THE BRICK

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THE BRICK

Ever since Baba came to stay in the Dwarakamai, He had a brick with Him.

This brick was His constant companion. With great affection and care He

looked after it. Though an inanimate object Baba loved it and called it

His 'life long companion' Baba in His characteristic way referred to it

as " her'. Although she was an earthen brick she was well backed and

sturdy. She was one foot long, 9 " inches wide and 3 " inches in depth Baba

would support His hand on her while he sat in solitude in the

Dwarakamai. When He slept, He used her as a pillow.

Mhalsapathy and Kashiram Shimpy would worship her, after

performing " Mangal Snan " . Then carefully place her against the pillar

adjacent to the Dhuni Maa. At night they would wrap her in a clean cloth

and give her to Baba to use as a pillow. Though Mhalsapathy and Kashiram

were constantly with Baba it did not occur to them to ask Baba about the

significance of this brick?

Madhu Fasle who used to sweep and clean the Dwarakamai was

very careful when handling the brick. Every day he would and her by

placing her near Dhuni Maa. Later he would wrap her in a clean cloth;

and place her underneath the cupboard. This cupboard had Baba's clothes

beneath which was a cemented parapet, thus the brick would be safely

stored away. Baba loved this brick more than His life and never forgot

her. Many an hour He spent with her, in Self-absorption, oblivious of

His surroundings.

One day when Baba had gone out a young Sevkari while

sweeping the Dwarakamai, accidentally dropped her, and she broke into 2

pieces. Frightened of the consequences he placed the two pieces one upon

the other, against the Dhuni Maa and left. When Baba returned He asked

Mhalsapathy for His brick. Mhalsapathy lifted her and one of the broken

pieces fell to the ground.

Seeing this Baba was distraught and started crying like a

human being. " It's not the brick, but My fortune that is broken. She was

My constant companion! Now that she has gone I too will leave. "

Mhalsapathy tried to comfort Baba by saying " Baba I will bind her

together with a gold wire "

" O! Bhagat this brick is more valuable than many gold

bricks! Now that My " Sangani " (companion) is broken I cannot remain

here. " Thereafter Baba's health stared detoriating and on the 5th day He

took Maha Samadhi. Mention of this incident is made in Sai Satcharita #

44. The Lord Vithal of Pandarpur Stood on a brick while the Parabhrama

of Shirdi used a brick for His pillow.

 

(Source Shri Sai Leela Magazine)