If a bigger picture of the world was seen at that time, it was clear that some foreign countries were expanding their reach to various parts of the world and suppressing the people belongs to the other races. It appeared as though Imperialism has complete disregard for human dignity and respect for other people. The rich people in foreign countries were suppressing the poor with unacceptable slavery. Humankind was terribly crying throughout the world.

Only a small portion of the agenda and the power of incarnation of Saibaba is evident, if seen from the narrow angle of the religious dimension. Saibaba is solving the life problems of the every devotee visiting him. There is no limit for his grace. Distance is not an obstacle. Saibaba’s grace has no limits what so ever. Saibaba thrust his hand into the furnace, to save a baby from falling into the furnace in a remote village, while Mainatai was suffering during of delivery of her baby, Saibaba sent vibhudhi in the right time, and saved her life. Weather it was brother of Kakasahib dixit who was suffering from a decease, or wife of Mahalsapathi who was suffering from swollen neck at her mother’s place, it was immediately known to SaiBaba and the person who was suffering was saved. What the devotees were discussing in Sathe’s inn in Shirdi, What Kaka Mahajani and his employer Sate Thakarse were discussing in Mumbai were all known to SaiBaba. In addition to this, without rest and irritation, SaiBaba was taking care about the needs of all devotees who were flooding Shirdi like a ganges river. When a devotee dies, SaiBaba took care and decide which lady’s womb should receive that soul for next life on earth. When plague like deceases were raging around the outskirts of the village, SaiBaba took care to subdue them. For each devotee visiting SaiBaba, SaiBaba used to decide the type of experiences the devotee should go through so that they could climb another step to reach their goal in the spiritual world. SaiBaba used to help a devotee regarding which sacred book, the devotee should read and which points in the book should be concentrated by the devotee. The one who reads regularly the books about life of Shirdi SaiBaba, can understand the sphere of influence, power and the noble agenda of the avatar of Shirdi SaiBaba.

Unless somebody finds complete history of incidents and did deep analysis on them, it would be impossible to know that Shirdi Saiababa single handily managed a magnificent and extensive tasks without a break. The detail of the great task is explained to some extent in the chapters dedicated to Deekshit and Khaparde. While political and social changes are occurring, Sai was observing them and pressing the right buttons and pulling the right strings and thus became a central figure like an opera conductor. For the people who were supposed to take the lead roles, Sai has moulded their personalities slowly over a range of their births so that they could do their duty in this life with full force. Out those people, who have completed their intended duties and waiting to leave this world willingly, he merged their souls with his own self. Sai has formulated core principles and management of Sai Darbar in such a way that the incidents occurring throughout the country to be conductive to the ultimate victory at the end. This is evident to some extent in the chapters mentioned previously. Being religious doesn’t mean praying to the god for satisfying selfish needs and at the same time closing eyes, ears and heart to the sufferings of the other people. This moral is very clear in the life history of Shirdi SaiBaba.

So far I have explained how SaiBaba took responsibilities for the disciples at the personnel level and people in general at the country level. But the materialistic needs and the satisfaction achieved after achieving them are only for a moment, external and temporary. To avoid human suffering at the root level, there is a necessity of change in the behaviour of human kind at spiritual level. Actions of the people are dependent on their level of spiritual awakening. Their thinking, their likes and dislikes are connected with pride and affection. They are dependent on one’s karma carried forward from their previous lives. Enlightenment of human kind is not possible without fundamental change in karma of the people which is stronger than diamond and poison. There may be changes or new trends in their dresses and outward social behaviour, but the core internal behaviour may be same. To change karma and internal behaviour of the people, a fundamental change in spiritual thinking of the people is required. To achieve this, there is a need for entry of great souls who can change the society at large. By virtue of association with great souls, there will be change in behaviour of the people for generations to come. The avatar of Saiababa is the foundation stone for this massive project. This is the reason for the universal guru Swamy Dattatreya to reincarnate as Sri Akkalkote Swamy, Shirdi Saibaba, Sri Gajanan Maharaj, Sri Vasudevand Saraswathy Swamy and Sri Dhuni varle Dada. All these avatars have power to influence the people even after body of the avatar has left this world. The reading of history of the avatar can influence the people, so that they are willing to change their fundamental behaviour. In addition to these, there is book called “Sri Guru Charitra” which is sacred and permanent. The stories of Sri Saibaba and Sri Akkalkote Maharaj has made it possible to understand Sri Guru Charitra in the context of changing conditions across the country. It can be assured that, Swamy Dattatreya will incarnate again and again to carry out the message to the generations of the people yet to be born.

It should not be felt that it is a difficult and massive task to read life stories of Saints. In reality, reading life stories of Saints is an easy and happy practise. To do this, there is no need for yagna, fasting and being awake. It is just enough to dedicate part of the time for spiritual thinking. After reading life stories of Saints, it is just enough to remember that we are living in vision of great Saints. This is part of meditation and spiritual thinking.

Due to special nature of Kali yugh, it is better to remember 2 or 3 important points. 1. During Sri Krishna’s time in Dwapara yugh, Sri Krishna had already warned that there would be one in million people who would be seeking self-realisation. That means people who attained realisation are very rare. The situation gets worsened during the age of Kali yugh. Even Shirdi Saibaba had warned that “It is very rare to find a true phakir”. That is way purans warned that “some people without self-realisation try to act as gurus to extract money and service from people”. That is why Shirdi Baba has commanded that “Do not run after anybody for getting a mantra”. It is so mean to attract the people by showing cheap miracles and this is evident from Kushabau story of “Sri Saibaba Satcharitra” book. That is why all the devotees need to remember only one key point: regularly reading “Sri Guru Charitra” for blessing of guru and not to approach anybody as directed by Datta Swamy. Reading this book without hurry and with patience, pledge, simple leaving, visiting various sacred temples and having satsung with neighbours is the only way for righteous path.

2. Similarly do parayan of sacred books of great saints like Akkalkot Maharaj and Shirdi Saibaba. Before reading of any of these books, contemplate one important thing deeply. Remember that even though name, shapes and behaviours are different among them, under the hood only Datta Swamy is carrying out all the work. It is clear from their life stories that they are all incarnations of Eswar. Rishis has clarified that Eswar is Advitha meaning ‘not two’. Even though Eswar has manifested in various incarnations, they are representing the same Eshwar. It is like gold ornaments which are fundamentally made up of gold, but called with different names depending upon shape. Even though biological spices are numerous, they are all made up of cells. Therefore remember that even though you are reading Sat Charitra of any great saint, it is same as reading one of the chapters of Datta Swamy Satcharita. During leisure time, meditate on the name of Datta Swamy or any other names of one of his incarnations. Meditate with a feeling that we are lovingly chanting the name of Datta Swamy who has helped the mankind in various incarnations. While putting a morsel of rice outside before meals, meditate on Datta Swamy to come and accept the biksha. Afterwards start eating the food with the feeling that this food is the Prasad of puja of Datta Swamy.

3. Just remember one more point; Since we are living as humans, we will be doing good and bad due to love and hatred. In this way we are responsible for never ending cycle of births and deaths on this earth. While caught in this never ending cycle of births and deaths, there is no much benefit in temporarily avoiding some problems by remembering god’s name. Unless we put a full stop to all bad karmas in this life, we can’t stop never ending requests to god to help us. We need to suffer unfortunate moments in life with equal vigour with which we enjoying happy moments. If we are keep on doing like this, Sai will be automatically helping us to come out of those bad moments, which were essential for uplifting our spiritual thoughts. We need to accept bad moments in life like a patient is accepting treatment and medicine from the doctor. Even if we don’t accept bad moments in life, we can’t do much about them. We need to put out effort to come out of bad moment. But there is no guarantee that all circumstances will be favourable to us. All those circumstances are controlled in turn by our accumulated karmas of our previous and present lives. But a sincere human effort will always uplift our spiritual thoughts. Therefore we should not neglect our day to day responsibilities to continue the life and special effort for realisation of god at the same time. What is need for excitement when we got our own money back from the bank?. What is need for anxiety at the time of paying pack loan to the bank, which we took previously and enjoyed it?. While remembering that unexpected difficulties in life should not be responsible for sadness or anxiety in life, continuing the day to day life with good karma will remove all reasons for sadness and anxiety in life. In addition to this, it is exciting to remember that while we are doing only good karma, we are becoming part of Datta Avatar which is engulfing whole universe.

Let us see how Foundation stone was laid for advent of Shirdi SaiBaba who is Datta Avathar in this Yug. We will become pans in that. In addition to this, let us find out how much support we got for meditation, mind concentration due to presence of SaiBaba. Let us remember in our hearts, the sacred abode of Saibaba. Let us get rid of all bad thoughts and bad behaviours. Let us remember that we are breathing the same air which was once breathed by sacred saints in the line of Datta avatar, and we are born on the same land which was once roamed by same saints. Thus we are blessed and let us live accordingly in a pious manner.

Greatness of Sadguru Sai

We prostrate ourselves before and take refuge in that Sai Samarth, Who besets all animate and inanimate things in the universe – Who pervades all creatures equally without any differentiation, to Whom all devotees are alike and Who knows not honour and dishonor, like or dislike. If we remember Him and surrender to Him, He fulfils all our wishes and makes us attain the goal of life.

This ocean of mundane existence is very hard to cross. Waves of attachments beat high against the bank of bad thoughts and break down trees of fortitude. The breeze of egoism blows with force and makes the ocean rough and agitated. Crocodiles in the form of anger and hatred move there fearlessly. Eddies in the form of the idea “I and Mine” and other doubts whirl there incessantly, and innumerable fishes in the form
of censure, hate and jealousy play there. Though, this ocean is so fierce and terrible, Sadguru Sai is its Agasti (Destroyer) and the devotees of Sai have the least fear of it. Our Sadghuru is the boat, which will safely take us across this ocean.

Prayer

Now,we fall before Sai baba and holding His Feet make the following prayer for the public; Let not our mind wander and desire anything except Thee. Let this work (Satcharita) be in every house and let it be studied daily. Let it ward off the calamities of those, who study it regularly with reverence.

Fala-shruti (Reward of Study)

Now, a few words about the reward you get, from this work. After bathing in the sacred Godavari and after taking the darshan of the Samadhi in the Samadhi Mandir at Shirdi, you should read or hear the Satcharita. If you do this all your threefold afflictions will vanish. Casually thinking about the stories of Sai, you will get interested in spiritual life, and if you go through it with love and reverence, all your sins will be destroyed. If you wish to get rid of the cycle of births and deaths, read Sai stories and remember Him always; and get yourself devoted to His Feet. If you dive into the sea of Sai’s stories, and then give them out to others, you will get an ever-new flavour of them and save the hearers from future misery. If you go on meditating on Sai’s Form, it will, in course of time, lead you into self- realization. It is very hard to know or realize the nature of Self of Brahma; but if you approach through the Sagun Brahma (Sai’s Form) your progress will be easy. If the devotee completely surrenders himself to Him, he will lose his individual ego and be merged in Him and be one with him, as the river becomes one with the sea. If you thus become merged with Him in any of the three states, viz., walking, dream and sleep, you get rid of the bond of Sansar. If anybody, after bathing, reads this with love and faith, and completes it within a week, his calamities will disappear; or if he hears or reads it daily and regularly, all his calamities will disappear; or if he hears or reads it daily and regularly, all his dangers will be warded off. He will get the reward according to his faith and devotion. Without these, there will be no experience of any kind. If you read this with reverence Sai will be pleased, and by removing your ignorance and poverty, will give you knowledge, wealth and prosperity. With concentrated mind, if you read a chapter daily, it will give you unbounded happiness. One, who has his own welfare at heart, should study it carefully and then, he will ever remember Sai gratefully and joyfully birth after birth. This work should be read at home specially on Guru Pournima (Ashadha full-moon day ), Gokul Ashtami, Ram Navami and Dasara (Baba’s Punyatithi). If you study this one book carefully, all your desires will be satisfied, and if you always remember Sai’s Feet in your heart, you will easily cross the Bahva (wordly illusions) Sagar. By its study, the diseased and sick will get health, the poor wealth, the mean afflicted the prosperity, and the mind will get rid of all futile ideas and get steadiness.

Dear devoted readers and listeners, we also bow to you all, and make you a special request, never forget Him, whose stories you have read day by day or month by month. The more fervently you read or listen to these stories, the more encouragement Sai gives us to serve you and be of use to you. Both the author and the readers must co-operate in this work, help each other and he happy.

Prasad Yachana

We close this with prayer to the Almighty for the following Prasad of favour: May the readers and devotees have complete and wholehearted surrender and devotion at Sai’s Feet. May His form be ever fixed in the eyes and may they see Sai (the Lord) in all beings. Amen!

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

(Aarati)

Oh Sai Baba, we wave lights before you, the bestower of happiness to the Jivas. Give us – Your servants and devotees rest under the dust of your Feet, burning (destroying) desires. You remain absorbed in Your Self, and show the Lord (God) to the aspirants. As one feels intently for you, you give him experiences or realizations accordingly. Oh Kind hearted, Your power is such! meditation on Your name removes our fear of the Sansar. Your method of word is really unfathomable as You always help the poor and the helpless. In this Kali age you – the all-pervasive Datta, have Incarnated as Sagun Brahma. Ward off the fear of Sansar of the devotees, who come to You every Thursday, so as to enable them to the service of Your Feet. Feed Madhav (the composer of this aaarati) with happiness as the cloud feeds the Chatak bird with pure water, and thus keep up Your Word. Amen!

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Stories of (1) Kakasaheb Dixit (2) Shri Tembe Swami (3) Balaram Dhurandhar

Chapter 50 of the original Satcharita has been incorporated in chapter 39, as it dealt with the same subject matter. Now, chapter 51 of the Satcharita has been treated here as chapter 50. This chapter gives the stories of (1) Kakasaheb Dixit, (2) Shri Temve Swami and (3) Balaram Dhurandhar.

Preliminary

Victory be unto Sai, Who is the main-stay of the Bhaktas, Who is our Sadguru, Who expounds the meaning of the Gita and Who gives us all powers. Oh Sai, look favourably on us and bless us all.

The sandal-wood trees grow on the Malaya mountains¹ and ward off heat. The clouds pour rain-water and thereby, cool and refresh all the people. The flowers blossom in the spring and enable us to worship God, therewith. So, the stories of Sai Baba come forth in order to give solace and comfort to the readers. Both, those who tell and those, who hear the stories of Baba, are blessed and holy.

It is a well-established fact that, though we try hundreds of means or Sadhanas, we do not attain the spiritual goal of life, unless a Sadguru blesses us with his grace. Hear the following story in illustration of this statement.
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1. In India

Mr. Balaram Dhurandhar, belonged to the Pathare Prabhu community of Santacruz, Mumbai. He was an advocate of the Mumbai High Court and some time Principal of Government Law School, Mumbai. The entire Dhurandhar damily was pious and religious. Mr. Balaram served his community and wrote and published an account of it. He then turned his attention to spiritual and religious matters. He studied The Gita, and its commentary Dnyaneshwari and other philosophical and metaphysical works. He was a devotee of Vithoba of Pandharpur. He came in contact with Sai Baba in 1912. Six months earlier, his brothers Babulji and Vamanrao came to Shirdi and took Baba’s darshan. They returned home, and mentioned their sweet experiences to Balaram and other members. Then, they all decided to see Sai Baba. Before they came to Shirdi, Baba declared openly that, “Today many of my Darbar people are coming.” The Dhurandhar brothers were astonished to hear this remark of Baba, from others, as they had not given any previous intimation of their trip. All other people prostrated themselves before Baba, and sat talking with him. Baba said to them, “These are my Darbar-people, whom I referred to before” and said to the Dhurandhar brothers, We have been with each other for the last sixty generations.” All the brothers were gentle and modest, they stood with joined hands, looking at Baba’s Feet. All the Sattwic emotions, such as tears, choking etc., moved them and they were all happy. Then, they went to their lodging, took their meals and after taking a little rest again came back to the Masjid. Balaram sat near Baba, massaging His legs. Baba, Who was smoking the Chillim, advanced it towards him and beckoned him to smoke it. Balaram was not accustomed to smoking, still he accepted the pipe, smoked it with great difficulty, and returned it reverentially. This was the most auspicious moment for Balaram. He had been suffering from asthama for six years. This smoke completely cured him of the disease, which never troubled him again. Some six years alter, on a particular day, he again got an attack of asthama. This was precisely the time, when Baba took His Mahasandhi.

The day of this visit was a Thursday, and the Dhurandhar brothers had the good fortune of witnessing the Chavadi procession that night. At the Arati-function in the Chavadi, Balaram saw the glow of Pandurang on Baba’s face and next morning at the Kakad-Arati time, the same phenomenon- the same lustre of the Beloved Deity – Pandurang was visible again on Babs’s face.

Dear devoted readers and listeners, we also bow to you all, and make you a special request, never forget Him, whose stories you have read day by day or month by month. The more fervently you read or listen to these stories, the more encouragement Sai gives us to serve you and be of use to you. Both the author and the readers must co-operate in this work, help each other and be happy.

(… to be continued )

We came to the next story, which shows, how saints love each other with fraternal affection. Once Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati, known as Shri Tembe Swami encamped, at Rajamahendri (Andhra Country), on the banks of the Godavari. He was devout, orthodox, Dnyani and Yogi Bhakta of the Dattatreya. One, Mr. Pundalikrao, pleader of Nanded (Nizam state) went to see him with some friends. While they were talking with him, the names of Shirdi Sai Baba were causally mentioned. Hearing Baba’s name the Swami joined hands with reverence and taking a coconut gave it to Pundalikrao, and said to him, “Offer this to my brother Sai, with my Pranam and request Him not to forget me, but ever love me.” He also added that, Swamis do not generally bow to others, but in this case an exception had to be made. Mr. Pundalikrao consented to take the coconut and his messsage to Baba. The Swami was right in calling Baba a brother, for as he maintained an Agnihotra (sacred fire) day and night, in his orthodox fashon, Baba too kept His Agnihotra, i.e., Dhuni ever burning in the Masjid.

After one month Pundalikrao and others left for Shirdi with the coconut, and reached Manmad, and as they felt thirsty they went to a rivulet to drink water. As water should not be drunk on an empty stomach, they took out some refreshment, i.e., Chivda (flattened rice mixed with spice). The Chivda tasted most pungent and in order to soften it, as someone suggested, broke the coconut and mixed its scrapings with it. Thus, they made the Chivda more tasty and palatable. Unfortunately, the coconut turned out to be the same that was entrusted to Pundalikrao. As they neared Shirdi, Pundalikrao remembered the trust, i.e., the coconut,and was very sorry to learn that it was broken and consumed. He came to Shirdi and saw Baba. Baba had already received a wireless message, regarding the coconut from Tembe Swami, and himself asked Pundalikrao first
to give the thing sent by his brother. He held fast Baba’s Feet, confessed his guilt and negligence, repented and asked for Baba’s pardon. He offered to give another fruit as a substitute, but Baba refused to accept it, saying that the worth of that coconut was far more than that of an ordinary one, and that it could not be replaced by another. Baba also added, “Now, you need not worry yourself any more about the matter. It was an account of my wish that, the coconut was entrusted to you, and ultimately broken on the way; why should you take the responsibility of the actions on you? Do not entertain the sense of doership in doing good, as well as for bad deeds; be entirely prideless and egoless in all things and thus your spiritual progress will be rapid.” What beautiful spiritual instructions Baba gave!

(… to be continued )

Before 1909, Sai Baba’s name was not familiar to Kakasaheb, but after that he soon became His great devotee. While he was staying at Lonavla, he appened to see his old friend, Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Both spent some time in talking about many things. Kakasaheb described to him, how while he was boarding a train in London, he met with an accident in which his foot slipped and was injured. Hundreds of remedies gave him no relief. Nanasaheb then told him that if he wished to get rid of the pain and lameness of his leg, he should go to his Sadguru – Sai Baba. He also gave him all the particulars of Sai Baba and mentioned to him Sai Baba’s dictum, “I draw to Me My man from far off or even across the seven seas, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet.” He also made it clear to him that, if he was not Baba’s man, he would not be attracted to Him and given darshan. Kakasaheb was pleased to hear all this and said to Nanasaheb that he would go to Baba, see him and pray to Him to cure not so much his lame leg, but bring round his lame, fickle mind and give him eternal Bliss.

Some time after, Kakasaheb went to Ahmednagar, and stayed with Sirdar Kakasaheb Mirikar in connection with securing votes for a seat in the Mumbai Legislative Council. Mr. Balasaheb Mirikar, son of Kakasaheb Mirikar, who was a Mamalatdar of Kopergaon, also came at that time to Ahmednagar in connection with a horse-exhibition there. After the election business was over, Kakasaheb Dixit wanted to go to Shirdi and both the Mirikars, father and son, were also thinking about a fit and proper person, as a guide, with whom he should be sent there. There Sai Baba was arranging things for his reception. Shama got a telegram from his father-in-law at Ahmednagar stating that, his wife was seriously ill, and that, he should come to see her with his wife. Shama with Baba’s permission went there, and saw his mother-in-law and found her improving and better. Nanasaheb Panse and Appasaheb Gadre happended to see Shama on their way to the exhibition and they told him to go to Mirikar’s house, see Kakasaheb Dixit there and take him to Shirdi along with him. Kakasaheb Dixit and the Miikars were also informed of Shama’s arrival. In the evening, Shama came to Mirikars, who introduced him to Kakasaheb. They arranged that Shama should leave for Kopergaon with Kakasaheb by the 10 o’clock night train. After this was settled, a curious thing happened. Balasaheb Mirikar threw aside the veil or covering on Baba’s big portrait and showed the same to Kakasaheb. He was surprised to see that, He, Whom he was going to meet at Shirdi, was already there in the form of His portrait to greet him, at this juncture. He was much moved and made his prostration before the portrait. This portrait belonged to Megha. The glass over it was broken and it was sent to Mirikars for repairs. The necessary repairs had been already made, and it was decided to return the portrait with Kakasaheb and Shama.

Before ten o’clock, they went to the station and booked their passage; but when the train arrived, they found that the second class was overcrowded; and that there was no room for them. Fortunately, the guard of the train turned out to be an acquaintance of Kakasaheb and he put them up in the first class. Thus, they travelled comfortably and alighted at Kopergaon. Their joy knew no bounds, when they saw there Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who was also bound for Shirdi. Kakasaheb and Nanasaheb embraced each other, and after bathing in the sacred Godavari river, they started for Shirdi. After coming there and getting Baba’s darshan, Kakasaheb’s heart melted, his eyes were full of tears and his heart was overflowing with joy. Baba said to him that He was also waiting for him, and had sent Shama ahead to receive him.

Kakasaheb then passed many happy years in Baba’s company. He built a Wada in Shirdi, which he made, more or less, his permanent home. The experiences, he got from Baba, are so manifold that it is not possible to relate them all here. The readers are advised to read a Special (kakasaheb Dixit) No. of ‘Shri Sai Leela’ magazine Vol 12, No. 6-9.

We close this account with the mention of one fact only. Baba had comforted him by saying that in the end “He will take him in air coach (Viman)”, (i.e., secure him a happy death). This came out true. ON the 5th July, 1926, he was travelling in the train with Hemadpant and talking about Sai Baba. He seemed deeply engrossed in Sai Baba. All of a sudden he threw his neck on Hemadpant’s shoulder, and breathed his last with no trace of pain or uneasiness.

(… to be continued )

Hemadpant concludes this chapter, with a story of Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Nanasaheb was once sitting in the Masjid with Mhalsapati and others, a Mohammeden gentleman from Bijapur came, with his family, to see Baba. On seeing veiled ladies with him, Nanasaheb wanted to go away, but Baba prevented him from doing so. The ladies came and took the darshan of Baba. When one of the ladies removed her veil for saluting Baba’s Feet, Nanasaheb, who had a glimpse of her face, was so much smitten with her beauty that he wished to see her face again. Knowing Nana’s restlessness of mind, Baba spoke to him after the lady had left the place, “Nana, why are you getting agitated in vain? Let the senses do their allotted work or duty, we should not meddle with their work. God had 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 the back one? When the heart is pure, there is no difficulty, whatsoever. Why should one be afraid of anyone, if there be no evil thought in us? The eyes may do their work, why should you feel shy and tottering?”

Shama was there, and he could not follow the meaning of what Baba said. So, he asked Nana about this on their way home. Nana told him about his restlessness at the sight of the beautiful lady, how Baba knew it and advised him about it. Nana explained Baba’s meaning as follows, “That our mind is fickle by nature, it should not be allowed to get wild. The senses may get restless, the body, however, should be held in check, and not allowed to be impatient. Senses run after objects of desire but we should not follow them and crave for them. By slow and gradual practice, restlessness can be conquered. We should not be swayed by the senses, though they cannot be completely controlled. We should curb them, rightly and properly, according to the need of the occasion. Beauty is the subject of sight, we may fearlessly look at the beauty of objects. There is no room for shyness or fear. Only, we should never entertain evil thoughts. Making the mind desireless, observe God’s works of beauty. In this way, the senses will be easily and naturally controlled, and even in enjoying objects you will be remainded of God. If the outer senses are not held in check, and if the mind be allowed to run after objects and be attached to them, our cycle of births and deaths will not come to an end. With Vivek (discrimination) as our charioteer, we will control the mind, and shall not allow the senses to go astray. With such a charioteer, we reach the Vishnu-pada – the final abode, our real Home, from where there is no return.”

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

(… to be continued )

Now, hear the story of another man, who came to try Baba. Bhaiji, brother of Kakasaheb Dixit was staying at Nagpur. When he had gone to the Himalayas in 1906 he made an acquaintance with one Somadev Swami of Hardwar at Uttar Kashi, down the Gangotri valley¹. Both took down each other’s names in their diaries. Five years later Somadev Swami came to Nagpur and was Bhaiji’s guest. There, he was pleased to hear the Leelas of Baba, and a strong desire arose in his mind to go Shirdi and see Him. He got a letter of introduction from Bhaiji and left for Shirdi. After passing Manmad and Kopergaon, he took a Tonga and drove to Shirdi. As he came near Shirdi, he saw two flags floating high over the Masjid in Shirdi. Generally, we find different behaviour, different mode of living and different outward paraphernalia with different saints. But, these outward signs should never be our standards to judge the worth of a saint. But, with Somadev Swami, it was different. As soon as, he saw the flags flying, he thought, “Why should a saint take a living for the flags? Does this denote saint-hood? It implies the saints’s hankering after fame.” Thinking thus, he wished to cancel his Shirdi trip and said to his fellow travellers that he would go back. They said to him, “Then, why did you come so far? If your mind became restless by the mere sight of the flags, how much more agitated would you be on seeing the Rath, the palanquin, the horse and all other paraphernalia in Shirdi?” The Swami got more confounded and said, “No such Sadhus with horses, palanquins and tom-toms have I seen, and it is better for me to return than visit such a Sadhu.” After saying this he started to return. The fellow-travellers pressed him to not to do so but to proceed. They asked him to stop his inconsistent way of thinking and told him that the Sadhu, i.e, Baba did not care a bit for the flags and other paraphernalia, nor for the name. It was the people, His devotees who, kept up all this paraphernalia out of love and devotion to Him. Finally, he was persuaded to continue his journey, go to Shirdi and see Baba. When he went and saw Baba from the courtyard, he melted inside, his eyes were full of tears, his throat was choked, and all his evil and crooked thoughts vanished. He remembered his Guru’s saying that, “That is our abode and place of rest, where the mind is most pleased and settled.” He wished to roll himself in the dust at Baba’s Feet and when he approached Baba, the latter got wild and cried aloud, “Let all our humbug (paraphernalia) be with us, you go back to your home, beware! If you come back to this Masjid again. Why take the darshan of One, Who flies a flag over His Masjid? Is this a sign of sainthood? Remain here not a moment.” The Swami was taken aback by surprise. He realized that, Baba read his heart and spoke it out. How Omniscient He was! He knew that, he was least intelligent, and that, Baba was noble and pure. He saw Baba embracing somebody, touching someone with his hand, comforting others, staring kindly at some, laughing at others, giving Udi-Prasaad to some, and thus pleasing and satisfying all. Why should he alone be dealt with a harshly? After thinking seriously, he came to realize that, Baba’s conduct responded exactly to his inner thought; and that, he should take a lesson from this and improve; and that Baba’s wrath was a blessing in disguise. It is needless to say that later on, his faith in Baba was confirmed, and he became a staunch devotee of Baba.
(… to be continued )
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1. In Garhwal region of Uttaranchal.

Preliminary
When even the Vedas and the Puranas cannot sufficiently praise (describe) Brahma or Sadguru, then, how can we, ignorant describe our Sadguru, Shri Sai Baba? We think that, it is better for us to keep quiet in this matter. In reality, the observance of the vow of silence is the best way of praising the Sadguru; but the divine qualities of Sai Baba ake us forget our vow of silence and inspire us to open our mouth. Tasteful dishes lose their taste, if there is no company of friends and relatives to partake of the dishes with us; but when they join us, the dishes acquire additional flavour. The same is the case with the Sai Leelamrit – the nectar in the form of Sai’s Leelas. This nectar we cannot partake of alone. Friends and brothers have to join us – the more the better.

It is Sai Baba Himself Who inspires these stories and gets them written, as He desires. Our duty is to surrender completely to Him and meditate on Him. Practising penance is better than pilgrimage, vow, sacrifice, and charity. Worshipping Hari (Lord) is better than penance; and meditation on the Sadguru is the best of all. We have, therefore, to chant Sai’s name think over His sayings in our mind, meditate on His Form, feel true for Him in our heart, and do all our actions for His sake. There is no better means than this for snapping the bondage of this Sansar. If we can do our duty on our part, as stated above, Sai is bound to help and liberate us. Now, we revert to the stories of this chapter.

Hari Kanoba

A gentleman of Mumbai, named Hari Kanoba heard from his friends and relatives many Leelas of Baba. He did not believe in them, as he had a doubting mind. He wanted to see Baba himself. So, he came to Shirdi with some Mumbai friends. He wore a lace bordered turban on his head and a new pair of sandals on his feet. On seeing Baba from a distance, he thought of going to Him and prostrating himself before Him. He did not know, what to do about his new sandals. After going to one corner in the open courtyard, he placed them there and went in the Masjid and had Baba’s darshan. He made a reverential bow to Baba, took Udi and Prasad from Baba and returned. When he reached the corner, he found to his utter dismay that his sandals had disappeared. He searched for them in vain; and returned to his lodgings, very much dejected.

He bathed, offered worship and Naivaidya and sat down for his meal, but all this while he was thinking about nothing but his sandals. After finishing his meal, he came out to wash his hands, when he saw a Maratha boy coming towards him. He held in his hand a stick, at the end of which was hanging a pair of new sandals. He said to the men, who had come out to wash their hands that, Baba sent him with this stick in hand and asked him to go on the streets crying ‘Hari Ka Beta. Jari Ka Pheta” and that, “If anybody claims these sandals, first assure yourself that, his name is Hari and that, he is the son of ‘Ka’, i.e., Kanoba; and that, he wears a lace-bordered turban; and then, give them over to him.” On hearing this, Hari Kanoba was pleasantly surprised. He went ahead to the boy and claimed the sandals as his own. He said to the boy that his name is Hari, and that, he was the son of ‘Ka’ (Kanoba); and showed him his lace bordered turban. The boy was satisfied and returned the sandals to him. Hari Kanoba wondered in his mind that his lace-bordered turban was visible to all, and Baba might have seen it; but how could he know that his name was Hari; and that he was the son of Kanoba, as this was his first trip to Shirdi. He came to know by this incident that, Baba was a great Satpurush. He got what he wanted, and returned home well-pleased.

(… to be continued )

Mr. Saptnekar of Akkalkot (Solapur district) was studying law. A co-student Mr. Shevade met him. Other fellow students also got together and compared notes of their study. It was found by the questions and answers amongst themselves that, Mr. Shevade was the least prepared of all for the examination, and therefore, all the students derided him. But, he said that though he was not prepared, he was sure to pass the examination, as his Sai Baba was there to get him through it successfully. Mr. Sapatnekar was surprised at this remark. He took Mr. Shevade aside and asked him, “Who this Sai Baba is Whom he extolled so high.” He replied, “There lives in a masjid in Shirdi (Ahmednagar district) a Fakir. He is a great Satpurush. There may be other saints, but this one is unique. Unless there is a great store of merits in one’s account, one can’t see Him. I fully believe in Him, and what He says will never be untrue. He has assured me that, I will pass definitely next year and I am confident that I will get through the final examination by His grace.” Mr. Sapatnekar laughed at his friend’s confidence and jeered at him and Baba.

Sapatnekars

Mr. Sapatnekar passed his examination, settled at Akkalkot and practised as a pleader there. Ten years after this, i.e., in 1913 he lost his only son on account of a throat disease. This broke his heart. He sought relief by making a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, Gangapur and other holy places. He got no peace of mind. Then, he read Vedanta, which also did not help him. In the meanwhile, he remembered Mr. Shevade’s remarks and his faith in Baba, and he thought that, he too should go to Shirdi and see Baba. He went to Shirdi with his younger brother Panditrao and was much pleased to see Baba from a distance. When he went near and prostrated himself and placed a coconut before Baba with feeling of devotion, the latter at once, cried out, “Get away!” Sapatnekar hung down his head, moved back and sat aside. He wanted to consult somebody, who would advise him how to proceed. Somebody mentioned Bala Shimpi’s name. Sapatnekar saw him and sought his help. They bought Baba’s photos and came with them to the masjid. Bala Shimpi took a photo in his hand, gave it to Baba and asked him, whose photo it was. Baba said that this photo was of the ‘Yaar’ (lover) of him, pointing to Saptnekar. Saying this Baba laughed and all others joined. Bala asked Baba the significance of the laugh and beckoned Sapatnekar to come forward and take darshan. When Sapatnekar began to prostrate himself, Baba again cried, “Get out!” Sapatnekar did not know, what to do. Then, they both joined their hands and sat before Baba, praying. Baba finally ordered Sapatnekar to clear out immediately. Both were sad and dejected. As Baba’s order had to be obeyed, Sapatnekar left Shirdi with a heavy heart praying that, he should be allowed to take darshan next time.

Mrs. Sapnekar

One year elapsed. Still his mind was not at peace. He went to Gangapur, where he felt more restless. Then, he went to Madhaegaon for rest, and finally, decided to go to Kashi. Two days before starting, his wife got a vison. In her dream, she was going with a pitcher to Lakkad Shah’s well. There, a Fakir, with a piece of cloth tied around his head, sitting at the foot of the Neem tree, came close to her and said, “My dear lassie, why get exhausted for nothing? I will get your pitcher filled with pure water.” She was afraid of the Fakir and hastened back with the empty pitcher. The Fakir followed her. At this, she was woke up and opened her eyes. She told this vision to her husband. They thought that, this was an auspicious sign, and they both left for Shirdi. When they reached the Masjid, Baba was absent. He had gone to Lendi. They waited till His return. When He returned, she was surprised to see that, the Fakir she saw in her vision, exactly resembled Baba. She reverentially prostrated herself before Baba and sat down looking at him. On seeing her humility, Baba was much pleased and began to tell a story in His peculiar characteristic manner to a third party. He said, “My arms, abdomen and waist have been paining for a long time. I took many medicines, the pain did not abate. I got sick of the medicines, as they gave Me no relief, but I am surprised to see now that, all the pains have disappeared at once.” Though no name was mentioned, it was the story of Mrs. Sapatnektar herself. Her pain, as described by Baba left her soon and she was happy.

Then, Mr. Sapatnekar went ahead to take darshan. He was again welcomed with the former “Get out!” This time, he was more penitent and persevering. He said that Baba’s displeasure was due to his past deeds and resolved to make amends for the same. He determined to see Baba alone and ask his pardon for his past actions. He placed his head on Baba’s Feet, and Baba placed His hand on him, and Sapatnekar sat stroking Baba’s Leg. Then, a sheperdess came and sat massaging Baba’s back. Baba, in His characteristic way, began to tell the story of a bania. He related the various vicissitudes of all his life, including the death of his only son. Sapatnekar was surprised to see that, the story, which Baba related, was his own and he wondered how Baba knew every detail of it. He came to understand that He was Omniscient, and knew the hearts of all. When this thought crossed his mind, Baba still addressing the sheperdess and pointing to Sapatnekar said, “This fellow blames Me and charges Me with the killing of his son. Do I kill people’s children? Why does this fellow come to the Masjid and cry? Now, I will do this, I will again bring that very child back in his wife’s womb.” With these words, He placed His blessing hand on his head and comforted him saying, “These Feet are old and holy, you are carefree now; place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object.” Sapatnekar was much moved with emotion, he bathed Baba’s Feet with his tears, and then, returned to his residence.

Then, he made preparations for worship and Naivaidya and came with his wife to the Masjid. He offered all this to Baba and accepted Prasad from Him. There was a crowd in the Masjid and Sapatnekar went there and saluted Baba again and again. On seeing heads clashing against heads, Baba said to Sapatnekar, “Oh, why do you prostrate yourself now and then? One Namaskar with love and humility is enough.” Then, Sapatnekar witnessed that night the Chavadi procession, described earlier. In that procession Baba looked like veritable Pandurang (Vitthal).

At the parting next day, Sapatnekar thought that he should first pay one rupee as Dakshina and if Baba asked again, instead of saying no, he should pay one more, reserving with him sufficient amount as expenses for the journey. When he went to the Masjid and offered one rupee, Baba asked for another as per his intention and when it was paid, Baba blessed him saying, “Take the coconut, put it in your wife’s Oti (upper fold of her sari), and go away without the least anxiety.” He did so, and within a year a son was born to him, and with an infant of 8 months the couple came to Shirdi, placed him at Baba’s Feet and prayed thus, “Oh, Sainath, we do not know, how to repay Your obligations, therefore, we prostrate ourselves before You, bless us poor helpless fellows,
henceforth, let Your Holy Feet be our sole refuse. Many thoughts and ideas trouble us in waking and dream states, so, turn away out minds from them to Your Bhajan and bless us.”

The son was named Murlidhar. Two others (Bhaskar and Dinkar) were born afterwards. The Sapatnekar couple thus realized that, Baba’s words were never untrue and unfulfilled.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

(… to be continued)