||chapter thirty-seven||

|| sri sai satcharitra ||

|| chapter thirty - seven ||

|| chavadi procession ||

|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||

|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||

|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||

In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the Chavadi Procession and other matters.

BABA’S LIFE:

Baba’s life was very difficult for anyone to understand. His life was an enigma and full of riddles. At times He appeared totally immersed in brahmananda (divine joy). At other times He appeared content with self knowledge. Some of the times, He appeared to be doing several things at the same time, but He also appeared to be totally unconnected with the things He was doing. At some other times, He looked calm and quiet like a deep sea, doing practically nothing, but He was not idle or sleeping. He was always thinking of the welfare of His devotees. How can anyone describe His ineffable nature? He always considered women as sisters or mothers, and men as brothers. He never discriminated his devotees on the basis of sex, creed or caste. He treated all alike. He was equally interested in the welfare of all. Protection of His devotees was the only criterion for Baba. After protecting them from difficulties and dangers, He gives what all they ask from Him. And then, depending on their individual capabilities, gives them knowledge, guiding them finally on to the spiritual path. We are also helped to a great extent in acquiring the knowledge by reading Satcharitra. Most complicated and complex philosophical concepts are explained by very simple stories of people who underwent these experiences.

Hemad Pant then narrates lengthy discussions on some of the abstract concepts of Vedanta. He himself considers this as a digression and then describes one of the grandest scenes, the Chavadi procession.

CHAVADI PROCESSION:

Baba followed the practice of sleeping one night in the masjid and then one night in the Chavadi (a small building containing one or two rooms near the masjid). Thus, on alternate nights He slept in the Chavadi. He maintained this practice till His Mahasamadhi.

From 10 December 1909, devotees began worshipping Baba in the Chavadi and the tradition of the Chavadi procession was started. On the night on which Baba slept in the Chavadi, devotees carried out Bhajans for more than two hours and when it was time for Baba to sleep, the devotees took Baba in a grand procession from the masjid to the Chavadi. It is a scene which remains permanently etched in the memories of all Sai devotees. Come; let us also join the procession. People have gathered near the masjid. Some are performing Bhajans in the courtyard. Behind them is a beautiful Ratha (chariot). To the right is the Tulsi brindavan In front is Baba. All those interested in Bhajans are coming and joining the group. Both men and women are there. Some have Tal, some have chiplis, and others have kartal, mridang, khanjari and ghol (all are musical instruments) in their hands and are in frenzy doing Bhajans. Baba is the prime force drawing all the devotees to Him here.

Outside of this group there are some persons who are holding divatyas (torches made of heavy cloth wrapped at the end of stick and soaked in oil) and are trimming it so that the flame is uniform. There are some others who have gathered round the palki (palanquin). They are decorating it tastefully with flowers and some leaves which give it a very beautiful look. There are some who have sticks in their hands and trying to control the crowds, so that when Baba comes out, the passage is clear. They are also shouting ‘Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai’. Small earthen lamps with small wicks and oil in them are kept all around the masjid and are giving a strange glow to the masjid. In the dark night, these lamps are twinkling like the bright stars in the sky. Baba’s horse, ‘Shyamakarna’ is standing near the door fully decorated. Someone is tying small trinkets around its legs, so that when it paces forward, musical sounds are heard. All the children are in new clothes, and their mothers are in new sarees.

Tatya Patil has just entered the masjid. He has gone to Baba and is asking Him to be ready. Baba told him that He is ready and is waiting for him. Baba is wearing the usual kafni. He has His satka under the armpit. He took a small puff from His chillum, kept it in His hand. Then He put a shawl over His shoulder. After finding out that everything is fine, Tatya Patil came back to Baba and said, “Mama, shall we go?” Baba said, “Yes”. Tatya placed a beautiful gold embroidered shawl over the shoulders of Baba. With the shawl draped over both the shoulders, Baba is looking very attractive. Baba got up and with His right toe moved the firewood burning in the Dhuni further inside. With His right hand He has extinguished the burning lamp. When Baba Himself is self illuminating, where is the necessity of the lamp?

He has come to the threshold of the masjid and is waiting for come one. Seeing Baba come out, all those playing musical instruments, baaja, band etc have raised their pitch higher. The noise made by the shouting of ‘Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai’ is reaching the sky. Slightly further away, some one has started fireworks. The night is illuminated by the multi coloured hues of the crackers, and other fireworks. All the devotees, both male and female, have started moving ahead singing Baba’s name and performing Bhajans to the accompaniment of mridang and veena. Baba is slowly getting down the steps of the masjid and the uniformed escorts are loudly announcing Baba’s name. Tatya has come back and is holding Baba’s left hand. He is tenderly guiding Baba down the steps. Mhalsapathi has come just now and has taken Baba’s right hand. Bapusaheb Jog is behind Baba and is holding the chhatri (umbrella) over Baba’s head. Long folded sheets of white cloth have been spread on the ground from the threshold of the masjid to the threshold of the Chavadi. Baba will walk on these sheets. Devotees do not want that the feet of their God should get dirty by walking on the road. With the fully decorated Shyamakarna leading the way and all the others, the Bhajan singers, music players, and the crowd of devotees coming behind, Baba slowly walked down the steps of the masjid towards the Chavadi. The Hari Nama chanted to the accompaniment of music rent the skies. Everyone is shouting ‘Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai’ deliriously at the top of their voice. With this entire joyous atmosphere, the procession has slowly moved up to the corner of the masjid. People are happy and delighted. The procession has stopped now. Why is it not moving further? Let us see why.

Baba has stopped suddenly. He is facing the Chavadi with great lustre radiating from every inch of His body. His face is shining like the glory of the morning sun. He is facing north and looks like He is searching for someone. Yes, there is Kakasaheb Dixit with a silver plate in his hand. The plate contains various flowers and gulal (coloured soft powder). Everyone is keenly watching. Kaka has taken the flowers and has started sprinkling on Baba. He is also sprinkling the gulal. Baba has again started moving slowly towards the Chavadi with His right arm moving up and down. The musical instruments have once again picked up the high pitch and are blowing at their zestiest. Baba’s face is beaming with steady radiance and beauty. All the people around are very happy and preserving this image of Baba safely in their hearts, thus purifying their lives. Words just fail to describe the happiness prevalent in the atmosphere. Mhalsapathi is so excited that he has started dancing small slow steps in circles with his hands clapping to the rhythm of the Bhajans. With all this noise and Bhajans etc, it is surprising that Baba’s concentration has not changed even slightly. Meanwhile, Tatya who had left the procession earlier has secured a lantern and is holding it in his hand and walking on the left side of Baba and is very near to Him. Mhalsapathi has stopped his dancing and is walking behind Baba holding the hem of Baba’s garment. What a beautiful procession and such adulation and devotion! Everyone in this procession is really very lucky to participate. Baba is walking slowly and the procession has now reached the Chavadi. There is joy and only joy everywhere in the air.

The Chavadi is very tastefully decorated. The ceiling has been recently whitewashed. Many lamps are decoratively hanging from the ceiling. Big mirrors have been placed all around on the walls. With the reflections coming from the mirrors of the hanging lamps, the place appears to be illuminated like a moonlit night of the full moon. Let us welcome the procession, which has come near the doorstep. Tatya has come inside the Chavadi. He is spreading an asana (seat cushion) for Baba to sit. He has also placed a bolster on the asana for Baba to rest his back. Mhalsapathi has brought Baba inside and Tatya has also joined them. Both Tatya and Mhalsapathi are helping Baba to sit comfortably on the asana. Sitting on the asana, Baba is looking relaxed. There is a mild smile on His face. Tatya has draped another shawl on Baba’s shoulders. The devotees are slowly coming, one by one, to worship Baba.

This is the most beautiful scene. Some one has placed a crown with a tuft of peacock feathers on Baba’s head. He is now looking like Lord Sri Krishna. A devotee has brought plenty of garlands. Baba is now being garlanded. Some one is decorating Him with a necklace of jewels. With all these decorations, Baba is really looking very stunning. Oh, another devotee has come forward and is applying musk mixed vertical lines and a circle below, typical of Vaishnavite tradition. That devotee has moved slightly to the left and seeing how Baba looks. Satisfied and happy, he has now gone back. Baba understands the devotees’ enthusiasm and is meekly submitting to all of their whims and fancies without a single objection or disapproval. He looks completely at ease and extremely beautiful.

Nanasaheb Nimonkar has taken over the Chhatri from Bapusaheb Jog. Nanasaheb is behind Baba. He is occasionally turning the Chhatri round so that the small trinkets attached to it will make pleasant sounds. Bapusaheb has brought a silver plate and kept it below Baba’s feet. He is slowly lifting Baba’s feet and keeping it in the plate. Now that Baba’s feet are in the plate, Bapusaheb is washing the feet with water and offering ‘arghya’. He is now chanting Sai Namas and formally performing pooja to Baba. He is applying chandan paste to Baba’s arms, cheeks and feet. With that over, Bapusaheb is offering tambulam (betel leaves). He is now prostrating at the feet of Baba. It is now the turn of Tatya to prostrate. He has completed it and has moved slightly back. Others are coming one by one and falling at the feet of Baba. Some of the devotees are fanning Him with chaamaras on either side of Baba.

Meanwhile, Shyama has prepared the chillum and given it to Tatya. He has drawn a flame out of it by inhaling a deep breath through it and is giving it to Baba. Baba took a puff from that and handed over the chillum to Mhalsapathi. Mhalsapathi has inhaled it, it is being passed around for others. Some more devotees have brought garlands. They are garlanding Baba now. Some are applying scent on His hand. Some have offered Him flowers. Except submitting to their various worships, Baba is as aloof as ever. Being totally dispassionate and completely non-attached to any of these adulations, Baba is in perfect equanimity. Out of real love to His devotees, He is allowing them to have their own way. All are standing aside, after the prostrations at the feet of Baba are over. Bapusaheb has brought the arati and is offering to Baba. The entire atmosphere, with the cool breeze of the night flowing and the musical instruments playing the devotional arati, was filled with a divinity unparalleled. Everyone’s heart was singing in chorus and praying that Baba should bless them all and protect them always. The arati is over. The devotees are coming to Baba and taking leave of Him. One by one everyone has left, only Tatya is there.

Tatya is offering the chillum, and then attar (perfume) and rose water. He is getting up to go. Baba has stopped him and saying something to him. Let us go slightly closer. Baba is saying, “Go, if you want. But, come back sometime in the night and look after Me.” Assuring Him that he would, Tatya has left the Chavadi and went home. Being left alone, all the devotees having gone, Baba is preparing the bed Himself. He spread 50 or 60 bedspreads one on another. He is testing if it is comfortable. Having satisfied, He is lying down on the bed, prepared by Himself, and begun to take rest.

That scene and those days are gone for ever, never to come back. We cannot see any of them now or in the near future. We can only recall those scenes, think of those people who had unflinching, passionate faith in Baba and surrendered everything to Him and showed us what devotion and dedication is. By refreshing those scenes everyday, we can bring solace and comfort to our minds. Let us read this chapter and think of Baba before going to bed in the night, so that one of these nights, Baba will bless us by coming in our dream. He is our only solace in this turbulent and vicious world. Sri Samarth Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!!!

With this, the thirty seventh chapter, called as Chavadi Procession, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about Baba’s Handi, disrespect of shrine, Kala or hodge-podge, the cup of buttermilk and other matters.

||Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu || Shubham Bhavatu||

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

||chapter thirty-six||

|| sri sai satcharitra ||

|| chapter thirty - six ||

|| the two wonderful stories ||

|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||

|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||

|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||

In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the wonderful stories of two Goa gentlemen, Mrs Aurangabadkar and other matters.

SAI STORIES:

Stories of our beloved Baba, as told in Sri Sai Satcharitra or elsewhere are always very sweet and mellifluous to listen. Listening to each story is like drinking nectar. These stories mitigate the difficulties of the devotees who do parayana of the stories with great devotion and dedication. Those who prefer Shreyas should invariably read Sai stories. Those who tell these stories and those who listen to them are both benefited as both are blessed by our beloved Baba.

TWO GENTLEMEN FROM GOA:

As Baba’s name and fame spread far and wide, people came from several places to have darshan of Baba. Some of them came from far off places also. Once, two devotees came from Goa to have darshan of Baba. They reached Shirdi after travelling some distance. They took lodging in the Wada. After completing bath etc, they went to masjid for darshan. They saw Baba and prostrated at the divine feet. Baba asked only one of them to give Rs.15/- as Dakshina and got it. The other man, on his own, offered Rs.35/- as Dakshina, but Baba rejected it. Shyama, who was nearby, was astonished and asked, “Deva! What is this? To one you ask Dakshina, and the other one, even if he gives voluntarily, you reject. Why this discrimination?” Baba replied, “Shamya, you don’t know anything. I don’t take anything from anyone. The Masjid Mayi (the presiding deity of the masjid) asks for debt repayment. The debtor pays and becomes free. I don’t need money. Do I have any home, property or family to look after? I am a free soul. Debt, enmity and murder have to be compensated. There is no way of escape.” Baba then narrated the following story.

“There was a poor man. He took a vow to God that if he got a job, he would pay the first month’s salary to the God. Then he got a job with a monthly salary of Rs.15/-. He steadily got promotions, from Rs.15/- his salary increased to Rs.30, 60, 100, 200 and ultimately Rs.700/- per month. While he was prospering, he forgot his vow. The force of his karma has brought him here, so I asked that amount Rs.15/- from him as Dakshina.”

Then Baba narrated another story. “While wandering on a sea shore, I saw a huge bungalow and sat on its verandah. The owner was a Brahmin and invited Me inside. He gave Me a good reception and fed Me sumptuously. After food, he gave Me a nice place to sleep near a cupboard. As I was tired, I went into deep sleep. When I was thus asleep, the owner removed a slab from the wall and entered into the room. He took away all the money from My pocket. When I woke up I found that all of My Rs.30, 000/- was stolen. I was greatly distressed and sat weeping and moaning. The money was in currency notes and I thought that the owner had stolen it. I lost all interest in food and drink and sat for a fortnight on the verandah. After the fortnight was over, a passing fakir saw Me crying. He asked Me the reason for My crying. I told him everything. He said, ‘If You do what I say, You will recover Your money. Go to a fakir whose whereabouts I will give, and surrender Yourself completely to him. He will get back Your money. Meanwhile, give up one of Your favourite eatable till You recover Your money.’ I followed the fakir’s advice and got My money back. Then I left the Wada and went back to the sea shore. A steamer was there, ready to leave. I could not get into it as it was overcrowded. A good natured peon interceded for Me and I got in luckily. The steamer brought Me to another shore. I caught a train and came to Masjid Mayi.” After completing the story, Baba asked Shyama to take the guests and arrange for their food. All the while, Shyama was perplexed.

He took the guests home and fed them. While they were having their food, he asked them if they understood what Baba told. As far as he was aware, Baba had never gone to a sea shore, never had any money, never travelled by train, never lost any money and never recovered any money. The guests were, however, deeply moved and were in tears. They told Shyama that Baba was a sarvajna, the infinite God, the Parabrahma and was incomparable. What Baba told was their own story and they would tell him the complete story after the meals.

After the meals all the three sat together and were having pan beeda. One of the guests started telling his story. “My native place is a hill station on the ghats. I went to Goa in search of a job. I took a vow in front of God Datta, that if I got a job, I would offer Him my first month’s salary. By His grace, I got a job for a salary of Rs.15/- and then got my promotions regularly as Baba said. I completely forgot my vow. Baba has only reminded me, and recovered the Rs.15/- from me. It is not Dakshina, but a repayment of an old debt and fulfilment of a long forgotten vow.”

Baba never begged for money. He did not allow even His devotees to beg. He considered money a danger to spiritual progress and never allowed His devotees to get into its clutches. To quote an instance, Mhalsapathi was very poor and could hardly make both ends meet. Baba never gave him anything from the Dakshina collected, nor did He allow him to make any money. Once, a kind and liberal merchant named Hansraj gave a large amount of money to Mhalsapathi in Baba’s presence. Baba did not allow him to take it.

After the first guest completed his story, the second one started. “My brahmin cook served me faithfully for 35 years. Then, unfortunately, he fell into bad ways and he robbed me of my treasure. While we were all asleep, he removed a slab from the wall, where my cupboard is fixed, and carried away all accumulated wealth of Rs.30, 000/- in currency notes. I sat crying day and night. All my enquiries ended without any clue. I spent a fortnight in great anxiety. As I was sitting on the verandah, a passing fakir, saw me crying and asked for the reason. I told him everything. He told me that an aulia by name Sai lives in Shirdi, Kopergaon Taluqa. He asked me to take a vow to Him and give up any eatable that I liked best and tell Him, mentally that ‘I have given up eating that food, till I have Your darshan.’ Then I decided to give up eating rice and said, ‘Baba, I will eat rice only after recovering my property and having Your darshan.”

He continued his story further. “Fifteen days later, the brahmin, of his own wish came to me, returned my money and apologized, saying, ‘I went mad and acted in that way. I am at your feet now; please forgive me.’ Everything ended well. I could not see again the fakir who helped me. But an intense desire arose in me to see Sai Baba. I thought that it was Sai Baba Himself who had come to my house and helped me. It was only natural that when I offered a Dakshina of Rs.35/- Baba rejected it. He, who has done so much to His devotees, would He ever take Rs.35/-? He always thinks of only the welfare of His devotees without expecting anything in return.

When I recovered my money I was very happy and in that frame of mind, forgot all about my vow. One night, when I was in Colaba, I saw Baba in my dream. I was reminded of my promised visit to Shirdi. I went to Goa and from there wanted to take a steamer to Bombay and come to Shirdi. When I came to the harbour, the steamer was crowded. There was no place for me. Because of the intervention of a peon, who was a stranger to me, I was allowed to get into the steamer. From Bombay I came by train. Baba is all pervading and all knowing. What are we? Because of what relationship between Him and us, should He come to our rescue? Baba is indeed the incarnation of God. We did not even utter His name. Still, He took pity on us and came to help us. How great is our good fortune that He has drawn us here to Himself? You in Shirdi must be infinitely great as Baba has lived with you, played here and talked with all of you for so many years. Sai is our Datta. He ordered the vow; He gave me a seat in the steamer, and brought me here, and thus giving ample proof that He is omniscient and omnipotent.”

Mrs AURANGABADKAR’S STORY:

Sakharam Aurangabadkar stayed in Sholapur. His wife, though married for 27 years, could not conceive. There were no issues. She had prayed to almost all the gods and taken all kinds of vows. Still nothing happened. When she had almost lost all her hope, someone suggested that she should visit a saint in Shirdi who had created hope for so many of His devotees. Thinking that it was the last attempt she would ever make, she went to Shirdi with her step son Vishwanath and stayed there for two months. During this period, she served Baba to her satisfaction. Her only complaint was that she wanted to narrate her woes to Baba when he was alone and in all these two months, she did not get a single occasion for this purpose. Every time she wanted to go near Baba, He was surrounded by several devotees. When she could not contain herself anymore, she requested Shyama to intervene on her behalf and help her. He did not give any promise but said that he would definitely make an attempt. On one day, he asked her to be ready, during Baba’s meals, with a coconut and joss sticks. He told her that whenever he beckoned, she should come.

As soon as Baba completed His meals and washed His hands, Shyama was wiping the wet hands of Baba. Then playfully, Baba pinched Shyama’s cheeks. Pretending to be angry, Shyama said, “Deva! Is it proper for You to pinch like this? We don’t want a mischievous God who pinches us.” Baba replied, “Oh Shamya, for the last 72 generations that you were with Me, I never pinched you. It is only now that I have touched you. Are you finding fault with Me for that?” Then Shyama said, “We want a God who will give us sweets to eat and kiss us. We don’t want any respect from You. Allow us to have our faith in Your divine feet always.” Baba affectionately replied, “Yes, I have indeed come for that. I have been feeding and nursing you and have love and affection for you.” Then, Baba went and sat on His seat.

Shyama beckoned the lady to come up. She came, presented the coconut and the joss sticks. Baba took the coconut and shook it. The coconut was dry and the kernel inside rolled and made noise. Baba said, “Shamya, see what the kernel says.” Shyama who was waiting for an opportunity, grabbed it instantly and said, “The woman prays that a child should similarly roll and make noise in her womb. So, give her the coconut with Your blessing.” Baba asked, “Will the coconut give her any child? How people are foolish and fancy such things!” Shyama was not to be shrugged off so easily. He said, “I know the power of Your word and blessing. Your word will give her a string of children. You are simply haggling instead of giving Your blessing.” This continued for some more time with Baba asking Shyama to break the coconut and Shyama pleading for giving the entire coconut to the lady with the blessing. Finally, Baba yielded and said, “She will have a child.” Shyama did not let Him go at that. He asked, “When?” Baba replied, “In 12 months”. At this Shyama broke the coconut into two parts, one was eaten by Shyama and Baba, and the other was given to the lady.

Then, Shyama turned to the lady and said, “Mayi, you are a witness to my words. If you do not beget any child within 12 months, I will break a coconut against this Deva’s head and drive Him out of this masjid. If I fail in this, my name will not be Madhav.”

She delivered a child in one year’s time. She brought the child in its fifth month to Baba. Both the husband and the wife prostrated at the divine feet of Baba and placed the child at Baba’s feet to be blessed. The husband also gave a Dakshina of Rs.500/-. It was spent in constructing a shed for Baba’s horse ‘Shyama-karna’. Let us prostrate once again at the divine feet of our beloved Baba and pray that His blessings should with us always.

With this, the thirty sixth chapter, called as The Two Wonderful Stories, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the Chavadi Procession and other matters.

|| Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu || Shubham Bhavatu ||

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

||chapter thirty-five||

|| sri sai satcharitra ||

|| chapter thirty - five ||

|| the greatness of udi - 3 ||

|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||

|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||

|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||

In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about Kaka Mahajani’s friend and master, Bandra Insomnia case, Balaji Patil Newaskar and other matters.

SECTARIANISM:

Sectarianism implies a narrow minded adherence to a single concept. To cite an example, some of the people who practice Nirguna Brahma form of worship, are heard to comment that Saguna form of worship is not ideal. Their method of worship alone is superior. Such dogmatic approaches are always big barriers in the path of spiritual progress. Everyone is free to follow his own path depending on his requirements. There are some others who hold the view that saints are, after all, only human beings. Every saint has proved time and again that in this human form itself God realization could be achieved. Similarly, some comment bitterly about the Dakshina taken by the saints. They say that if the saints take Dakshina, then where is their sainthood? We have seen in the discussion on Dakshina Meemaamsa that the saints accept Dakshina, not because they need money but because by accepting Dakshina they are liberating us from the effects of the misdeeds of our previous lives. There are others who boast that they would never visit Shirdi and even if they visit, they will never bow to a human being or they would never give Dakshina. It is the same people who do visit Shirdi, when their turn comes, and it is the same people who bow at the divine feet of our beloved Baba and ultimately offer Dakshina. Some instances of this are narrated in this chapter.

KAKA MAHAJANI’S FRIEND:

Though Kaka Mahajani was a staunch devotee of Baba, he had friends who had different ideas. One of them had a firm view that idol worshipping was no good and spiritual progress can be achieved only by worshipping the Nirguna form of God. He also did not believe in giving Dakshina to saints. So, when Kaka wanted to go to Shirdi and asked this friend to join him, he agreed to accompany on two conditions:
1. He would not bow to Baba and
2. He will not give any Dakshina to Baba.
Kaka agreed for both the conditions and took him to Shirdi. They left Bombay on Saturday night and reached Shirdi by next morning on Sunday. They went to the masjid and as soon as they neared the entrance, Baba came out and addressed Kaka’s friend, “Oh, please come, Sir.” Though it did not mean much, the tone with which Baba welcomed the friend was so sweet that the friend was reminded of his departed father. It was as if his father was calling him to come inside. The friend was so much thrilled by hearing his father’s voice that he forgot the entire surroundings, went up at once and forgetting all his resolutions, fell at the feet of Baba and washed His feet with the tears of joy from his eyes.

As soon as Kaka prostrated at Baba’s feet, Baba asked him for Dakshina. Baba again asked for Dakshina in the afternoon, when they came to Baba to seek His permission to leave. The peculiarity was that at both the times, Baba asked Dakshina, only from Kaka. He did not ask his friend. The friend thought it odd. He thought that as he had accompanied Kaka, Baba should have asked him also. So, he nudged Kaka and asked, “Baba asked Dakshina, only from you. Why did He not ask me?” Kaka replied, “Ask Baba yourself.” Then the friend asked Baba whether he should also pay any Dakshina. By now he had forgotten his second condition also. Baba replied, “You had no mind to pay, so you were not asked. If you want to pay, you may do so.” As Kaka had paid Rs.17/- the friend also paid the same amount. Baba then gave him a piece of advice, “Destroy the Teli’s wall (sense of difference) between us. Only then, we can see each other face to face.” Baba then gave them permission to leave and though the weather was cloudy and threatening to rain, Baba assured their safe journey. They reached Bombay safely. When the friend reached home and opened the door and windows of his house, one sparrow flew away and two were dead on the floor. He thought that if he had kept the windows open, the two sparrows could have been saved. He again thought that anyway they had met their fate and Baba had sent them back soon to save the third sparrow.

KAKA MAHAJANI’S MASTER:

Kaka Mahajani was working as a manager in the firm of Thakkar Dharamsey Jethabhai, solicitors in Bombay. Both the manager and the master were on very intimate terms. Thakkar had observed that Kaka used to go to Shirdi frequently and would stay there indefinitely, saying that he could not get Baba’s permission to return. Though Thakkar did not grudge Kaka the leave, he became curious and wanted to test Baba. With that intention, he accompanied Kaka to Shirdi during the Shimga (Holi festival) holidays. He asked Kaka if he was coming back with him. Kaka said that once he went to Shirdi, returning from there was at the discretion of Baba. Knowing that Kaka’s return was uncertain, Thakkar took another friend also with them. Whoever goes to Shirdi, whether to test Baba or with devotion to Baba, they will always return with contentment and peace of mind. Thakkar knew that when visiting a saint or a God, something has to be offered. So, he bought two seers of grapes (with seeds) to be offered to Baba. With this, they reached Shirdi.

All the three went to the masjid for Baba’s Darshan. As soon as he entered inside the masjid, Thakkar was surprised to see Tarkhad there. He asked Tarkhad why he had come. Tarkhad told him that he had come for Baba’s Darshan. Then, Thakkar said, “I heard that miracles are performed here.” Tarkhad replied, “I didn’t come here for miracles. I came for seeing Baba. If someone is interested in miracles, then miracles will also take place.” By that time, Kaka had prostrated at the feet of Baba and offered Him the grapes brought by Thakkar. Baba distributed the grapes to all, and Thakkar also got some.

Thakkar was in a dilemma. He preferred only the seedless variety of grapes. His doctor had advised him that he should not eat grapes without washing them thoroughly with water. In a public place like the masjid, where every one is just eating, he alone washing grapes would look odd. Disposing off the seeds in a public place was equally embarrassing. As the grapes were offered by Baba, he could not refuse also. Very reluctantly, he ate the grapes and pocketed the seeds. While eating the grapes, he thought, “People say that Baba is Omniscient. Does He not know that I do not like the grapes with seeds? Why should Baba embarrass me like this?” Baba immediately called him and gave him some more grapes. Thakkar accepted them and kept in his hands only. Baba saw this and told him to put them in his mouth. Thakkar was hesitating. Then Baba said, “Come on, eat them, they are sweet.” Thakkar had no other way than to eat the grapes. To his utter bewilderment he found that there was not a single seed in those grapes. As Tarkhad was sitting next to him, Thakkar asked him, “What variety of grapes did you get?” Tarkhad replied, “The one with seeds.” When he had brought a variety with seeds, how could they become seedless? Thakkar understood that Baba had clarified all his doubts without saying anything. He wanted a miracle and Baba gave him one. Not satisfied with this, he wanted to test Baba some more. He thought that if Baba was a real saint, the grapes should be given this time to Kaka first. To his bewilderment once again, Baba ordered that distribution of grapes should start with Kaka. Thakkar was astounded. Shyama introduced him to Baba as Kaka’s master. Baba said, “How could he be Kaka’s Master? He has a different Master.” Kaka liked this very much. Thakkar forgot his resolve, and fell at the divine feet of Baba. They all returned to Wada.

All the three of them again went of the masjid for the noon arati. On the way, Thakkar told Kaka that he and his friend would not ask for permission to leave and that Kaka alone should ask for himself. Shyama who was with them told them that Baba would not permit Kaka at least for a week; hence it is better if they asked for permission to leave. After the noon arati was over, they all went to Baba to seek His permission to leave. Baba said, “There was a fickle minded person. He had health, wealth and was totally free from any physical or mental afflictions. He took on unnecessary burdens and anxieties on himself and wandered here and there. In this process, he lost his peace of mind. At times, he dropped those burdens, and at other times, picked them again. His mind was not steady. On seeing him thus, I took pity on him and said, ‘Focus your faith on any single point you like. Why wander around? Stick to one place.’”

Thakkar realized at once that Baba was speaking about him. He wanted Kaka also to return with him, but nobody expected that Baba would permit him. But, contrary to all expectations, Baba allowed Kaka also to return. Thakkar was convinced once again that Baba understood his thoughts.

When they were about to leave, Baba took Rs.15/- as Dakshina from Kaka. Then He told, “I don’t take Dakshina from anyone. If I take one rupee, I have to give back ten fold. I never take any gratis. I ask only from him whom the Fakir (My Guru) points out. The Fakir also points only those who are indebted to Him, either in this life or the previous ones. Giving Dakshina is like sowing seeds, only to reap a rich harvest in the future. If you don’t give now, you don’t get in the future. Wealth should be used as a means to spread Dharma. If you use it for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. Giving Dakshina develops Vairagya (non attachment) and thus, Bhakti and Jnana. Give one and take ten.” Listening to these divine mellifluous words, Thakkar also gave Rs.15/- as Dakshina. He thought that coming to Shirdi was the best thing he did in his life. He had become very much wiser.

Depending on their attitudes and their mental capabilities, Baba used to guide them in their own way to attain what they aspired. Though every one of the devotees who came to Him had his own mental frame, Baba was same for all of them. He was totally non - attached to them. Whether any one bowed to Him or not, whether anyone gave Him Dakshina or not, He was always equanimous. He never disrespected those who did not worship Him or those who did not give Him Dakshina. He was Dwandvaatheeta. He was beyond the dualities of good-bad, pain-pleasure, and worship-denigrate etc. His mind was steadily focused on ‘Allah Malik’ and His only thought was the welfare of His devotees. Let us all prostrate once again at the divine feet of such a magnificent God and seek His blessings.

CASE OF INSOMNIA:

A gentleman in Bandra had a strange problem. He belonged to Kayastha Prabhu sect, and whenever he went to sleep, his departed father appeared in his dream. Not content with that, the father used to abuse him severely and made him restless. The son’s sleep was always incomplete. This upset his health and he did not know what to do as night after night his father haunted him. One of his friends was a devotee of Baba and he suggested that Udi was the only solution. The friend told him to apply a small quantity of Udi on the forehead before he went to sleep and also to keep a small quantity of Udi beneath the pillow. He followed the advice sincerely and found that he got sound sleep. Due to his immense happiness at this development, he got a picture of Baba and started worshipping. He soon started offering flowers and naivedyam and was greatly benefited.

BALAJI PATIL NEWASKAR’S STORY:

Balaji Patil Newaskar was a great devotee of Baba. Though he was in this samsara, like a lotus flower he was aloof from it. He was a farmer who tilled his land and when the produce was available, gave it entirely to Baba and took only what Baba gave him. Newaskar thought that Baba was the owner of everything. Wherever Baba went in Shirdi, Newaskar used to clean all those streets, everyday. After him, this work was carried on by Abdul.

Once it happened that at one of Newaskar’s death anniversary day, some guests were invited. The food was prepared only for the limited guests. But at meal time, it was found that three times that number had actually come. Newaskar’s daughter in law was in a very embarrassing position. She was worried whether the food would be sufficient or not. Then Newaskar’s wife consoled her and said, “Don’t worry. It is not our food, it is Sai’s. Put some Udi in each vessel and cover it cloth. Serve from the same vessels without opening the cover. Sai will save us from ignominy.” She did as advised and found that the food not only sufficed but plenty of it also remained after serving. This was an instance of ‘yad bhaavam tad bhavati.’ As one feels intently, so he realizes. When Sai is there, why worry?

RADHAKRISHNAMAI’S STORY:

After Newaskar, it was Radhakrishna Mai who served Baba. Her name was Sunderbai Kheersagar. She used to call everyone by the same name ‘Radhakrishna’. So people started calling her Radhakrishna Mai. She had a small idol of Balakrishna. She kept the idol always with her. Baba called her ‘Ramakrishni’. Everyday, when He sat for taking meals, He used to send two rotis to her. She was a child widow and hence never entered inside the masjid. She was a staunch devotee of Baba. She used to sing Bhajans also. Like Newaskar, she used to get up very early in the morning and clean the streets on which Baba set his foot. She passed away in 1916 AD. After her demise, Abdul was doing her work.

SAI APPEARS AS SERPENT:

Once, Raghu Patil of Shirdi went to Balaji Patil at Newase. In the evening, people found a snake hissing in the cowshed. Whoever saw it was frightened. All the cattle and also those who were in the house were scared. Balaji, however, had different ideas. He thought that Baba had visited his house. Without being scared, he brought a cup of milk and placing it before the snake said, “Deva! Why do you hiss and make noise? Please accept this cup of milk, drink it and bless us.” Saying this, he calmly sat next to the snake totally unperturbed. The snake drank the milk and then slowly went its way. Balaji had two wives and some children. Whenever they visited Shirdi for Baba’s Darshan, Baba presented them with saris and other clothes and blessed them.

Sri Sai Satcharitra is a very sacred book to be read with utmost devotion. Wherever it is read, that place becomes as sacred as the banks of Godavari River, as holy as Shirdi and invariably Sai will manifest there. He will mitigate all the sorrows and tribulations of those who read it. There is no necessity of performing any japa or tapas or any other difficult sadhanas. Mere reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra will please our beloved Baba.

Bow to Sai everyday. Keeping His divine feet fixed in your mind, apply Udi to your forehead. As we have seen in these three chapters, Udi is very powerful. All your desires will be fulfilled. Sincere devotion is all that is required.

Before ending this chapter, let us once again prostrate at the divine feet of our beloved Baba who has made the spiritual path so easy and comfortable for all of us. Sri Samarth Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!!!

With this, the thirty fifth chapter, called as The Greatness of Udi-3, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the wonderful stories of two Goa gentlemen, Mrs Aurangabadkar and other matters.

|| Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu || Shubham Bhavatu ||

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

||chapter thirty-four||

|| sri sai satcharitra ||

|| chapter thirty - four ||

|| the greatness of udi - 2 ||

|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||

|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||

|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||

In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the Malegaon Doctor, Dr.Pillai, Shyama’s sister in law, Irani girl, Harda gentleman, Bombay Lady and other matters.

MALEGAON DOCTOR’S STORY:

There is a place called Malegaon in Nasik District. In Malegaon, there was a doctor by name Dr. DM Mulky. He was qualified and had a medical degree. His brothers were also doctors. His nephew, a young boy, suffered from tubercular bone abscess. Being doctors themselves, all of them tried to treat the boy. The boy was then treated by the best surgeons of Bombay but without any effect. They tried all sorts of remedies, even a surgical operation was carried out, but without any use. There was no relief and the boy’s suffering only increased. Well meaning friends, like Kakasaheb Dixit, told them that only divine intervention could help and in this connection, they could try meeting a saint in Shirdi. He was known by the name of Sri Sai Baba and was known to cure many incurable diseases. He cured many of the complicated cases by His mere glance alone. The parents, along with the boy went to Shirdi.

They took the boy in their arms to the masjid and placed the boy at the divine feet of Baba. The parents pleaded humbly and respectfully and implored Baba to save their son from further suffering. Kind hearted and merciful Baba comforted them, saying, “Don’t worry. Those who have come to this Masjidmai shall never suffer anything in this life or till the end of time itself. Be care free. Apply Udi on the abscess, and in one week he will recover. Believe in God. This is no masjid, but Dwarawati. Whoever steps in, will soon get health and happiness. His sufferings will come to an end.” The parents made the boy sit near Baba. With very loving care and tenderness, Baba caressed the affected part with His hands. Love was exuding from His eyes and the boy forgot the pain completely and was feeling very pleasant. With the regular application of Udi, the boy recovered within the time specified by Baba. The parents then sought Baba’s permission to leave Shirdi. Baba blessed them once again and gave them Udi prasadam. The grateful parents worshipped Baba throughout their life.

In 1916 Dr. Mulky was posted to Bombay in the Government service attached to the Parel Laboratory and he came to know about the improvement in the health of his nephew. Being a professional doctor, he was wonderstruck at the miracle and desired very much to see Baba. In the month of October, 1916, he fell very seriously ill and his temperature ranged between 105°F to 106° F without any remission. The local doctors did their level best but there was no improvement. After nearly a week, on one Thursday night, he got a dream. In that dream, an old man with a long white kafni to cover his body and some white cloth tied over his head appeared and said that he should not worry, that he should at once come to His darshan and that the fever would pass off at once if he promised to do so. This frightened him and he screamed and woke up. His sister-in-law brought a photo of Shri Sai Maharaj and asked him whether it was the same. He at once recognised the old man of his dream and decided that he should visit Him at the earliest. The fever did not come on again; he was fully alright and went on with his duties. Being young and with all the temptations of a city life before him, he did not go to Shirdi and entirely forgot about it.

About February, 1917 Baba reminded Dr. Mulky about what he dreamt and how he did not keep his word. Dr. Mulky was transferred from Bombay to Malegaon, and the only way which took him there was via Manmad. Kopergaon is on the way. He went over to Malegaon, and then in his heavy work, he forgot to visit Shirdi, with the result that he was once again given a reminder. He was conducting a forceps delivery case. Some decomposed fluid from the operated parts of the woman jumped into his left eye, which he did not realise till too late. The eye was swollen and was very bad. He was all alone there. He prayed to Baba probably never more seriously than at that time. The Civil Surgeon at Nasik was of the opinion that he would lose his eye, but thanks to Sai Baba, it got alright in a week's time. Dr. Mulky brought his wife to Malegaon and both of them vowed that they would not return to Bombay without seeing Sai Baba. They thought that it would not be difficult as Shirdi was on their way back,. At the end of a month, he was asked to go back to Bombay. To fulfill their vow, they came to Manmad a little early to catch the early morning train from Manmad to Dhond. While he was strolling on the platform a Deshastha Booking Clerk accosted him casually and both fell into general conversation. Somehow the doctor mentioned to the clerk the object of his staying at Manmad and the fellow began a tirade against Sai Baba which attacked even His moral character and this dissuaded them from going to Shirdi. They caught the next immediate train to Bombay and ran away as they would from a serpent. After a month in Bombay, His sister-in-law succeeded in inducing them to go over to Shirdi. Though some obstacles came in the way, they never cared for them this time. They remained firm and got Baba’s darshan. Baba mentioned the station incident of the previous month. Dr. Mulky was in tears out of shame for even thinking of having listened to that clerk.

Dr. Mulky was in Shirdi for four days and on the day he went to ask Baba’s permission to go back, Baba told him to read Jnaneshwari. Baba also told him that he would find an order on his table "transferred to Bijapur on promotion." Dr. Mulky made deep pranams and went away; and to his greatest pleasure, found the order on his table. Then Baba made him go through so many varied experiences that ultimately, the doctor became one of the staunch devotees of Baba.

Dr PILLAI’S STORY:

Dr Pillai was one of the intimate devotees of Baba. Baba loved him very much. He used to call him as ‘Bhau’ and discussed so many issues with him. Invariably, Pillai used to sit next to Baba in the masjid. Once, Pillai suffered from an attack of guinea worms. One after another, he had seven boils on his body. The pain had become unbearable, and chanting Sai nama smarana was almost impossible with that suffering. So, when Kakasaheb Dixit visited him one day, Pillai told him, “The pain has become unbearable. I prefer death to this pain. I know that this is because of the misdeeds in the past lives and I cannot escape the effects of those misdeeds. Please go to Baba and request Him to transfer these effects to ten future births. Suffering so much of pain in this birth alone is becoming impossible for me.” Kakasaheb duly went to Baba and told him of Pillai’s request. Hearing about Pillai’s plight, Baba said, “Tell him not to worry. Why should he suffer for ten births? In ten days, he can complete the sufferings and consequences of his past Karma. When I am here to give him all the help, why should he pray for death? Bring him here on someone’s back. We can finish his sufferings once and for all.”

Somebody brought Pillai on his back and he was made to sit on Baba’s right side. Baba gave him His bolster and told him, “The true remedy is that the results of the past actions have to be suffered and got over. Our Karma is the cause of our happiness and sorrow. Therefore, put up with whatever comes your way. Allah is the only Dispenser and Protector. Think of Him always. He will take care of you. Surrender to Him completely, with body, mind, speech and wealth. Then see what He does.” Pillai told Baba that Nanasaheb had applied a bandage over the leg. Even then, he did not find any relief. Baba replied, “Nana is a fool. Take off that bandage or you will die. Now a crow will come and peck you. Then you will recover.”

It was evening. That was the time when Abdul comes for trimming the lamps and lighting them. In addition, Abdul also cleaned the masjid. Baba had just completed talking to Pillai. Pillai was trying to relax by stretching his leg. While carrying out his work, Abdul accidentally stepped on Pillai’s outstretched leg. The leg was already swollen and when Abdul stepped on it with all his weight and almost crushed the leg, Pillai let go a huge death cry. For some time to come, he was shouting. Then, he began to sing and shout. Baba was amused and said, “See, our bhau has become alright. He is singing.” Then Pillai asked Baba, “When will the crow come and peck?” Baba replied, “Did you not see the crow? It won’t come again. Abdul was the crow. Now go and take rest in the Wada. You will be all right soon.” When Abdul stepped on the leg and almost crushed it, he had squeezed out all the seven guinea worms. With the source of the infection gone, it was only a short time before Pillai recovered fully.

The cure was completed by administering a dose of Udi prasadam everyday taken internally by mixing it with water. The disease was completely cured in ten days as Baba had told.

SHYAMA’S SISTER-IN-LAW:

Shyama’s younger brother, Bapaji was married and was living near the Sawul well. Once, his wife suffered bubonic plague. She had high fever and developed two buboes in her groins. Bapaji immediately went to Shirdi to meet his brother. He told Shyama everything about the suffering of his wife and requested his help. Shyama was frightened and decided to go to Sawul with his brother and render whatever help he could. Before leaving he went to masjid to seek Baba’s permission. He prostrated at Baba’s divine feet and told Him everything and sought his permission. Baba said, “Don’t go there at this late hour. Send her the Udi. Why care for the fever and the buboes? God is our father and master. She will be alright easily. Go there in the morning and return immediately.”

Nothing in this world was more important to Shyama than Baba’s words. When Baba told him not to go in the night and send only Udi, he implicitly followed Baba’s instructions. He sent the Udi with his brother Bapaji and also told him the instructions for dispensing the Udi. So, Bapaji mixed some part of the Udi with water and gave it to his wife. As soon as she took the Udi in water, she had heavy perspiration and the fever started subsiding slowly. She had a good sleep in the night. Next day morning, Bapaji found that his wife had woken up earlier than him and was actively engaged in doing her daily routine work. She was already at the fireplace and preparing tea. When Shyama went there in the morning, he was surprised at the development. His brother told him that it was all the mahima of Udi. Udi had completely cured his wife of the plague. Then Shyama recalled Baba’s instructions to return back immediately. After taking tea offered by his sister-in-law, he promptly came back to Shirdi and went to the masjid. He prostrated at the feet of Baba. Shyama asked, “Deva! What is this Leela! You raise a storm and make us restless. Then You only will remove the storm and make us calm and peaceful.” Baba replied, “Mysterious are the ways of the consequences of Karma. I don’t do anything. Still, people hold Me responsible. The actions take place because of adrishta (destiny). I am only a passive observer. The Lord is the only doer and inspirer. He is the most merciful also. I am not God. I am only His obedient servant and remember Him often. He who submits to Him totally, will have his shackles removed and will get liberation.”

IRANI’S DAUGHTER:

In Bombay there was an Irani gentleman. He had a daughter, who was young. The daughter was cute and good looking but had a problem. She got fits every hour. Whenever the convulsions came, she moved her limbs violently, was unable to speak and fell down unconscious. No doctor could cure her of this disease. Some well meaning friends suggested that Baba’s Udi was very effective and hence should be applied. They also told the Irani that Udi would be available with one Kakasaheb Dixit staying at Vile Parle (suburb of Bombay). Next day the Irani went to Vile Parle and met Kakasaheb Dixit. Kakasaheb was only too eager to help and gave him Baba’s Udi prasadam. The Irani applied some part of the Udi to the forehead of the girl and mixed some with water and gave it internally. Initially, because of the effect of Udi, the convulsions which were coming at every hour now came at every seven hour intervals. A few days later, the convulsions stopped completely.

GENTLEMAN FROM HARDA:

There was an old gentleman in Harda (Central Provinces - presently UP). Due to age, he was suffering from stones in his kidney. Oral medicines are not very effective for this ailment. The stones are removed by surgery. As this gentleman was old and infirm, surgery could not be performed. He felt that he was destined to suffer the pain till his death. May be because of his good deeds, the Inamdar (City Officer) of that city happened to be a firm devotee of Baba. He always had a stock of Udi prasadam. The old man’s son came to know through some friends the power and efficacy of Udi. He took some Udi from the Inamdar and gave it to his father. Within five minutes of administering the Udi, the stones were dissolved and came out in the urine. The old man felt a great sense of relief.

LADY FROM BOMBAY:

A Kayastha Prabhu caste lady in Bombay suffered extreme pain during delivery. She was very much frightened and because of labour pains did not want any children at all. In due course of time, she again became pregnant and was scared. Sri Ramamaruti of Kalyan, who was a staunch devotee of Baba, suggested the lady’s husband that she may be taken to Shirdi for a painless delivery. The husband and wife went to Shirdi and stayed there for some months. They worshipped Baba everyday and were benefited by His company. When the time for delivery came, there was the usual obstruction in the passage from the womb. She began to suffer labour pains and started chanting Baba’s name. Some neighbouring women came for help and gave her Baba’s Udi prasadam mixed with water. After that the delivery was very comfortable. The child, because of its fate, was still born. The mother, of course, got rid of her anxiety and pain and was ever grateful to Baba. Before closing this chapter, let us once again prostrate at the divine feet of the ever merciful and always forgiving our beloved Baba.

With this, the thirty fourth chapter, called as The Greatness of Udi-2, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about Kaka Mahajani’s friend and master, Bandra Insomnia case, Bala Patil Newaskar and other matters.

|| Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu || Shubham Bhavatu ||

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

||chapter thirty-three||

|| sri sai satcharitra ||

|| chapter thirty - three ||

|| the greatness of udi ||

|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||
|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||
|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||

In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about how Baba cured Scorpion Sting and plague cases, the Jamner Miracle, Narayan Rao’s sickness, Balabuva Sutar, Appasaheb Kulkarni, Haribhau Karnik and other matters.

SADGURU SAI BABA:

Baba has always stressed the need for a guru to show us the right way in small or great matters. In this great jungle of life, various doctrines, dogmas and philosophies have grown like the wild trees, so close and tall that any ray of intelligent and understandable thought cannot penetrate through them, as far as an ordinary uninitiated person is concerned. In such a jungle of contradictions and arguments, is there no way out for the honest and sincere seeker of self realization? Baba points out that only a loving and affectionate sadguru can lead us to the light. On the way, he will provide us with food and water also, thus taking care of our physical and spiritual requirements. What all is required from us is only a complete faith in the guru. To qualify to be a disciple, it is not necessary to know the Vedas or the Vedantas by heart, nor is it necessary to have the intelligence to dissect various arguments and reach conclusions. Faith and patience are the only attributes required of us. The guru will lead us to our destination. Baba has also pointed out that with the guiding hand of the sadguru, realization will flash on us, without effort or study. We do not have to even seek anything; everything will become clear to us like broad daylight. Such is the power of sadguru, and it is the effect of our past good deeds that we have a Sadguru like Sri Sai Baba, who is always anxious for His devotees and for whom, He always keeps His treasury open and says, “Take, take.” Let us prostrate at the divine feet of this kind, benevolent, affectionate and ever forgiving our beloved Baba.

UDI PRASADAM:

It is well known that whoever went to the masjid and prostrated at the feet of Baba and got His blessings, got the Udi prasadam from Baba. To many He gave the Udi by hand. To some others, He affectionately smeared it on their forehead. Why did Baba attach so much importance to Udi?

The Sadguru that He is, Baba teaches us so many things through this Udi prasadam. Udi is nothing more than ash. Ash is what remains after anything is burnt. Whether it is a rich man, or poor, old or young, male or female, a great jnani or an ordinary bhakta, a sinner or a devotee, all are turned to ash once they are burnt. There is no discrimination as far as ash is concerned. Not just humans composed of five elements, but anything if burnt becomes ash. Ash is Brahman. Baba teaches us that Brahman is the ultimate reality.

Udi is the ash taken from Dhuni - the sacred Fire. Baba kept the Dhuni fire ever burning from the day He came to Shirdi. It is well known that Baba took Dakshina from all. Out of the amount thus collected, He spent a large part on charity and purchased firewood with the balance left with Him. He used this fuel to keep the fires of Dhuni burning. The ash from Dhuni was distributed as Udi prasadam by Baba at the time of their departure from Shirdi. Udi symbolizes the fact that this universe is ephemeral, and that no one in this world, whether it is father, son, mother, or wife, is really ours. We have come into this world alone, and alone we have to go out of this world. When we came into this world, we did not bring anything with us and we cannot take anything when we go out of this world. Baba teaches us the principle of discrimination between the Unreal and the Real by the Udi prasadam. He also teaches us the principle of non attachment to the Unreal by taking Dakshina. Unless we learn these two principles of discrimination (Viveka) and non attachment (Vairagya), it is not possible for us to cross the limitless sea of samsara.

In addition to the spiritual implications of Udi, there are material benefits also. Udi has conferred health, prosperity, freedom from anxiety and many other worldly gains. Whenever He was in a cheerful mood Baba used to sing a song about Udi.

Ramate Raam aavoji |
Udiyon Ki goniya laavoji ||

Playful Rama, come, come, bring with you sacks of Udi.

How many bags of Udi have come out of Dhuni, nobody knows. How many have gained health, prosperity and progeny from this Udi, no one knows. Baba always fulfilled the desires of the devotees before turning them on to the path of spiritualism.

SCORPION STING:

Ramachandra Vaman Modak was a devotee of Baba. Narayan Motiram Jani was working under him and was also a devotee of Baba. Once, when Narayan went with his mother to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan, Baba told his mother that her son should not work under any one any more. Baba asked him to start independent business. Knowing his financial condition better, Narayan wondered whether Baba’s words would ever come true. Few days later, Narayan Jani had to leave the service of Modak and started a boarding house named, “Anandashram”. It thrived well and Narayan was very happy that Baba’s words had come true and his devotion to Baba increased several folds. Narayan Jani had total faith in Baba now.

Once, a friend of his was stung by a scorpion. The pain due to the bite was severe and unbearable. Having total faith in Baba, Narayan wanted to apply Udi at the point of scorpion bite. He searched the entire house but could not locate Udi. Not knowing what to do, Narayan stood before Baba’s picture and invoked Baba’s help and chanted Baba’s name. He took a pinch of the ashes fallen from the joss stick burning in front of Baba’s picture. Thinking it to be Baba’s Udi prasadam, he applied it on the seat of pain and where the scorpion had stung. As soon as he took out his fingers after applying the Udi, the pain vanished. Both Narayan and his friend were happy.

THE JAMNER MIRACLE:

During 1904-05 AD, Nanasaheb Chandorkar was a Mamlatdar at Jamner, in Khandesh District. Jamner is more than 100 miles away from Shirdi. His daughter Mainatai was pregnant and was about to deliver. Her case had become serious as she was suffering from labour pains for the past two to three days. Nanasaheb tried all medicines but were not helpful. He then prayed Baba and asked for His help. Let us see what was happening in Shirdi.

Ramgirbuva, whom Baba called as Bapugirbuva, wanted to go to his native place in Khandesh. Baba called him and told him to go to Jamner, hand over Udi and arati to Nanasaheb, take some rest and then go to his place. Ramgirbuva told Him that he had just two rupees with him and it was sufficient to go from Shirdi to Jalgaon. He did not have money to go from Jalgaon to Jamner, which is about 30 miles. Baba assured him that he need not worry as everything would be taken care of. Then Baba asked Shyama to write down a well known arati composed by Madhav Adkar on a sheet of paper and give it to Ramgirbuva. (This is given at the end of the chapter.) With full faith in Baba, Ramgirbuva left Shirdi. He reached Jalgaon at the early hours of next morning, around 02.45 AM. He had only two annas with him and did not know what to do.

As soon as he got down into the platform, someone was calling, “Who is Bapugirbuva from Shirdi?” Ramgirbuva identified himself. Then the person took his luggage and led him to an excellent Tonga with a pair of very good horses. The Tonga was going very fast and at the dawn, they were near a small river. The driver took the horses for watering and Ramgirbuva washed his face and was ready to travel. The driver offered him some thing to eat. Seeing the dress and the beard with the moustache, Ramgirbuva thought that he might be a Muslim and politely declined the offer. Then the driver told him that he was a Kshatriya of Garhwal and was sent by Nanasaheb. Even the eatables were sent by Nanasaheb. Then they both ate the food together and started on their journey. They reached Jamner just when the day was breaking in. Ramgirbuva alighted to attend to the nature calls. When he returned after a few minutes, he found that his luggage was left on the roadside and there was no trace of either the driver or the Tonga. Both had disappeared. Ramgirbuva did not know what to do. He went to a nearby office and found out the address of Nanasaheb. They told him that he was at home only. Ramgirbuva went to Nanasaheb’s house and told him that he had come from Shirdi.

Nanasaheb was in a very anxious state as his daughter’s condition had become very serious. The moment he received the Udi and the arati from Ramgirbuva, he felt a great relief. He called his wife and asked her to give Udi mixed with water to his daughter to drink and sing Baba’s arati. Within few minutes, the birth of the baby was joyfully announced and the crisis was over. Nanasaheb profusely thanked Ramgirbuva for taking the trouble of bringing the Udi and also taking the detour for his sake. Then it was the turn of Ramgirbuva to thank him for the beautiful Tonga, the courteous driver and the excellent food that Nanasaheb had sent for him.

Nanasaheb was perplexed. He confessed that he had not sent anyone anywhere, and for that matter did not even know that Ramgirbuva was coming. Both were astounded by the deep interest shown by Baba in the welfare of his devotees.

Later on in the Sai Leela Masik Magazine, vol 13, nos. 11, 12, 13, Mr. BV Deo of Thana, Retired Mamlatdar has written an article, partly in prose and partly in poetry, about this episode. He contacted Ramgirbuva and also Bapurao Chandorkar, son of Nanasaheb Chandorkar. BV Deo’s article is very exhaustive and interesting to read. Pujya Sri. BV Narasimhaswami has also taken down the statements of 1. Mainatai (No.V page 14), 2. Bapusaheb Chandorkar (No.XX page 50) and 3. Ramgirbuva (No.XXVII, page 83) dated 1st June 1936, 16th September 1936 and 1st December 1936 respectively and published them in his ‘Devotees’ Experiences Part III’. The following is quoted from Ramgirbuva’s statement:

“One day Baba called me to him, and gave me a packet of Udi and copy of Baba’s Arti. I had to go to Khandesh at the time. Baba directed me to go to Jamner, and told me to deliver the Arti and the Udi to Nanasaheb Chandorkar at Jamner. I said to Baba, that all I had was Rs.2/- and asked Him, how that could take me by train from Kopergaon to Jalgaon, and next by cart from Jalgaon to Jamner. Baba said, “God will give”. That was a Friday and I started at once. I reached Manmad at 7.30 PM and Jalgaon at 02.45 AM. At that time plague regulations were in force, and I had much trouble. I was to discover what I should do to get to Jamner. At about 03.00 AM, a peon in boots, turban and well equipped with other details of good dress, came to me and took me to a tanga and drove me on. I was in panic. On the way at Baghoor, I took refreshments. We reached Jamner early in the morning and by the time I attended my call of nature, the tanga and its driver had disappeared (page 83).”

BUBONIC PLAGUE:

Nanasaheb Chandorkar was, once, traveling in a train with his wife to Kalyan. He came to know that a friend of his in Bandra had a problem. The friend’s daughter who was in some other place was down with bubonic plague. The friend wanted to send Udi to his daughter but did not have any with him. He went to Nanasaheb. Nanasaheb also did not have any Udi with him in the train. So, as soon as the train reached Thana, he got down from the train. He took some earth from the platform, meditated Baba, invoked His help and applied the earth to his wife’s forehead. The friend saw all this and when he went to his daughter’s place, he was happy to learn that his daughter, who was suffering for three days, began to improve from the very moment Nanasaheb applied the earth on the fore head of his wife by invoking Baba’s help.

NARAYAN RAO’S STORY:

Among the several devotees who were fortunate to see Baba in the human form before His Mahasamadhi, Narayanrao was one of them. He could see Him twice in Shirdi. Within a year of Mahasamadhi, he fell sick and suffered very much. All normal medicines were of no avail. So he meditated Baba day and night. One night he had a dream in which Baba came through a cellar and comforted him saying, “Don’t be anxious. You will improve from tomorrow. In a week, you will be on your feet.” Narayanrao got well within the period specified by Baba. For those who thought that Baba was alive till 1918 only, this episode should be an eye opener. Baba is so great that He does not require a human body to help His devotees. Whether in the human form or outside it, Baba is always by our side. There is no stipulation that one should be a staunch devotee of Baba. Any one can call Him for help and He immediately responds. We humans make discrimination, but Baba does not. He always says, “Take, take”.

BALABUVA SUTAR’S STORY:

Balabuva Sutar was a saint in Bombay. On account of his piety, devotion and Bhajan, he was called as ‘Modern Tukaram’. He came to Shirdi for the first time in 1917 AD. He went to masjid and prostrated at the feet of Baba. Baba said, “I know him since four years.” Balabuva was wonderstruck, as it was his first trip to Shirdi. After sufficient thinking, he recollected that, four years ago, he had prostrated at Baba’s portrait in Bombay. He was then convinced of Baba’s words. He thought, “How omniscient and all pervading are the saints and how kind they are to their Bhaktas! I merely bowed to His photo, but this fact was noticed by Baba and in due time made me realize that seeing His photo is equivalent to seeing Him in person!”

APPASAHEB KULKARNI’S STORY:

In 1917 AD Appasaheb Kulkarni was transferred to Thana. He began worshipping Baba’s photo presented to him by Balasaheb Bhate. He worshipped Baba very earnestly. He offered flowers, sandal paste and naivedyam every day. He wanted to see Baba very much. This desire became almost an obsession for him.

When he was in Thana, he had to go on official tour to Bhivandi. He was not expected to return within a week. On the third day after he left for tour, a fakir looking exactly like Baba in the photo, came to Appasaheb’s house. Kulkarni’s wife and children were so much taken aback that they asked the fakir if he was Sai Baba. He told them that he was not Baba but was an obedient servant of Baba. He also told them that he had come to enquire about the health of the family. Then he asked for Dakshina and the lady gave him one rupee. He gave her a small packet containing Udi and asked her to keep it in the pooja room with the photo for worshipping. After some time he went his way.

Appasaheb could not proceed with his trip as planned. This was because his horses fell sick at Bhivandi. He returned home that afternoon and was told by his wife that a fakir looking similar to Baba in the photo had visited them. He was furious in his mind for having missed seeing Baba. He asked her for more details. When she told him that she gave Dakshina of one rupee, he was very angry. He felt that one rupee was not sufficient for Baba. He would have given at least ten rupees. Saying this, he went out in search of the fakir. He looked for him in masjids and other places as well. His quest was not successful. He then came home and took his food. Baba had said always that no quest can be carried out successfully on an empty stomach. After meals, Appasaheb went out for a walk with his friend Mr Chitre. After going for some distance, they observed that a man was approaching them rapidly. Appasaheb immediately recognized him as the fakir who had visited his house. He completely resembled Baba in the photo he was worshipping. The fakir immediately extended his hand and asked for Dakshina. Appasaheb gave him one rupee. The fakir pocketed the rupee and again extended his hand. This time Appasaheb gave him two rupees. The fakir once again pocketed the two rupees and again extended his hand. Then Appasaheb borrowed Rs.3/- from his friend and gave it to the fakir. The fakir wanted more. Appasaheb requested him to come to his house where he would give the Dakshina which the fakir wanted. After going home, Appasaheb gave him three rupees. The fakir pocketed the three rupees and asked for more. Appasaheb told him that he did not have change and that he had a currency note of Rs.10/-. The fakir asked for the same. When Appasaheb gave him the note, he pocketed it and returned the nine coins which he had earlier taken from Appasaheb. The nine coins were thus consecrated by Baba’s hand and given to Appasaheb. Baba also gave nine coins to Laxmibai Shinde and nine also signifies the Nava Vidha Bhakti.

After the fakir left, Appasaheb opened the Udi packet. He found some flower petals and akshata. Subsequently when he went to Shirdi, he was able to get a hair from Baba. He put the Udi packet and the hair in an amulet and wore it always on his arm. Appasaheb realized the power of Udi in a few days. Earlier, though he was intelligent and hard working, his pay was only Rs.40/-. After he got the Udi prasadam from Baba, he got many times more than forty rupees as earnings and his power and influence also grew rapidly. Along with his materialistic growth, his spiritual growth was also assured. Let us all be also fortunate like Appasaheb and everyday after bath, apply the Udi to our forehead and take some part of it mixed with water as holy Teertha. If we follow this routine without fail everyday, no fear can come anywhere near us. Baba will protect us always.

HARIBHAU KARNIK’S STORY:

Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu (Thana District) had another beautiful experience. He came to Shirdi in 1917 on the Guru Poornima day in the month of Ashadha and worshipped Baba with all the formality. He offered clothes and Dakshina to Baba. After that, through Shyama, he sought permission from Baba to leave. He got the permission and was climbing down the steps when a thought came to him that he should have given one more rupee as Dakshina to Baba. When he turned around to climb up the steps, Shyama, understanding his predicament, informed him by signs that as he had got the permission from Baba, he should leave.

So Haribhau left for home. On his way home, he went inside the temple of Kala Rama at Nasik for Darshana. Saint Narsing Maharaj, who was sitting inside the big door of the temple with his devotees, stood up, came to Haribhau, extended his hand and said, “Give me my one rupee.” Haribhau was surprised. He gave the one rupee very happily and his adoration for Baba increased many times. What he had decided in his mind, Baba recovered it through the Saint Narsing Maharaj.

The power of Udi prasadam is all pervading. We will see some more instances where in Udi has granted material and spiritual benefits to the devotees in the subsequent chapters. Let us bow at the divine feet of our beloved Baba and pray that His grace will always be with us. Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!

BABA’S ARATI:

This arati song written by Madhav Adkar is similar to ‘Arati Jnanaraja’ written by Ram Janardan. The tunes of both the songs are same. Madhav Adkar wrote this arati song at the divine inspiration. Baba loved this song very much. Without this arati, Baba’s pooja is incomplete.

Aarati Sai Baba| Soukhya daataara jeevaa |
Charanarajaa taalim| dyava daasaam visaava |
bhaktaa visaava ||
Jaaluniya ananga | svasva rupeem raahe danga |
Mumukshu jana daavee | nijadolaam sriranga |
dolaam sriranga ||
Jaya maneem jaisaa bhaava | taya taisaa anubhava |
Daavisee dayaaghanaa | aisee tujheehi maava | tujheehi maava ||
Tumche naama dhyaataam | hare sanskriti vyathaa |
Agaadha tava karini | marga daaveesee anaathaa |
daavisee anaathaa ||
Kaliyugeem avatara | saguna brahma sachaaraa |
Avateerna jaahalaase | swami dattaa digambara |
dattaa digambara ||
Aathaam divasaam guru vaareem | bhakta kareeti vaaree |
Prabhupada pahavayaa | bhava bhaya nivaaree |
bhava bhaya nivaaree ||
Maajhaa nijaa dravya thevaa | tava charana raja sevaa |
Maagane henchi aataam | tumhaa devadhi devaa |
devadhi devaa ||
Ichchita deena chaataka | nirmala toya nija sukha |
Paajaave maadhavaa yaa | sambhaala aapooli hee bhaaka | aapooli hee bhaakaa ||

Oh Sai Baba, we wave arati before You, the bestower of happiness to the Jivas. Give us - Your servants and devotees rest under the dust of Your feet, burning (destroying) desire. You remain absorbed in Your self and show the Lord (God) to the aspirants. As one feels intently, You give him experiences or realizations accordingly. Oh kind hearted Your power is such! Meditation of Your name removes our fear of the samsara. Your method of word is really unfathomable as You always help the poor and the helpless. In this Kaliyuga, You the all pervasive Datta have really incarnated as Sagun Brahma. Ward off the fear of samsara of the devotees who come to You every Thursday, so as to enable them to see the feet of the Lord. Oh God of Gods, I pray that let my treasure be the service of Your feet. Feed Madhav (and Gadhij also) with happiness as the cloud feeds the chaataka bird with pure water, and thus keep up Your word.

With this, the thirty third chapter, called as The Greatness of Udi, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the Malegaon Doctor, Dr.Pillai, Shyama’s sister in law, Irani girl, Harda gentleman, Bombay Lady and other matters.

|| Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu || Shubham Bhavatu ||

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

||chapter thirty-two||

|| sri sai satcharitra ||

|| chapter thirty - two ||

|| in quest of guru and god ||

|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||

|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||

|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||

In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about how Baba met His Guru and through him God, Mrs. Gokhale and other matters.

THE BANYAN TREE:

This samsara has been compared, at various times by various persons, to the Ashvattha (banyan) tree. The Katha Upanishad says

Oorvdha moolaha avaak shaakaha, yeshaha ashvattaha sanatanaha|

tat yeva shukram tad brahma, tat yeva amrutam uchyate||

tasmin lokaaha shritaaha sarve| tat vu na atyeti kashchana|| yetat vai tat||

Kath Upanishad, Book II, Valli 6, Sl.1

(Yama said): There is that ancient Asvattha tree whose root is upwards and branches are down. That indeed is pure. That is Brahman and that alone is called Immortal. Upon that all the worlds depend and no one goes beyond that. This is verily That.

Asvattha tree, the tree of Samsara extends from the Avyakta down to the immovable. This has its root in Brahman. From Brahman only the whole universe proceeds. Just as the tree can be cut down by an axe, so also, the tree of Samsara can be cut down by the axe of non-attachment or sword of Atman-Jnana, knowledge of the Self.

In Bhagavad-Gita, Sri Krishna says:

Oordhwamoolam adhahshaakham ashwattham praahuravyayam|

Cchandaamsi yasya parnaani yastam veda sa vedavit||

Ch.15, Sl.1

They say that the peepul Tree, which has its roots upward and the branches downward, and of which the Vedas are the leaves, is imperishable. He who realizes it is knower of the Vedas.

In the next five slokas, Sri Krishna further says that the branches of that tree, extending down-wards and upwards, are strengthened by the qualities and have sense-objects as their shoots. And the roots, which are followed by actions, spread down-wards in the human world. Its form is not perceived here in that way; or its end, or beginning, or continuance. After felling this Peepul (banyan) tree whose roots are well developed, with the strong sword of detachment, that State has to be sought for, going where they do not return again: I take refuge in that Primeval Person Himself, from whom has ensued the eternal Manifestation. The wise ones who are free from pride and non-discrimination, who have conquered the evil of association, (Hatred and love arising from association with foes and friends) who are ever devoted to spirituality, completely free from desires, free from the dualities called happiness and sorrow, reach that undecaying State. Neither the sun nor the moon nor fire illumines That. That is My supreme Abode, reaching which they do not return.

To cut this tree of samsara, and to gain that sharp sword called detachment with which this tree can be cut, the guiding hand of a guru is essential. However learned one can be, however deep the study of Vedas and Vedantas be, one cannot go through this jungle without the guiding beacon of a guru. For the guru to successfully guide, the devotee must have complete faith and patience in the guru. If this faith is not there, we will be going round and round in the jungle, without ever coming out of it.

The same philosophy Baba expounds in this chapter in the form of a story from His own life. By following this story sincerely, we will be bestowed with faith, devotion and salvation. Let us listen to Baba.

THE QUEST:

Once, four of us were studying religious scriptures and other books. Being thus enlightened, we began to discuss the nature of Brahman. One of us said that we should raise Self by the Self, and should not depend on others. To this the second said that he who controls his mind is blessed. We should be free from thoughts and ideas and there is nothing in the world without us. The third one replied that the phenomenon (world) is always changing, the formless is eternal. So, we should discriminate between the Unreal and the Real. To this the fourth one (Baba Himself) urged that the bookish knowledge alone is worthless and added, ‘Let us do our prescribed duty and surrender our body, mind and five pranas (life) at the Guru’s feet. Guru is God, all pervading. To get this conviction, strong unbounded faith is necessary.’

While discussing in this way, we four learned men began to ramble through the woods in quest of God. The three wanted to make the search with their free and unaided intellect. On the way, a Vanjari (roaming trader) met us and asked us, ‘It is hot now, where and how far are you going?’ We replied, ‘To search the woods.’ He enquired, ‘On what quest are you bound?’ We gave him an ambiguous and evasive reply. On seeing us rambling aimlessly, he was moved and said, ‘Without knowing the woods fully, you should not wander at random. If you want to walk through forests and jungles, you should take a guide with you. Why do you exert yourselves unnecessarily in this hot noon sun? You may not tell me the secret of your quest. Still, you can sit down, eat food, drink water, take rest and then go. Be always patient at heart.’ Though he spoke tenderly, we rejected his request and marched on. We thought that we were self contained men and needed nobody’s help.

The woods were vast and trackless; the trees therein grew so close and tall that sun’s rays could not penetrate through them. So, we lost our way and wandered here and there, for a long time. Ultimately, through sheer good luck, we came back to the same place from where we started. The Vanjari saw us again and said, ‘By relying on your own cleverness, you missed your way. A guide is always necessary to show us the right way in small or great matters. And no quest can be successfully carried out on an empty stomach. Unless God wills it, no one meets us on the way. Do not discard offers of food; served food should not be thrust away. Offers of food should be regarded as auspicious signs of success.’ Saying this, he again offered us food and asked us to be calm and patient. Once again we did not like this good hospitality, rejected his offer and went away.

Without doing any quest and without taking any food, the three began to move out. They were very obstinate. I was hungry and thirsty. I was moved by the Vanjari’s extraordinary love. We thought ourselves very learned, yet we were quite strangers to pity and kindness. The Vanjari was illiterate, unqualified, and belonged to a low caste. Still, he had love in his heart and asked us to eat the food. In this way, he who loves others disinterestedly is really the enlightened one. And I thought that acceptance of his hospitality was the best beginning of getting knowledge. So very respectfully, I accepted the food he offered ate it and drank water.

Then lo! The Guru at once came and stood before us. He asked, ‘What was the dispute about?’ I told him everything that had happened. Then he said, ‘Would you like to come with me? I will show you what you want, but he alone, who believes in what I say, will be successful.’ The others did not agree to what he said and left him. I bowed to him reverently and accepted his dictum. Then he took Me to a well, tied My feet with a rope. He hung Me with My head downwards and feet upwards from a tree into the well. I was suspended three feet above the water. I could not reach the water with My hands and the water also could not go into My mouth. After suspending Me in this manner, he went away, no one knew where.

After 4 or 5 hours (10 or 12 Ghatakas) he returned and took Me out quickly. Then he asked Me how I fared. I replied, ‘In Bliss supreme I was. How can a fool like Me describe the joy I experienced?’ On hearing My reply, the Guru was very much pleased with Me, drew Me near him. He stroked My body with his hands and kept Me with him! He took care of Me as tenderly as a mother bird does of her young ones. He put Me into his school. How beautiful it was! There I forgot My parents. All My attachments were snapped and I was liberated easily. I thought that I should embrace his neck and remain staring at him always. If his image was not fixed in My pupils, I would prefer to be blind. Such was the school! No one who entered it once could return empty handed. My Guru became My all-in-all, My home, My property, mother, father and everything. All My senses left their places and concentrated in My eyes. My sight was centred on him. Thus was My Guru, the sole object of My meditation, and I was conscious of none else. While meditating him, My mind and intellect were stunned. I had thus to keep quiet and bow to him in silence.

[According to the Sufi tradition, the path or the journey to God realization consists of seven stages or ‘stations’. They are

1. Tawabat – repentence

2. Wara – abstinence

3. Zuhd – renunciation

4. Faqr – poverty

5. Sabr – patience

6. Tawakkul – faith or trust in God and

7. Rida – contentment.

These stages constitute the various ascetic and ethical disciplines of the Sufi, and the attainment of each station signals the uplift of the personality to a more integrated level. At each of these stations, 10,000 veils are said to be lifted. Allah is said to be veiled by 70,000 veils which hide from the aspirant his true spiritual identity, and these have to be unveiled through spiritual practices.

The Sufis identify four levels of repentance by abstentation from 1. Kofr – unbelief 2. Fojur – lewdness 3. Immoral traits and finally 4 from everything other than God. The Sufi training, particularly in the Chishtiyya Order, often included a forty day retreat called as chillah, wherein the aspirant undertakes a forty day period of seclusion spent in fasting, meditation, recollection and devotional exercises to purify the soul. Each pir or guru would have his own method of initiating this spiritual experience, and would assist in finding a suitable secluded place or special dark space.

A variation of this chillah is the chilla-i-ma’kusa in which the aspirant is suspended in an inverted position while performing secluded prayers and meditation. The technique consisted of being hung upside down in a lonely place, such as a well, for a prescribed number of hours a day – over a period of days or even the full forty days. When the pir or the guru thought that the salik or the sishya was spiritually prepared, he would confer an experience of bliss through his own spiritual power known as baraka.

It is very likely that Baba was narrating a personal experience which is very similar to the traditional Sufi technique, although in His case, the time period was much shorter. After such an experience, the salik or sishya undergoes a transformation and his life changes thereafter. The salik or sishya then joins the school of the pir or the guru, where he was trained.]

There are other schools where you see an altogether different spectacle. The disciples go there to seek knowledge and spend their money, time and labour. Ultimately they have to repent. The Guru there boasts of his secret knowledge and his straight forwardness. He makes a show of his sacredness and holiness. He is not tender at heart. He speaks a lot and sings his own glory. But, his own words do not touch the hearts of the disciples and they are not convinced. As for as self realization is concerned, he has none. How can such schools be of any use to the disciples, and how can they be benefited? My master (Guru) was of a different type. By his grace, realization flashed upon Me of itself, without effort or study. I did not have to seek anything. Everything became clear to Me like broad daylight. The Guru alone knows how the topsy-turvy suspension, ‘with head down and feet up’ can give happiness!”

Among the four, one was a Karmatha (ritualistic), who only knew how to observe, and abstain from certain rites; the second was Jnani, who was puffed up with pride of knowledge; and the third was a Bhakta, who surrendered himself completely to God, believing that He was the sole Doer. When they were discussing and arguing, the question of God turned up. All the three depending on their unaided knowledge went in search of Him. The fourth one was Sai Himself - discrimination and dispassion incarnate. Some may ask, “Why did He mix with them and act foolishly?” He did this for the purpose of enlightening us, and setting us an example to follow. As He was an incarnation, He respected a low Vanjari, by accepting his food and showed His firm belief in the saying, “Food is Brahman (annam para brahmam)”. He showed us how those who rejected Vanjari’s hospitable offer suffered. He also showed us how it was impossible to get Jnana without a Guru.

The Taittiriya Upanishad says

Deva pitrukaaryaabhyaam na pramaditavyam |

matru devo bhava |

pitru devo bhava | aacharya devo bhava | Atithi devo bhava |

yaanya na vadyaani karmaani | taani sevitavyaani | no itaraani |

yaanyasmaakaha soocharitaraani | taani tvayopaasyani |

no itaraani || 2 ||

Tat.Up 11 anu.Sl.2

Never swerve from the duties to the gods and to the manes. May the mother be thy God. May the father be thy God. May the preceptor be thy God. May the guest be thy God. Let only those actions that are free from blemishes be done, and not others. Only those that are good acts to us should be performed by thee and not others.

By worshiping one’s father, mother, teacher and guests as veritable gods without regarding them as mere men, paying them due reverence and serving them with great respect will purify our minds. Unless this purification is done, self realization is not possible. The senses, the mind, or the intellect cannot take us to the self. Deductive or intuitive logic, such as perception and inference, or learning Vyakarana (grammar) will not help us in the matter. It is the grace of Guru alone which can take us to our destination. Out of the four Purusharthas - Dharma, Artha and Kama can be attained by our effort. The fourth, namely Moksha, can be attained only by the grace of a Sadguru.

In the Durbar of our beloved Baba, many personalities make their presence and play their part. Astrologers, princes, noblemen, ordinary and poor men, Sannyasins, yogis, singers come for Baba’s darshan. Jugglers, Gondhalis (who sing devotional songs), the blind, the lame, Nath panthis, dancers come and get blessed by Baba. Like them, the Vanjari also played an important part. We will now see what Mrs. Gokhale will do.

MRS GOKAHALE’S STORY:

Baba never fasted Himself. He did not allow others also to fast. The mind of a person, who fasts, is never at ease. With an unsteady mind how can one attain one’s Paramartha (goal of life)? As the Vanjari said, “No quest can be successfully carried out on an empty stomach!” The soul has to be appeased first. It is only when the stomach is full that the eyes can see God, the tongue can describe the greatness of God and the ears can listen to what the tongue is extolling. It is only when all the sense organs get their proper nutrition, can we practice devotion and sadhanas. Neither fasting nor overeating is good. Moderation in diet is wholesome, both to the body and the mind.

Mrs Gokhale came to Shirdi to get Baba’s darshan and blessing. She brought with her a letter of introduction from a devotee of Baba, Mrs Kashibai Kanitkar to Dada Kelkar. She came with a determination to sit at Baba’s feet and observe fast for three days. A day before she arrived in Shirdi, Baba had told Dada Kelkar that He would not allow Dada’s children to fast during Shimga (festival of Holi) and if they had to fast, why was He there?

With this background, when Mrs Gokhale came next day with Dada Kelkar and sat near Baba’s feet, Baba said, “Why fast? Go to Dadabhat’s house, prepare pooran polis (wheat rolls with gram flour and jaggery), feed his children and yourself.” It was the period of Shimga holidays and Mrs Kelkar was undergoing her monthly periods. There was nobody to cook in Dadabhat’s house and the children were without food. Baba’s advice was thus very timely and Mrs Gokhale implemented it. She went to Dadabhat’s house, prepared pooran polis, fed everyone in the house and herself. What a beautiful story and how divine is its meaning!

BABA’S SARKAR:

Baba narrates another story from His boyhood days as follows:

“When I was young, I went to Beedgaum in search of livelihood. There I did some embroidery work. I worked hard and spared no pains. The employer was very much pleased with Me. There were three other boys who worked with Me. The first one got Rs.50/-, the second got Rs.100/- and the third got Rs.150/-. I was given twice the sum of all the three amounts, namely Rs.600/-. After seeing My cleverness, the employer loved Me, praised Me and honoured Me with a full dress- turban for the head, shell for the body etc. I kept this dress intact without using it. I thought that what a man gives does not last long, and is always imperfect. What My Sarkar (God) gives, lasts till the end of time. No other gift from any man can be compared to what He gives. My Sarkar says, ‘Take, take’. Everybody comes to Me and says, ‘Give, give.’ Nobody listens carefully to what I say. My Sarkar’s treasury (spiritual wealth) is full, it is overflowing. I say, ‘Dig out and take away this wealth in cartloads. Every blessed son of a mother should fill himself with this wealth’. The skill of My Fakir, the Leela of My Bhagwan and the aptitude of My Sarkar is quite unique. What is there for Me? This Body will mix with earth, breath with air. This moment of time won’t come again. I go somewhere, sit somewhere. This cruel Maya troubles Me much, still I always feel anxious for My men. He who does something (spiritual endeavour) will reap its benefit and he who remembers these words of Mine will get invaluable happiness.” Before we end this chapter, let us prostrate once again at the divine feet of our beloved Baba and pray that His treasury should be kept open always for us. Om Sri Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!!

With this, the thirty second chapter, called as In quest of Guru and God, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about how Baba cured Scorpion Sting and plague cases, the Jamner Miracle, Narayan Rao’s sickness, Balabuva Sutar, Appasaheb Kulkarni, Haribhau Karnik and other matters.

|| Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu || Shubham Bhavatu ||

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti