. BABA told Krishnaji that HE himself is Akkalkotkar Maharaj. This shows how Saints supplement the work of each other. Once Shri Ruttonji Wadia of Nanded approached BABA for having issues. BABA asked Es. 5/- as Gurudakshina and at the same time informed that he has already received Rupees three and annas fourteen. The balance of one rupee and annas two was to be paid. Mr. Wadia paid the balance willingly. Mr. Wadia said to Das Ganu that it was his first visit to SHIRDI and he had not seen BABA earlier, How is it, that BABA received rupees three and annas fourteen. It was revealed that he spent rupees three annas fourteen on a Muslim saint towards reception and the expenditure incurred, exactly tallied with rupees three and annas fourteen. That a great wonderful event is this to note the unity between one saint and the other. Shri Schinde of Harda had no male issue except seven daughters. In 1903 he prayed to Lord Shri Dattatreya at Gangapur for a son and vowed that he would bring the son to the Lord with in a year. 'He was granted a boon but he failed to take his son to Gangapnr, In 1911 he visited SHIRDI. SAI BABA uttered that male issue was not in his destiny HE Tore up HIS body and gave him one. Mr. Schinde felt very deeply and begged for pardon. Once Upasani Maharaja did not offer Naivedya to SAI BABA 'who come to him in disguise of a black deg. He offered to his celebrated Ditty who did not accept it on the plea that he failed to recognize sa! BABA. Another striking incidence of co-ordination and affectionate relationship was witnessed in a cocoanut case. A pleader by name Shri Pundalikar Rao was given a cocoanut by saint Vasu Devanand Saraswati known as Tembey Swamy at Rajahmundry (in Andhra Pradesh State) to be handed-over to his beloved brother SAI. Shri Rao broke-down the same cocoanut given by the Saint at Manmad station to quench his thirst. No sooner he reached SAI BABA the later demanded the cocoanut sent by his brother. Shri Rao became helpless beyond words, fell down on the feet of BABA and asked him to pardon, He wanted to bring another' cocoanut in place of it. BABA did not agree saying that the cocoanut sent by his brother was matchless and was mere than any precious thing on earth and no cocoanut can compensate it. Shri Harishchandra Pitale from Bombay who prayed BABA was given rupees 3/- and was asked to worship along with Rupees 2/- already given. Pitale did not understand Rs. 2/- since it was his first visit to BABA. On reaching home his mother informed that Swami Akkalkot had given Rs. 2/- to his father. Thus BABA proved that HE is Akkalkot. A Kanerese Saint Appa (near Belgaum) advised Shri V.H. Thankur to go through Vichar sagar a very sacred book on Vedanta. He was informed that by his good luck he would meet a great Saint in near future who would lead him further. As predicted by Saint Mr. Thankur met BABA who reminded him about his meeting with Appa and guided him in spiritual matter. This strange incidence is nothing but the divine assignment and promoting co-ordination of the two saints. Shri Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (Thana district) after offering dakshina to Sri Sai Baba left the Masjid. While stepping down the Masjid he thought of paying one more rupee but did not do as he had already taken the permission of BABA to leave SHIRDI. After some time he met saint Narsing Maharaj in Kalaram temple. The saint demanded rupee one it was gladly given by Karnik. What a wonderful event and co-ordination of two great saints. Now let us see how saints treat and respect each other. Once Meher Baba met Shri Sai Baba. The later addressed him as PAR VAR DI GAR". Meher Baba who knew the real worth said that 'SAI BABA is the Master of creation". Once Nanavalli asked BABA to got up. BABA smilingly and willingly got up and offered his gadi (Seat). Nana wali after sitting for while got up and prostrated before Baba and then requested him to ensure the seat. Every one there wondered as why Baba had submitted to Nana Wali. This shows the love and affection of Baba for a real devotee. HE fulfilled the idea of becoming a slave to a model devotee. Let one be a saint or a devotee, if found very proud or showy was disliked by Baba. This is seen in the case of Haji Sidik Palke. This gentleman after Haj (visiting the sacred place i.e., Mecca and Madina) came to SHIRDI and stayed in Chavadi. Baba used to see him daily but never spoke to him months together. He was not allowed to step into Masjid. All wondered to note that such a holy person was ignored by BABA. After nine months Shama asked BABA about his strange behavior with this holy man BABA replied that Allah has not permitted him to do so. After putting Haji to many trails, one day Baba went to Haji scolded him by saying that be was very proud of his pilgrimage to Mecca and pose himself to be a very great man. Haji became helpless and could not answer. There after Baba went to Masjid and sent mangoes to him and then he went to him and took rupees fifty- five from his pocket and gave them to Haji. Later on Baba allowed Haji to stay with him and treated him pleasingly. This is how Baba behaved with an holy man. He who took the name of Allah or GOD was liked and respected by bAba. This is seen in Rohilla's case. This man used to recite (Allah Ho Akbar), so loudly that the villagers in SHIRDI were disturbed. Many times the villagers approached BABA but BABA never drew him out of SHIRDI. Nobody knew the secret of Rohilla except BABA. To get rid of bad thoughts and to get peace of mind the Rohilla used to recite the name of GOD round the clock loudly, BABA never took objections to the ways of Rohilla's remembrance of GOD. After some time the Rohilla left SHIRDI. Shri Javahar Ali (a fakir) lived in SHIRDI with SAI BABA He was highly learned man and used to recite Kalma from Quran very sweetly. Ho attracted a very good number of people in SHIRDI. BABA took no objection to become his disciple. The Fakir did not understand the greatness of BABA whereas the later knew the weaknesses. As desired by his Guru BABA accompanied him to Rahta but the people of Shirdi soon brought both of them back to SHIRDI, At that time a saint Sri Devi Das Janani was already residing at Maruthi temple in SHIRDI. He tested Jawahar Ali found wanting and defeated in many religious discussions. The Fakir left SHIRDI and after some time returned to SHIRDI- Ho came to know the supernatural power of BABA and prostrated before BABA. BABA received him with great respect. The Fakir became the Chela and Sai the Guru. BABA never disgraced him for his handicaps on the other hand he loved him, Thus BABA set up an example as how an ideal saint should behave with the saints and so called saints. TO BE CONTINUED With Sai love from Sai brothers - '' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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