I look at everyone with equality.

[Guest guest]

" I look at everyone with equality. Many people come to My darbar with

different motives and needs. The people who are here are also as

different as different can be. Some are God-fearing. Some are seekers of

knowledge and enlightenment. Others are seekers of wealth, health and

progeny. Others are rogues. Nonetheless, I look at each and everyone

with equality " , said Baba.

 

Here are two such leelas.

 

The year was 1913 and " Naam-Saptah " was being performed by some of

the devotees. The Dwarkamai was packed as devotees had gathered together

to participate in the weeklong program. Savitribai Tendulkar was also

present and so was Babasaheb Tarkhad. Baba calmly said, " Go Shama, there

is a man sitting on the wall of the Sabha Mandap. He wishes to have

darshan. Do go and bring him immediately. " Shama did as he was bidden.

Indeed, there was a man huddled next to the wall of Dwarkamai. But, he

was in a bad shape. The man was not very old. But his hands were shaking

and his head was nodding. He was drooling at the mouth. His body was

full of boils that oozed puss. Some of the boils had turned to open

sores that were full of maggots. Flies covered his chest. The torn

clothes that he had on were filthy and dirty. There was an overpowering

stench of foul odor.

Shama seemed oblivious and holding the man by his hand, brought him to

Baba. The man fell at Baba's feet, and tears of joy poured from his

eyes. Baba placed his hand of benediction on his head and said, " Bhau,

what have you brought for me? " This devotee's joy knew no bounds at that

moment. Slowly and painstakingly, he took out a dirty piece of cloth and

opened the bundle. Inside the bundle was a small piece of paper that had

2-3 pieces of sugar candy. With his shaking hands, he handed the candy

to Baba with utter devotion. Upon receiving the candy, Baba gobbled it

up. Then Baba placed his palm on his head and gave him udi and

permission to leave. The man slowly but joyously left the Dwarkamai.

Babasaheb Tarkhad watched the whole scenario with keen interest and was

so moved by Baba's compassion and love, that he could not hold back his

tears.

(REF: Sai Leela 1930)

 

(contd..)