COLLECTION OF ARTICLES WRITTEN BY D.SHANKARIAHAND PUBLISHED IN VARIOUS MAGAZINESSADGATI TO A TIGERIS SAIBABA LIVING AND HELPING NOW?
NAASTHIKA NAHI TU LAVISHI NIJABHAJANI
NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAI AND HIS PHOTO
HAS SHIRDI SAI REINCARNATED NOW?
OM SRI SAI SARVAHRUNNILAYAYA NAMAHA
EXPERIENCE OF KERAVAR RAMACHANDRA PHADATALE
OM SRI SAI SARVA MANGALA KARAYA NAMAHA
OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM
SADGATI TO A TIGER
Baba told Mrs Tarkhad who fed the hungry dog " The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave a piece of bread is one with Me so also others creatures cats, pigs, files, cows etc., are one with Me. He who sees Me in these creatures is My beloved" .Baba further declared that "All the insects, ants, the visible movable and immovable world is My body or form". We can observe from the tiger's incident that Baba's above words are true in letter and spirit. Sri.Jyotindra's eye witness account is given below:One day an ailing Tiger was brought to Dwarakamai seven days prior to Baba's Maha Samadhi. The Darveshis heard from the villagers that Baba was powerful and could cure Tiger's ailment. The Tiger duly chained was brought in a cart to Dwarakamai. Baba permitted them to bring it inside Dwarakamai close to the steps of platform where Baba would be sitting. The Tiger on seeing Baba bent down his head and growled in a very loud voice and fell flat motionless on the ground(dead).The darveshis sought Baba's guidance reagrding the disposal of the dead body. Baba advised them to bury outside Siva's Mandir near statue of Nandi. The tiger's funeral ceremony was attended by all villagers. This is the story. The purpose of this article is to know what Baba explained to Jyotindra. On enquiry from Jyotindra as to what transpired between the tiger and Him, Baba told "Hay Bhau! the tiger was in deep agony and was requesting me to relieve him out of miserable condition, Hence I prayed to the Lord to grant him salvation. The tiger is free forever from the cycle of births and deaths and rebirth". Here we have to understand what is stated in para 1 above is correct. He knows the language of animals and insects not only human beings. Though He Himself is God, He prayed to the Lord for the Moksha of the tiger, What a Humility!! OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!IS SAIBABA LIVING AND HELPING NOW?
(Baba attends Puja on 28-2-1944)
Sai Baba declared that those who think that HE was at Shirdi did not understand Him. He further declared He did not require any conveyance to go anywhere. It is stated that in Chap 40 of SSC, when the devotees surrender themselves completely to Sadguru, He sees that the religious function in their houses are duly executed and comply with all the necessary formalities. Let us know from the narration given by Mrs.GS.Devi in Sai Sudha of May 1944 that the above statements are true to the word and letter:
HH BV Narasimha Swamiji, Founder President AISS visited Konakandla
village in Ananthapur district of AP on 28-2-1944.He was taken in a
procession, ofcourse with Sainath's photo with full honours to the residence of
the Host, Sri Venkoba Rao. The person resembling a fakir with a dirty and torn
cloth, bundle of rags on his head and old papers bundle in his hands
accompanied them in the procession. He even took Arathi with Pujya Narasimha
Swamiji, three persons observed him but thinking he is a mad man they ignored.
Pujya Swamiji distributed thirtha, prasad to the devotees present. This fakir
went to some other house and had his food. He came to Swamiji again and
remarked "Are you meeting me tomorrow at Vajrakarur Mister?" This he
asked in english (We know that Baba used to speak all languages including english
from the statement of Shama to HH BV NarasimhaSwamy). Venkoba Rao felt the
fakir was disturbing Pujya Swamiji and asked him to leave the place.
That night Mrs GS Devi had a dream in which she saw a 6 yr old known
boy addressing her "Aunty What is this sleep? Food without Ghee was
served, I was driven out thinking I was a mad man by your brother, Did you
notice?"
She was initially confused on hearing this but later caught hold of
boy's feet and repented for what had happened. Sri Venkoba Rao was informed of
this dream at the time of Thursday Puja. On hearing this he and his wife took a
vow not to touch food till the fakir comes in the same fashion. On the second
day evening at 8 pm "Baba" entered their house, Venkoba Rao without
taking any chance fell on the fakir's feet. He offered hot milk and delicious
food. Mrs Devi expressed her desire of writing Sri Sai Charitra and sought His
blessings. He advised her to go to Shirdi for a reply. He advised Mr and Mrs
Rao to have food as they did not have anything for the past two days. Though He
wanted to tell about some wordly problems they did not give any chance because
again Maya would play her part. Later he took rest and left.
Dear readers, What a fine message Baba has conveyed through the above
incidence. Let us call Him from the bottom of our heart and enjoy His bliss. He
declared "I rest where there is full devotion".
Though it is confirmed that Baba is neither a Muslim nor a Hindu,
devotees of yester years and today doubt Baba belongs to Islam by His external
appearance. We have read in Sai Satcharitra He lived in a dilapitated Masjid
christened 'Dwarakamai', He allowed Akhanda Dhuni, Akhanda Deep, Bell, Tulsi
Brindavan there. At the sametime He did not discourage mohamedans also to pray
as per their custom. Before His Maha Samadhi, he removed His langoti and asked
devotees present to judge whether He was a muslim or hindu. Even in Dhulia
Magistrate court He declared His religion was 'Parvardhigar'(GOD).Strictly
speaking He is above religion, region, caste, creed.
We know He gave darshan in the form of 'Ishta Devatha' or Guru to some
devotees who were reluctant to seek His blessings. In the incident narrated
below another saint asked his devotee to do Sai puja (Sai Sudha,March'1944)
:
" Sri V Swaminadha Iyer of Mayavaram arranged Sai puja on 6-2-1944
and for the purpose he requested Maruthur Santhana Ganapatigal(purohit) to come
with four other vedic brahmins. On his expressing inability he requested a
local Sastrigal to come with four pandits for the puja. Though he consented the
brahmins did not turn for the puja till 10 am. But the Sastrigal came only at
10.30 am and when questioned he said "the previous day, doubting that Baba
is a muslim, I decided not to attend the puja, but on 6-2-44 at 5.30am Sri
Kanchi Kama Koti Peetathipati Sankaracharya Swamigal appeared in my dream and
directed me ,'You go to Mayavaram junction immediately and do my puja there,
don't doubt'. Having heard this dream, I went out immediately and told all vedic
pandits and came with four others for this puja this is the reason for my late
coming. Out of ignorance I committed a mistake in doubting Baba's divinity.
Certainly Baba is an Avatar and there cannot be any objection."
Dear readers, it is said that we are not supposed to know 'Nadi mulam'
and 'Rishi Mulam' (origin of a river and a rishi) and try to keep
ourselves away from the controversy of religion.
NAASTHIKA NAHI TU LAVISHI NIJABHAJANI
Sri K J Bhisma in the noon Aarathi prays to Baba "You attract even
atheists
and transform them into theists.."(Naasthika nahi
.....nijabhajani).We can understand from the following narration that his
statement is cent percent correct. We know that Keshav Rao Pradhan of Bhivapuri
(near Mumbai) a declared atheist was made to build Sai Mandir in the year 1916
itself i.e., during Baba's presence. Infact Baba did not allow Pradhan to
visit Shirdi after 1916 as He was always present at Bhivapuri Sai Mandir.
We have read in Chap 9 of Sri Sai Satcharitra that Rama Chandra Atmaram
Tarkhad alias Baba Saheb Tarkhad was a prardhana samajist. Let us see how Baba
pulled him towards Him. The miraculous cure of Mrs Tarkhad's chronic headache
by mere touch of Healing Hand of Sainath was the main reason for remarkable
change in the hearts of Tarkhad family and also in their firm faith in Baba's
spiritual powers. Baba Saheb consulted his close friends Kaka Mahajani, Jaykar
and Purandhare who were Sai devotees before giving consent to his wife who
insisted on his visit to Shirdi with them. Atlast father, mother and son
travelled to Shirdi by train. On the way gents were playing cards to kill the
time. A fakir approached Baba Saheb for alms, he gave him a silver coin with
the stamp of George V embossed on it. After they reached Shirdi Baba asked Mr
Tarkhad whether he could recognise Him. He showed the same silver coin given
last night and asked "Do you atleast recognise this which you had given me
last night?". Tarkhad was trying to recollect but Baba told him" Hay,
That fakir and myself were the same ".Then he bowed to Baba as this
incident transformed him to a good devotee. He visited Shirdi several times and
supplied petromax lights to Dwarakamai and rolls of cloth for Baba's kufni. He
had lot of experiences and was the first treasurer of Sai Samsthan.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA
JAYA SAI
SAI ---- SAAKSHAT
ISHWAR
Sri Jyotindra, Son of Ramachandra Tarkhad( Chap 9 of SSS) defined the word SAI as follows -- SA means Saakshat (real), I means Ishwar (God),after experiencing the Divine powers of Sainath Prabhu in his very first meeting at Shirdi itself. Baba Himself gave darshan to Jyotindra in Mumbai in the guise of a 'Fakir'. We are aware that Baba has declared "I require no conveyance, carriage, tonga nor train nor aeroplane" and also "No door is necessary for my entry, I have neither shape nor size, I am always everywhere" . Yes, Baba's assurances are always true.
One day while Jyotindra was crossing the road to go to school (St
Xaviers, Bombay) after lunch, a Fakir approached him for alms. Young student
gave one copper paisa coin of the year 1894 assuring it was in circulation. The
fakir blessed " Allah Bhala Karega". We will know Baba preserved the
same to return to the boy at Shirdi in his first meeting.
How Tarkhad family was pulled to Shirdi? Mrs Atmaram Tarkhad ie.,
Jyotindra's mother had a chronic headache, which could not be cured by doctors.
The family of Tarkhads was full of doctors. One of them was personal doctor
to the then Viceroy. Somebody suggested her to approach Pir Moulana Baba
residing near Bandra Masjid for suitable medicines. On seeing her, Moulana Baba
advised to go to his brother at Shirdi for treatment. After getting details of
location of Shirdi including route particulars both mother and son left for
Shirdi.
The moment Baba saw them at Dwarakamai, He Himself told they were
guided by His brother from Bandra to Shirdi. He blessed her with a 'Abhaya
Hastha' with Udhi and said "Oh, Mother! from now onwards you will
never get headache in your life", she got instant relief and was surprised
to know that Baba Himself did what was required without their telling Him.
Ofcourse this incident laid firm foundation of Sai devotion in her and son's
heart.
Jyotindra who was observing Baba's peculiar
treatment for his mother's headache was astonished and fell on Baba's feet as a
mark of gratitude. Then Baba asked whether he could recognise Him. As he could
not Baba narrated how He collected one paisa copper coin of 1894 while he
was crossing the road on his way to the school. Now Jyotindra could recollect
and caught hold of Baba's legs with tears of joy in his eyes. Then Baba
confirmed it was He who received the coin and the Fakir and Himself were one and the same. To confirm this He
showed the same coin and returned it to Jyotindra for preservation and worship.
We know from the above that Baba in His own mysterious ways pulled the
sparrows(devotees) to Shirdi.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!
Lord Sainath ordered Sri S Subba Rao pleader, Gooty, Andhra Pradesh
through a dream vision to do Dattatreya Nama Japa. Sri Rao
narrated this in Sai Sudha of April' 1944 issue as follows :
"On or about the end of the 1st week of
Feb'1944, I heard a voice in my sleeping moments saying "Make incessant
nama japam of Dattatreya."I got up from the bed and thought that Baba has
armed me with a weapon to ward off the calamity that is about to befall. I
seriously resolved to make namajapam of Dattatreya as directed by Baba, but
owing to my preoccupation with other wordly matters I could not do Namajapam.
Next day Baba appeared as a judge in my dream and was very angry with me for my
act of omission to do Namajapam. I got up and could not then understand because
of Baba's indignation. I again slept and dreamt having seen gingelly seeds and
having eaten them in large quantities. This is really a very bad dream and
indicates death according to the Science of dreams. I got up in the morning and
was sorry for the bad dream. I got a letter from my son at an Engineering
College, Guindy, that he was laid up in the in patient sick ward of Guindy
hospital, suffering from a severe attack of asthma and in a precarious
condition. This letter on the subsequent day ,reminded me of Baba's precaution
on the previous night directing me to do Nama japam. I went before Baba's
picture in my house, repented for my folly and made a serious namajapam of
Datta. Three days after that I received a letter from my sick son at Guiindy
that he was getting better by Baba's grace and that he would go over to Gooty
inspite of his serious and awful weakness. I ran up to Madras to put him in a
nursing home but the Doctor in charge advised for a change. I accompanied him
to Gooty from Madras by day train inspite off his dreadful weakness entirely
relying on Baba's Udhi and doing Datta Namajapam even in train. We reached
Gooty and he began to recover without any further medication. Even now I am
doing Nama japam for his complete recovery."
Dear readers, The above narration reveals Baba's motherly care of His
children. Baba's suggested to all to do Namajapa for warding off evils. Why
Baba did not suggest Sai Nama instead of Datta Nama? Was there any
connection between Datta and devotee? Did Baba feel the antidote for the
problem which the devotee was facing Datta Nama? To speak frankly, a Sai only
can understand Sai's language. Perhaps Baba wanted devotee world to know that
He is Datta and there's no difference between Datta and Himself. Did not Baba
give Darshan to a devotee in Dwarakamai as a three headed Datta? Did He not
redeem devotee's from vows to Datta? Above all. in the evening aarthi we
pray "Na datta guru Sai mama javari kadhihi ruso" Alla Malik!!
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SAI AND HIS PHOTO
One day Baba Saheb Tarkhad and his son Jyotindra had a dream in which
they saw a beautiful carved mandir with Baba seated on it. Accordingly they got
a beautiful Sandal wood mandir carved by special carpenter. They needed Baba's
portrait.
Let us see the wonderful way how Baba arranged His photo. One friday
evening, both the father and son went to chor bazar in Bombay. A muslim
shopkeeper ran to them and asked to collect parcel meant for them. As the
shopkeeper was new to them, they asked him how did he know a parcel was meant
for them. The shopkeeper narrated that one saintly, elderly person came to his
shop and handed over the parcel and also paid Rs 50/- towards service charges.
The elderly person wanted it to be given to a hindu father with an english hat
and son wearing a black gandhi cap. Exactly Tarkhad and son wore hat and cap.
When they asked him to open the parcel it contained a framed photo of
Lord Sainath suitable to be kept in the sandolwood mandir.
Later Tarkhad family went to Shirdi and had Baba's darshan in
Dwarakamai. At the sametime Baba told a devotee who was trying to take
Baba's photo "Please go to my Bhau's place where you will find me alive in
the photograph in the mandir"
Tarkdad's were very happy to hear this news and shed tears of joy.
Dear readers, Let us recapitulate Baba's declaration that there
is no difference between Him and His photo. Did not Baba attend in the form of
His photo Hemandpant's shimaga dinner? When Shama sought Baba's permission to
go to Kaashi and Prayaga did not Baba say "WE would be ahead of
Shama", actually Baba's photo was hung in Pujari's house in prayag?
BOW TO SAI !! PEACE BE TO ALL!!
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Babu Rao Tukaram Kakade of Satara narrated
his experience in June'1951 Sai Sudha as Follows:
In 1946,he started for Shirdi with his wife
and children to attend Guru Purnima. Rains were pouring in at and near
Shirdi.He took the evening train at Poona and reached Kopergoan around
2.30am,he knew none. Rains were pouring. He was helpless. Suddenly an old man
came to him and asked him "What are you praying for?", Kakade
answered "I wish to go to Shirdi". The old man took him and his
family and engaged a tonga to go to Shirdi and suddenly disappeared when Kakade
got into the carriage. Kakade then turned to thank him but could find no trace
of him. When the tonga reached Godavari, there was plenty of water in the
river. The tonga driver did not wish to take the risk of crossing the river
with occupants in it. Some other person appeared there and asked Kakade and
wife to ford the river by walking. As for the two children the stranger carried
them in his arms till the other bank was reached. The tonga stemmed the river
freed from the human weight. Then Kakade turned to thank him but the stranger
had left the children on the bank and disappeared."
Beloved Readers, Baba confirms from the above
incident "If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it" Did
not Baba Sai provide water to Chandorkar on harischandra hills in the guise of
a Bhill? What is impossible for Omnipotent Sai?
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!
NO !! A dream may be defined as a group of thoughts, images or feelings
experienced during sleep or semi conscious state of mind. Let us confine to Sai
Baba and His dreams. We know Baba has chosen dream visions for communicating
any instruction to His devotees.
One Mr Muthu Swamier of OOty had written in October,1944 issue of Sai
Sudha that all dreams and chits drawn are not correct. Let us note his
practical experience in this regard. His son was an intelligent student. He
appeared for SSLC exam. He was devoted to Lord Sai. He had a dream in which HH
BVN Swamiji told he had failed in the exam. After waking he cast chits before
Baba's photo. The chit picked up by him showed negative result. Being disturbed
he left the house with some money. After two or three days the result was
announced and the boy passed. Even though he returned home within 24 hours his
faith in Baba and Swamiji was lost.
Sri Muthu Swamier opined that all dreams should not be taken as God
sent and true visions are Visions of truth. He also noted that the constant
consultation of Sri Sai Baba by anyone and everyone casting chits in any state
of mind was a serious mistake. He felt a Sai surrendered soul had a right to
consult Him. If a devotee was in immediate need of Baba's direction could draw
chits. It should be for guidance not merely to get a prediction as from an
astrologer.
Dear readers, now a days several devotees feel they got Sai's
instructions through dreams, they even go to the extent that Sai Baba spoke to
them. We cannot say NO, we have to believe as that is one way of guiding the
devotee. Sometimes a doubt arises can't Baba appear in the dream of a concerned
person instead of a mediator. Even if some gets a dream, Sai's Grace is a must
for correct interpretation of the dream.
Drawing chits before Baba's photo is being done by ardent devotees like
Narasimha Swamiji, HS Dikshit etc., Once Pujya Sivanesan Swamy told
"People draw chits at times when they don't want to do a thing." If
we seek Sai's guidance with full FAITH,He will guide.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!!
The incident narrated below took place sixty years ago. As this throws
light on how a fervent prayer results in an instant reply from Lord Sai, it is
reproduced for the benefit of present day students of Saiism.
SK Viswanathan treated Baba as a loving mother, a tender father, a
spiritual guide and Divinity Himself. He further declared "Sai lives with
His devotees, showers His Grace and protects them with such love that no mother
on earth can do." Such an ardent devotee had to undergo mental agony on
account of His ten and half year old son's missing from home on 26-1-1944.All
human efforts including reporting to the police were made.
He was assured by Swamy Kesavaiahji "Baba Helps”, even palmists
and astrologers assured that the boy would return safe. As he lost his thirteen
year old son one and half year ago, no assurance gave him peace of mind. At
last he cried out in silence to Him "If it my lot to loose this boy in
accordance with my past bad karma, I will try to bear it, My Lord. But how can
I bear the thought of the frenzy some who would attribute this mishap to me
solely for worshipping Thee? Whether my boy is traced or not, whether you give
me more suffering and agony, whatever worst may befall on me, I sought refuge
at Thy Lotus feet and I shall not budge an inch, let Thy Will be
done." This sincere cry gave him great relief and he slept with a
calm mind. in the early hours he had a vision in which a tall, white robed
fakir beating the boy made him sit by his side and served sweets to both of
them to eat. When he got up he felt he was greatly relieved. As usual he went
to the office and received a telegram, which reads "Umapathi brought home
safe." He thought whether this was a miracle or a test for him.
It appears the boy went to Madras in search of his mother who was then
staying in Madras. The boy was fed by somebody during journey. The police
caught him as a missing boy and handed over to Children Aid soceity, Egmore
from where he was taken home by the boy's uncle.
Dear readers, his prayer was fervent with tears in his eyes and he was
more worried if others attributed this mishap to Baba's worship. His decision
not to leave Baba's feet under any circumstances is worth emulating by us. Let
us try to realise that God is always impartial and we get nothing by accusing
God.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!
HAS SHIRDI SAI REINCARNATED NOW?
There is no universally acceptable reply to this question. Some say
'Yes’, some say 'No’. I wish to suggest to devotees who believe in 'yes' and
'no' to continue to have unshakable faith in their firm conviction.
The captioned question was posed and answered by Sai Vyasa Narasimha
Swamiji, who had done yeomen service to Sai bhakthas. He visited a good number
of devotees houses who had physical darshan of Lord Sainath to ascertain first
hand information on their contact with Sainath. The editorial of July 1944
issue of Sai Sudha enlightens us on this topic. Pujya Swamiji's matured views
hold good even after a lapse of sixty years. Keeping in view Lord Sai's Golden
Rules namely 'no controversy',' no discussion' and 'no insistence of one's view
on other's', I venture to pen the following in Swamiji's language to the extent
possible.
Swamiji starts this article with a quotation from St Mathew XXIV-23-28,
where in Jesus Christ has warned "False Christs and false Prophets would
arise and claiming to be Christ would even show wonders and signs ie., miracles
but that the devotees should not believe these pretenders.” When the real
Messiah re appears, he said, there would be no room for doubt. He further added
when a lightning flashes across the sky, every one sees it and knows it is lightning.
There is no need to get the services of an interpreter or an intermediary to
explain the phenomenon. The world knows its Savior and rushes on to His feet as
eagles gather round a carcass".
The above message of Jesus Christ confirms false claimants are there in
all religions and at all times. Let us confine our discussion to Shirdi Sai's
incarnation.
It is well known truth that those who are born are sure to die and
those who are dead are sure to be re born. This general rule of Geeta does not
apply to Parama Gnanis and Parama bhaktas. Sainath Prabhu falls under the
exempted category. Sainath who had no ego declared "Main Allah Hum"
"I receive nothing, I have done nothing". Hence He had no karmic
vasanas to put Him to the earth once He left it. He is an
"Aparantharatma" who may appear in flesh or disappear at will. He may
reincarnate. The only question WHEN?.
Pujya Swamiji put forward the following facts for the probable
reincarnation. Firstly, Souls left the body during Dakshinayana will reborn as
per Gita. Baba left His mortal coil on 15.10.1918. Secondly, He Himself
declared He would reincarnate. Thirdly, Baba told some devotee of Bombay He
would take birth and be with him life after life. Fourthly, Baba told Nana
Saheb Chandorkar "I will go away now I will take birth as the child of
Bapu".
Fifthly, HS Dikshit confirmed that Baba confirmed He would appear as a
lad of 8 years in time to come.
BUT HAS HE????
Pl await for Part 2 to be continued..............
HAS SHIRDI SAI
REINCARNATED NOW?
Part-2
HH BVN Swamiji says "whenever there is an expectation of a great
prophet, a saint appearing in the flesh a number of persons come forward with a
claim that each of them is the expected Avathar. Same case with Sri Sai Baba.
As He promised to re incarnate many claim to be His Avathars. However, Swamiji
after thorough investigation of some of the claimants declared that
none of them was real incarnation of Sri Sai on the following grounds:
Firstly, no one has been discovered who from the age of eight exhibits
the remarkable traits of Sri Sai's personality which may be summarised as
follows. His knowledge of past, present and future of everyone present, pure
and truthful love towards all, His control over elements of nature and other
physical objects namely to stop the rain or a storm or a blazing fire and above
all His God Realisation. HAVE WE COME ACROSS ANY SAINT WHO IS LIVING AS BABA
SAI LIVED? He lived in a dilapitated masjid without modern electrical and
mechanical fittings Did Sai open any bank account in His or somebody's name? At
the time of His Maha Samadhi the amount left in His pocket was Rs 16/- only.
Are not the doors of Dwarakamai opened to all irrespective of caste,
creed, and economic status, social status and also to animals and birds. Did
Baba get delicious food cooked for Him? Did He not live on begging alms? WHY?
Further it is our experience that the number of devotees will gradually
decrease of any Saint from the physical body. Whereas we find the number of
devotees is increasing day by day in geometrical proportion at Shirdi after the
Maha Samadhi. NV Gunaji confirms that Sai Baba is more alive now than when He
was in flesh and blood.
Secondly,None of them is the son of Bapu. None of them showed hundredth
part of Baba's wonderful Sidhdhis. Some showed some wonders (Siddhis) like
clairvoyance, television. But these do not prove the identity of the claiment
magician or thought reader with Sri Sai Baba. Pujya Swamiji advises any sincere
and earnest inquirer to analyse claims of any such claimants to Saihood and see
if the criteria of the real Sai avathar are found in him.
Pujya Swamiji says it is not objectionable if a spiritually less
advanced person is worshipped as Guru-God or a Sadhak claiming "I am God,
I am Sai". What is objectionable shall be discussed in Part 3.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!
In the 108 Glorious Names of Sri Sainath Prabhu, we come across
"AMARTHYAYA NAMAHA" ---- immortal ,
"KALATEETAYA NAMAHA" ----beyond limitations of time,
"KALAYA NAMAHA"-----Himself Time,
"KALAKAALAYA NAMAHA" -----Lord of Eternity.
When we worship Sai attributing the above qualities, there should not
be any doubt about His continued Presence or Existence. Baba declared "I'm
not the body or the senses. I’m Sakshi(witness)." In His words "I'm
not confined within this body of three and a half cubits heights, I’m
everywhere." Sainath though left His mortal coils on
15th,October,1918,He continues to remain in His subtle form (Sukshma sarira)
with the option of taking stable or visible form at will ie ., Aparantaratma.
Baba assured prior to His MahaSamadhi "My bones in My tomb will give you
hope and confidence. Not only Myself but My tomb will be speaking,moving and
communicating with those who would surrender whole heartedly to Me. You will
hear My bones speaking and discussing your welfare." (SSS Chap 25).Let us
realise why Sainath Prabhu declared "I shall be ever active and vigorous
even after leaving this earthly body." "Who is this me?" in His
words "Barring your name and form, their exists in you as well as in all
beings a sense of Being or consciousness of Existence. That is Myself." In
the same chapters Sai is defined "This pure being, Consciuosness or
Brahma,the ruler and controller of the senses and mind is the thing Sai...He
pervades all animate and inanimate things and their Inner controller and
ruler."
Immediately after giving up this body, Baba appeared in the dream of
Lakshman Mama Joshi and said "Get up soon, Babusaheb thinks I'm dead and
so he won't come, you do the worship and Kakada Aarathi." IN this way Baba
got maintained the continuity of daily pujjas and arathis as usual. He appeared
in the dream of DasGanu Maharaj on 16/10/1918 at Pandarpur and informed that
the Masjid collapsed and he should His body with ample flowers. Mrs Pradhan
and Pradhan's sister in law had dream visions and instructions.
There are many more such instances. Let us note the matured and authoritative
opinion of HH Sivananda Swamiji as seen in his foreword to 'Life of Sai Baba'
by HH BV Narasimha Swamiji "As such, He is in a state of oneness with God
and does even after casting aside the outer physical form. Sri Sai Baba
continues His sublime work of Lokahita in an invisible form through His abode
of Shirdi." This confirms Baba is immortal, birthless and deathless.
Please repeat "Victory to thee,O Immortal Saint of Shirdi"
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM
JAYA JAYA RAM
Samarth Ramdas of Sajjanghad had propagated the above Nama for Rama
Sakshatkar. He did 13 crore times and had Rama Darshan.Sri RamDas who is dearly
called 'Beloved Papa' of Khananghad,Anandashram by prefixing "OM"
assured that one would have Rama Darshan if he repeats 9 crores of times. This
Ashram has a target of 15,500 crores for world Peace and Prosperity. They have
been doing for over seven decades. The Shirdi Sai Sharan group of Florida,US
has fixed a target of 100 crore of "OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI"
Nama japa for World Peace and Prosperity. Some of you may like to know how the
'Rama Mantra' was originated.
Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj narrated in 1944 October issue of Sai Sudha
as follows:
Once upon a time, Sri Rama after His return from Lanka was sitting in
His Darbar with Sage Narada, Viswamitra, Vasishta and host of other people.
Suddenly Sage Narada posed a question " Whether Naam (LOrd's name) or Nami
(Lord HImself) is superior?" As they could not arrive at a conclusion,
Sage Narada Himself gave the verdict "Certainly Naam is superior to
Nami." He wanted to prove his verdict and played a small drama. He told
Hanumanji not to salute Viswamitra, a Rajarshi. Sri Hanuman obeyed this and
incurred Viswamitraa's displeasure. Narada approached Viswamitraa " O
Great Rishi!!! Hanuman didnot respect you. Please punish him." Enraged
Viswaamitra went to Rama and explained how he was insulted by Hanuman and also
suggested to award death sentence.
Hanuman was very much agitated and told Narada he did as per the
latter's suggestion only. Sage Narada assured nothing would happen "Repeat
Maha Mantra 'SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM', it would protect you." Next
day Hanumanji had a bath in Sarayu river, with folded hands repeated the
Mantra. Though Lord Rama rained the arrows on Hanuman, even Brahmastra would
not touch Hanuman. On seeing Rama's helpless condition Narada approached
Viswamitra and told Rama should be given rest as He was tired. He further added
" You have understood the Glory of Sri Rama's Name." Then Hanumanji
prostrated to Rama and also Viswamitra.
Sri Ram ----- 'Sambhodhana' or the locative
addressing Rama
Jay Ram ----- Is His praise
Jay Jay Ram ---- Total Surrender to Him
While repeating this Mantra,have this in mind "O Rama!! I
Salute Thee, I Surrender to Thee"
We know Baba Sai got several Temples repaired at Shirdi
from out of Dakshina amount, sometimes through destined devotees.Ofcourse His
abode was a dilapitated Masjid which He named Dwarakamai, also got repaired in
1911.
The experience narrated by Doma Venkata Swamy Gupta's father in law in
Sai Sudha of March'1945 issue is given below.
"When Baba was in the flesh, this gentleman accompanied his master
the Late Gummadalli Lakshmi Narayana of Secunderabad to
Shirdi and both took Darshan of Baba many times. GL was an ordinary merchant
not very rich at that time. On one occasion Baba told him "You have to
build a Lakshmi Narayan Temple". GL asked Baba "What the
probable cost would be?" Baba replied "Rs 6 lakhs" GL was aghast
as he had not with him even a fraction of that amount. GL therefore
believed that this was either a joke or some meaningless statement of Baba. But
within two years his own business flourished and he became an owner
of many lakhs and could spare 6 lakhs. At that time Baba had
attained Maha Samadhi. Anyhow GL obeyed the direction of Baba and
constructed Lakshmi Narayana temple in Secunderabad costing about 6lakhs
inclusive of the permanent funds. It is still there well
maintained and well managed by GL's children.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
At the outset it is made clear that this article is not aimed at any
specific Guru. It is also confirmed that there are certain exceptional
Gurus. We read in Newspapers and watch on TV sets that such and such a Guru
cheated the public and absconded with money, gold etc etc.,It is felt it is
high time for innocent devotees to be cautious about pseudo Gurus taking
guidance from Sri Sai Satcharitra. We are concerned with spiritual preceptors
only.
We observe one starts as an innocent devotee of Baba, becomes a
leader after sometime, starts an organisation with charitable activities so
that nearness to money is not an impossibility. He climbs the ladder of
spirituality as Baba, Sadguru, Maharaj, Avathar, Avadhoota and finally God. He
will have paid Shishyas who propogate the powers of Guru and exhibit
bigger photos of Guru forgetting the original powerhouse (Sai Baba).We hear
more 'Guru Leelas' than SaiLeelas. No doubt certain Gurus strictly observe what
is stated by Baba.
We must be cautious about Gurus who are money-minded remembering Baba's
words "He who has never ending attachment to wealth can never even to the
end of the world attain BrahmaJnan, know this to be a certainty."
Baba himself declared if He receives money He is answerable to the donor
and also to Government(perhaps God).Our friends are under the influence
of Maya and forget Sainath's declaration that He would know whatever we do
at any place. We also find in Sai Satcharitra in Chap38,a practical caution. He
who gives mantras for chanting without any assurance of a definite time
for enjoying the fruits and who talks of Self Realisation without experiencing
is not a Sadguru. Above all, a Sadguru even in dreams does not expect any
service or profit from His disciples. On the other hand He wishes to serve
them. The main characteristic of a Sadguru is that He is the abode of Peace, He
is never restless. The poor and the rich, the small and the great are the
same to Him.
Beloved Brethren, We need a guide who knows the route to take us to the
destination surely and safely. Let us remember Baba's words "There
are innumerable saints in this world, but our Father (Guru) is real
Father(Guru).Others might say many good things but we should never forget our
Guru's words".
May Shirdinath guide us on the right path.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Prayer may be defined as the solemn request made to God or Gods or
to someone in a position of power. It can also be said that Prayer is a process
of communion with the invisible God who is a source of all powers. If done in
group it is a congregational or common prayer. It may be for common good or
specific good.
We are concerned with Prayer for Healing. This type of Prayer done for
others ie., intercession is effective. God will certainly be pleased with such
service ie., selfless. It would be better if the person for whom we
all pray join it. Though this Healing Prayer is common among Christians,
now a days Sai Children all over the globe are doing. I’m sure Baba Sainath
will Bless Us all.
We know Charaka, a leading authority on medicine has stated the
treatments he mentioned in his book are all intended only for those whose Faith
in God was not sufficiently powerful to effect a cure. If there was such a
Faith that alone would cure all ailments. He has further declared "all
diseases vanish by the use of this remedy namely the utterance of names of
Achyutha, Anantha and Govind".
Sri Sai Satcharitra gives several examples to show how Baba cured
through Udhi and Prayer.” Allah Achcha Karega" itself is a Prayer or
appeal to God. I wish our Doctor's Doctor Sainath Maharaj would respond
to our Healing Prayers.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!!
Mr SB Deo, a staunch devotee of Baba met with an accident and sustained
multiple injuries and fractures at Bhiwandi near Bombay on 31st Dec'1951.He was
rushed to the hospital and was discharged on 23/3/1952. During his stay in the
hospital he casually asked his friend Shantharam" Bhau! Baba was kind
enough in 1902 to send Udhi and Aarthi from Shirdi to Jamner for Sri Nana Saheb
Chandorkar at the time of his daughter's delivery. Am I so fortunate that Baba
should send me here Udhi and Prasad from Shirdi now in 1952?" On hearing
this Shantharam assured that Baba would certainly do as Deo's father and Deo
were ardent devotees of Baba. Though it was a casual wish Bhaktha Paradina
Sanath heard this. Next day Mr Shankar Rao of Bhiwandi met Deo in the hospital
and told he came to deliver Udhi and Prasad which he brought from Shirdi on the
previous day.
It appears that Shankar Rao had gone to Ahmednagar for his work and
returned via Shirdi. While at Shirdi Sri Vittal Rao Marathe, a Samsthan singer
enquired whether he knew Deo and was aware of the accident. Sri Rao replied in
the affirmative. Then the Samsthan singer gave Udhi, Prasad after ascertaining
it would be delivered to Mr Deo.
Like this Baba had repeated what He did at the time of Minathai's
delivery. We all know Ram Ghir Bhua was given Udhi, Harathi song at Shirdi and
Baba in the form of a cartman received Ramghir and took him to Nana Saheb
Chandorkar's house in the cart. What is not possible for an Omni Potent Sai?
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!
The seventh Nama in the 108 Glorious Names of Sai is 'Om Sri Sai
Sarvahrunnilayaya Namaha' which means salution to Pranava Swarupa Sai who
dwells in the hearts of all. The 68th Nama is 'Om Sri Sai Sarvantaryamine
Namaha' which means Salutions to Sri Sai who is all pervasive. Sri Sai
Satcharitra gives a number of incidents to show the above attribute of Sai. Sai
Baba Himself declared "I'm the inner ruler of all and I am seated in their
hearts. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world is my
Body and Form( Chap 3). A Sarvartaryami Sai only could push His arm into the
ever burning Dhuni of Dwarakamai to save a blacksmith's child who slipped into
the furnace at a far off place.
Once Mrs Tarkhad, an intimate devotee of Baba gave a piece of bread to
a hungry dog before going to Dwarakamai for the Noon Harathi. Baba was pleased
with this act of the devotee and said "Mother! You have fed Me sumptuously
upto my throat, My afflicted Pranas have been satisfied. First give bread to
the hungry and then eat yourself. A dog which you saw before meals and to which
you gave bread is one with me so also other creatures( cats, pigs, flies etc.,)
I'm roaming in their forms. He who sees Me in all creatures is My beloved (Chap
9).On another occasion Baba called Laxmibai Shinde and said "O Lakshmi!
I'm very hungry”, she immediately ran to her house, prepared bread and
vegetable and brought it to the Masjid. Baba who was very hungry gave it to a
dog. When Laxmibai was unhappy to see that Baba did not eat her bread, Sai said
to her "The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as mine. The dog
has soul as mine. The creatures may be different but the hunger of all is the
same. He who feeds the Hungry, really serves Me with food. Regard this as
axiomatic truth”. How wonderfully Baba has taught us, His children to see Him
in all creatures. This great lesson is not to laxmibai alone but to all at all
times.
In Chap 15 of Sai Satcharitra Omnipresent Sai declares "Though I
am here bodily still I know what you do beyond the seven seas. Worship Me
always who is seated in your heart as well as in the hearts of all beings.
Blessed and Fortunate indeed is he who knows Me thus". Baba says that he
who knows that He is seated in all hearts is blessed and fortunate one. We may
add here one can conquer lust, anger, greed, jealously, hatred and egoism(six
enemies of man), If one thinks that every other man's heart is Sai's abode. It
is because we cannot hate Sai, we cannot be jealous of Sai so on and so forth.
We have to respect and love every creature who is a Sai Swarupa.
Let us Pray to all merciful Sai to give us the eyesight to see Him in
all creatures.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!
Sri Keravar Ramachandra Phadatale visited Shirdi first in the year 1896 at the age of 10.The experience narrated below occurred after 54 years ie., 1950 as narrated in Sai Sudha,June'1951.
"He had Rs 9 and odd in this pocket. That was clean scissored of
by someone in the crowd. This he noticed after Midday Arthi. Some friends then
offered to pay him his rail fare to Poona. But this devotee declined it saying
"If Baba gives me money, I will go to Poona. Else I shall reside
permanently at Shirdi". One morning he went out to ease himself and sat on
ground near the stream in the village boundary. He was then unintentionally
racking up the sands of the bed of the stream in front of him. Lo! and Behold!!
he picked up from under the dry sand, a ten rupee note and one rupee note. He
rejoiced to see that all the anger he vented on Baba for loss of his money
resulted in the recoupement of the lost money. He informed his friends of it
and he got back to Poona".
Dear Readers, Baba has special way of solving devotees' problems. In
the above case the devotee took a firm decision of not leaving Shirdi till he
got money. This decision must have moved Omniscient Sai to arrange money. By
adding 'Shraddha' and 'Saburi' to nine types of devotion, Baba gave eleven
assurances (He lost Rs 9 and got Rs 11).
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!!
"You have studied very hard, but this year the planetary position
is not favourable". This was what an astrologer told the son of Mrs
Tendulkar reg his examination. " Tell your son to believe in Me, to throw
aside horoscopes and predictions of Astrologer's and Palmists and go on with
his studies. Let him appear for the examination with a calm mind, he is sure to
pass this year" (Baba's advice to Mrs Tendulkar).
'Astrology' is the art of understanding the supposed influence on
events, character and fate of the groups and positions of the sun, moon, stars
and planets and of telling the future from them. The famous phrase "other
things being equal" applies here also. Other things are date, time and
place of birth. Now a days the observations of any two astrologers do not
tally. Baba used to say in a philosophical way 'What you sow, you reap'.
Let us see some cases where Baba proved what astrologers said was not
correct:
One devotee Mr Scindha of Harda was reminded of his vow in the
year 1903 to Datta. Baba questioned in the year 1911, " Where was there
any male progeny in your destiny,I tore this body and gave you one"
Nana Saheb Dengle, a famous astrologer told Sriman Bhutti "Today
is an inauspiciuos day for you. There is a danger to your life" ,
"Let us see how death kills" was Baba's reply.
Damu Anna who had no issues astrologically was blessed by Baba to have
8 children (Amra lila,Chap 25 of SSS).
Once an astrologer gave a book to Baba perhaps for consecration. Baba
instead of returning to him gave it to Bhutti. Some devotees feel that this
incident proves Baba's approval for astrology. It is left to the discretion of
learned devotees as the purpose of this article is to create confidence in the
minds of devotees whether Baba approved or not. Are we not worshipping Baba as
"KARMADHVANSINE NAMAHA" . Let us remember His assurance "If one
ever meditates on Me, repeates My Name, sings My Deeds and is thus is
transformed into Me once karma is destroyed". Then Why fear? Baba is
there.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!!
To speak means express thoughts aloud or to say things. In the
following lines an attempt has been made as to how we should speak. It is very
important for all spiritual Sadhaks.
Sai mummy declared " He who carps and cavils at others pierces Me
in the heart and injures Me, but he who suffers pleases me most" (Chap 44
of SSSC).If we analyse the above we will be convinced that Saima is correct.
The sixth nama in the 108 Glorious names of Sainath is "OM SRI SAI SARVA
HRUNNILAYAYA NAMAHA" It means I bow to Sai who is seated in all hearts. As
He is seated in all hearts arrows of sarcastic and offensive words against
others will certainly pierce His heart Baba wants us to see Him in all. If once
we develop this attitude ie., Sai dwells in the hearts of others, we will be
pleasing Him to the maximum extent as we cannot hate or be jealous of Baba and
talk in a discourteous way.
Baba cautioned reg our behaviour and how to talk in Chap 2,19,21,33 and
44.He says we should not hurt others by our speech, not to indulge in scandal
mongering, always to speak truth etc., Now the topic for discussion is 'How to
speak'
Let us see the invaluable advice given to King Janaka by Sulabha, a
sanyasin. She observed the King was restless when she wanted to argue with him.
The essence of her advice is as follows 'when we want to convey any
message through argument or speech, both the speaker and the listener should
have a calm and composed mind with a sense of equality, devoid of anger
,ahankara selfishness etc., Man has two qualities latent in him, he can attract
or repel another by his talk. There are three categories of men : Superior,
equal and inferior whom we come across. The power of attraction if shown
towards an equal develops into friendship, if shown towards superiors it turns
into devotion and respect , if shown towards inferiors it develops into
compassion.
Dear readers, the best course will be to think that the other person is
as nearer to Baba as we are. Our ego should not play any role so that the real
purpose for which we talk to others is defeated. If we think superior to the
other man the language will be different and will not enter into is ears. The
golden rule is 'You treat others as you wish to be treated by others' This is
possible if we adopt the rule of Three C's ---- Never Complain, Never Comment
and Never Criticize.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!!
Dear Readers, We are all aware that Pujya Narasimha Swamiji brought Sai
to the door steps of devotees who do not know Marathi through His books in
English, articles in newspapers and meetings. May we have always His blessings.
Sri Nagesh V Gunaji, author of Sri Sai Satcharitra in english really did yeoman
service to english knowing people through that book. Otherwise we would not
have known about Sai Baba. Let Us offer our Pranams to him. He himself had
written his own experience of Sai Baba to the editor of Sai Sudha(July 1951) as
narrated below:
"Some of my friends after reading Sri Sai Satcharitra (english)
ask me what are my experiences of Sai Baba. I reply them that they are many,
but what is the use of recounting them all? Take only one instance --- This Sai
Satcharitra (english). I'm not a scholar of the english language and I never
intended to write this book, but inspite of this, Sai Baba got it done by me---
how I have related in my prefix to that book. I do not want to repeat the same
here.
Coming to a recent experience on Thursday,12-4-1951 at 8pm.I was
returning home in Thalakwadi by the congress road with a friend. He crossed the
Railway crossing gate in front of Venktesh Vilas Tea club and went towards his
home in Thalakwadi east and I started straight to buy some Pedhas in a front
sweetmeat shop for offering them as Naivedya to Sai Baba after Arathi as it was
a Thursday. After going a few steps I noticed a motor car coming in front of
me. To avoid its track I turned to one side (right) but to my great surprise,
the motor driver turned his car in the same direction and brought it straight
on me and threw me down. I was unconscious for a few seconds and then rose up.
The passers by assembled near me and said that --- they thought I was gone and
they were wonderstruck to see me rising and standing. I asked the motor driver
why he turned his motor car towards me. He replied that he wanted to save some
other passengers that were standing in front of his car before and so he gave
the turn. Then I went to the sweetmeat shop, brought the pedas, went home and
offered the same after waving the Arathi and then went to bed and I had Good
sleep that night. Next morning I got my self examined by a doctor who said
after examining me thoroughly that there was nothing wrong and everything was
alright.
It was Sai Baba's grace that saved me from this accident and kept me
hearty and hale with no injury of any sort.
Bow to Sri Sai
Peace be to all!!!
N.V.Gunaji"
Dear Readers, Baba always say if we serve Him, He will serve us. He
further declared He always thinks of His devotees wherever they may be and run
to their rescue in times of need.
IS SAIBABA
LIVING AND HELPING NOW?
(Baba attends Puja on 28-2-1944)
Sai Baba declared that those who think that HE was at Shirdi did not
understand Him. He further declared He did not require any conveyance to go
anywhere. It is stated that in Chap 40 of SSC, when the devotees surrender
themselves completely to Sadguru, He sees that the religious function in their
houses are duly executed and comply with all the necessary formalities. Let us
know from the narration given by Mrs.GS.Devi in Sai Sudha of May 1944 that the
above statements are true to the word and letter:
HH BV Narasimha Swamiji, Founder President AISS visited Konakandla
village in Ananthapur district of AP on 28-2-1944.He was taken in a
procession, ofcourse with Sainath's photo with full honours to the residence of
the Host, Sri Venkoba Rao.The person resembling a fakir with a dirty and torn
cloth, bundle of rags on his head and old papers bundle in his hands
accompanied them in the procession. He even took Arathi with Pujya Narasimha
Swamiji,three persons observed him but thinking he is a mad man they
ignored.Pujya Swamiji distributed thirtha, prasad to the devotees present. This
fakir went to some other house and had his food. He came to Swamiji again and
remarked "Are you meeting me tomorrow at Vajrakarur Mister?" This he
asked in english (We know that Baba used to speak all languages including
english from the statement of Shama to HH BV NarasimhaSwamy). Venkoba Rao felt
the fakir was disturbing Pujya Swamiji and asked him to leave the place.
That night Mrs GS Devi had a dream in which she saw a 6 yr old known
boy addressing her "Aunty, Aunty What is this sleep? Food without Ghee was
served, I was driven out thinking I was a mad man by your brother, Did you
notice?"
She was initially confused on hearing this but later caught hold of
boy's feet and repented for what had happened. Sri Venkoba Rao was informed of
this dream at the time of Thursday Puja. On hearing this he and his wife took a
vow not to touch food till the fakir comes in the same fashion. On the second
day evening at 8 pm "Baba" entered their house, Venkoba Rao without
taking any chance fell on the fakir's feet. He offered hot milk and delicious
food. Mrs Devi expressed her desire of writing Sri Sai Charitra and sought His
blessings. He advised her to go to Shirdi for a reply. He advised Mr and Mrs
Rao to have food as they didnot have anything for the past two days. Though He
wanted to tell about some wordly problems they did not give any chance because
again Maya would play her part. Later he took rest and left.
Dear readers, What a fine message Baba has conveyed through the above
incidence. Let us call Him from the bottom of our heart and enjoy His bliss. He
declared "I rest where there is full devotion".
SAINTS WORK
IN UNISION
Though it is confirmed that Baba is neither a muslim nor a Hindu,
devotees of yester years and today doubt Baba belongs to Islam by His external
appearance. We have read in Sai Satcharitra He lived in a dilapitated Masjid
christened 'Dwarakamai',He allowed Akhanda Dhuni, Akhanda Deep Bell, Tulsi
Brindavan there. At the sametime He did not discourage mohamedans also to pray
as per their custom. Before His Maha Samadhi, he removed His langoti and asked
devotees present to judge whether He was a muslim or hindu. Even in Dhulia
Magistrate court He declared His religion was 'Parvardhigar'(GOD).Strictly
speaking He is above religion, region, cast, creed.
We know He gave darshan in the form of 'Ishta Devatha' or Guru to some
devotees who were reluctant to seek His blessings. In the incident narrrated
below another saint asked his devotee to do Sai puja (Sai Sudha,MArch'1944)
:
" Sri V Swaminadha Iyer of Mayavaram arranged Sai puja on 6-2-1944
and for the purpose he requested Maruthur Santhana Ganapatigal(purohit) to come
with four other vedic brahmins. ON his expressing inability he requested a
local Sastrigal to come with four pandits for the puja. Though he consented the
brahmins did not turn for the puja till 10 am. But the Sastrigal came only at
10.30 am and when questioned he said "the previous day, doubting that Baba
is a muslim, I decided not to attend the puja, but on 6-2-44 at 5.30am Sri
Kanchi Kama Koti Peetathipati Sankaracharya Swamigal appeared in my dream and
directed me ,'You go to Mayavaram junction immediately and do my puja there,
don't doubt'. Having heard this dream, i went out immediately and told all
vedic pandits and came with four others for this puja this is the reason for my
late coming. Out of ignorance i committed a mistake in doubting Baba's
divinity. Certainly Baba is an Avatar and there cannot be any objection."
Dear readers, it is said that we are not supposed to know 'Nadi mulam'
and 'Rishi Mulam' (origin of a river and a rishi) and try to keep
ourselves away from the controversy of religion.
Samartha Ramadas of Sajjanghad had a disciple by name
Madhukar. One day he sent out for alms. He went to an astrologer's house and
asked "Bhavathio Bikshan dehi" .The astrologer himself offered biksha
and enquired the name and other particulars of the boy as per his professional
nature. After some calculations he told Madhukar that would die on the next
day. Madhukar went to ashram and developed high fever .The unpleasant words of
the astrologers were ringing his ears. He narrated what all happened to the
Samartha who assured nothing would happen to his life. Samartha covered his
body with a woolen blanket and instructed madhukar to hold fast it under any
circumstances. As Yama dhuthas failed Yama Himself came on His Buffallo. He too
could not take his life. After recovery Madhukar went to the astrologer’s house
and shouted "Is there any one in this universe who can harm a servant of
Samarth Ramdas" .The astrologer heard a voice but could not believe his
ears. He wondered how did his prediction go wrong. Having under stood the
situation he realised the greatness of Samrtha Ramadas. He went to Him who
advised "from now onwards never frighten any one by telling their time of
death instead use our knowledge for better purposes" Brothern, astrological
prediction, suffering on account of past karmas or anything which is not
possible to overcome thro human effort a Samartha can do. Let us always crave
for the grace of Samartha Sadguru. Nowadays there is no dearth of gurus. Let us
seek Baba's guidance thro Sai Satchrithra regarding qualifications of a Samarth
sadguru and act. In the year 1918 one Gulveshshastri went to shirdi for doing
gangajal abhishek to Sai Baba . Later Shastri sought Baba's permission to go to
Sajjanjghad on Ramanavami day. Baba said "I am there as well as
here"when Sastri went to Sajjanghad to his surprise he saw Sai in physical
form and did charan seva for a while before Baba disappeared. Brothers how
fortunate we are we have some connection with Sainath and Shirdi .Let us perpetuate
and make proper use of our contact with Sai. Let us glorify Sai and His leelas
and receive His Grace.
JAI JAI RAGHUVEER SAMARTH JAI JAI SAI SAMRTH
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
Dear SaiBandhu,
OM SAI
At the outset let us pray to our most beloved 'Sai
Mummy' to bless us all (devotees and non-devotees) on the ensuing Vijaya Dasami
Day. May "I " take this opportunity to extend you a hearty and
devotional invitation under memorable occassion of 50 th Birth day of Sai
Maharaj on 7th October 2004 as per english calender or 22nd Oct as per Hindu
calender (Vijaya Dasami day).The choice of the day depends on your convenience
and willingness please.
Are you surprised or confused as to how this fellow
decided 50th birth year when Baba's parentage ,place and date of birth are
unknown even after 166 years(80+86).
SaiRam, Please don't break your head .It was on 7th
oct 1954 ,Vijayadasami i.e. 50 years ago Lord Sainath's Marble statue (Italian)
was installed in the Samadhi Mandir of Shirdi at the auspicious hands of
Shri Sai Sharanandji.
50 th year celebration of an organisation is called
Golden Jubliee celebration. Sai Maharaj is beyond all these being. Himself an
institution(SAI =Self Awakening Institution).
Let us treat the 50th year function of installation
of Baba statue as 50th year birthday .
Is it not a fact that Maharaj is blessing the
devotees sitting on His silver throne with a crown for the last 50 years .The
Italian marble icon is not a lifeless stone. Several devotees experienced Baba
Himself in the statue. I shall narrate an incident
One (Late) Nemichand Jain of pot market,
Secunderabad(Andhra Pradesh) had written an article in Sri Sai Leela and also
explained to me in person. He was a former trustee of Shirdi Sai Baba
Samsthan. One day a beggar came to his shop and demanded "Savvarupay"
dakshina. For want of change he was prepared to pay more than RS 1.25 but
the beggar refused and went away. At that time Mr.Jain was not aware of Sri Sai
BABA .
Later he had to go to Manmad for a marriage, from
there he went to Shirdi in a casual way .Lo! He saw the same beggar instead of
marble statue demanding "savvarupay". Some other devotee’s also
similar experience. Maharaj after occupying His throne 50 years ago He is doing
wonders as if He was sitting there. Baba's equality can be observed by looking
at Him from any corner of the mandir.
We should be failing in our duty if we don't express
our double gratitude to the great Sculptor (Late) Balaji Vasanth Talim. The
work of carving marble statue was entrusted to him by the samasthan. They gave
Baba's photo for guidance. Normally a sculptor requires photos in different
angles for a perfect replica. He prayed to Baba and Baba appeared before Him to
see enchanting and smiling face, loving and penetrating eyes.
This vision cleared his doubts and the work was
speeded up. It is said the devotees used to visit his Art studios for paying
respects to the marble moorthy. Just like Sri Sai Satcharithra was authored by
Baba thro the pen of Dabholkar ,His marble statue was sculpted thro the chissle
and mattles of Talimji.
Our kindest mother is eagerly waiting for us at
Sheeladhi to distribute Divine Grace, love and blessing for a peaceful and
prosperous life.
Note:
1.Those who think Baba is at Shirdi have not understood
Him.
2.Baba rests where there is full devotion. He
needs no conveyance.
3.He has left no disciple or Successor or Avatar.
4.No birth day gifts are accepted except two
paise-Shraddha and Saburi.
5.Advance information is given for advance
reservation of Air ,Rail and Bus.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
OM SRI SAI SARVA MANGALA KARAYA NAMAHA
Lord Sainath helps devotees in discharging there social and moral
obligations by doing good and auspicious (Mangala) things. The incident
narrated below prove this. Pl note how Baba helped parents to perform their
children’s' marriages.
One Mr.V.N Chary of Madras was worried and vexed about his sixth
daughter's marriage. One day in March,1954 while he was sleeping, he heard the
words "Go to Kanjivaram". Immediately he got up and did Sai Puja. He
went to Kanjivaram and performed puja to Lord Varada Raja Perumal and came out.
Suddenly a stranger came to him and asked the purpose of his visit. Chary
replied he came for selecting a boy for his 6th daughter. Then the stranger
directed Chary to a house where a beautiful and nice boy from Kirki was staying
.Chary selected that boy and performed marriage. The stranger must be Lord
Sainath as Chary was His devotee.
Sona Bhai of Chennai was worried about her son's marriage. Having tried
and failed in selecting a girl, she took a vow that she would not touch the
mango fruit till the marriage was over. She wanted to offer 12 fruits to Baba
and distribute to devotees before she ate. On the advice of devotee friends,
she started reading Dabholkar's Sai Satcharitra. One day in June,1954 Baba
appeared in her dream and asked "You promised me to give 12 mangai (unripe
mangoes),where are they?" So saying Baba disappeared. She wondered why and
how Baba demanded mangoes without fulfilling her desire. But her daughter
advised her to offer mangoes to Baba and distribute, leaving the result
to Baba. She was continuing her Satcharitra Parayana and completed 3/4th by
1954. An allaince came and the marriage was also performed.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI !!
Anna Saheb Dabholkar,author of Sri Sai Satcharitra advised the devotees
to dive deep and pick out the precious gems from the book. In chapter 35th, we
are taught to destroy teli's wall (sense of difference) so that we can see Baba
face to face. In Baba's words "pull down that wall of the 'teli' the wall
of separateness between you and me. The way will then be wide open for us to
meet each other."
We know there is no physical wall separating us from Baba, we should
mould our mind, heart and body in such a way that we are one with Him.
Some hints for self checking:
1. Are we seeing Baba in all
creatures?
2. Are we paying dakshina of
'Shraddha' and 'Saburi' to Him?
3. "If
one ever meditates on Me, repeats My Name, sings My Name and is thus
transformed into Me, one's karma is destroyed. I
stay by His side" Are we doing?
4. "I am dependent on
Him who thinks and hungers after Me and who does not eat anything without first
offering it to Me." Is SAI dependent on us?
5. Do we feel that our body
is His service at His will and not our will and convenience?
6. From the bottom of our
hearts, do we love Baba more than anybody else?
7. Are we reading
Satcharitra as a matter of routine or trying to become "Satcharitramrutam"
ourselves?
8. Are we exploiting
innocent devotees for our name and fame by projecting ourselves instead of
Baba, STORE HOUSE of all power?
Brethren, these questions are not intended for any specific person. It
is only for our self analysis (including myself). Unless our false ego is
annihilated, there may not be any chance to demolish the "teli's
wall".
(NOTE: Mrs Indira Kher,in the footnote of chap 35 clarified teli is the
oil man. Baba often used the words 'teli' and 'vani' as symbolic of undesirable
tendency. Oil is sticky and soft and is considered to be a symbol of the love
of wordly life)
It is our experience that we do not get bad odour from a genuine
saint's body because of His food habits, purit of soul and heart and constant
contact with Paramatma. We read in books that Baba used to take bath at
will and not regularly. Ofcourse, there is no evidence that He had taken 'rose
water' bath. If anybody reminded Him regarding bath, He used to say that He had
just then taken bath in river Ganges. We sing in Harathi "KASI SNANA
JAPA,PRATI DIVASI"
Baba used to clean intestines and dry them on a tree before
putting back into His body. He even used to separate limbs. Everyday He used to
wash His face, mouth, hands, egs with plenty of water.
On a Sivarathri day, egha a close devotee, anted to do Abhishek to
Saieswar with Gangajal and brought water from river Godavari. Though Baba was
asking him to put water on His head, in his over enthusiasm he poured water on
Baba's head and body. To the surprise of all, Baba's kufni was dry. Then Baba
told "Hey! you know ganga flows out of Lord Siva's head without touching
His body" (What a marvellous truth Sai is Siva is revealed)
Once Sai Baba asked Master Tarkhad to accompany Him to Lendi Baugh to
wash His kufni and dry without touching the ground. Baba entered the bathroom
covered with tins and the boy was waiting for the kufni. Having waited for
sufficiently reasonable time outside the bathroom, the boy peeped into the room
and found Sai Baba's body was emanating rays of light from each and every pore
of His body. Then Baba gave His kufni for washing. The boy washed and was
holding in his hands for drying(let us note the condition that the kufni should
not touch the ground).Instead of loosing wait with the passage of time the
kufni became heavier and the boy had to pray to Lord Hanuman for strength so
that he would pass Baba's test.Baba asked "Oh Boy! why are you seeking
Hanuman's strength?" with this words of Baba, the kufni lost it's weight.
Dear brethren, Is it necessary for Sai who is Eswara to have regular
bath as we do? Are we not aware that Baba had Sun and Moon bath and also Rain
bath under the Neem tree. Let us pray and Have bath of His Grace.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI
OM SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM
Samarth Ramdas of Sajjanghad had propogated the above Nama for Rama
Sakshatkar. He did 13 crore times and had Rama Darshan.Sri Ram Das who is
dearly called 'Beloved Papa' of Khananghad, Anandashram by prefixing
"OM" assured that one would have Rama Darshan if he repeats 9 crores
of times.T his Ashram has a target of 15,500 crores for world Peace and
Prosperity. They have been doing for over seven decades. The Shirdi Sai Sharan
group of Florida, US has fixed a target of 100 crore of "OM SAI SRI SAI
JAYA JAYA SAI" Nama japa for World Peace and Prosperity. Some of you may
like to know how the 'Rama Mantra' was originated.
Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj narrated in 1944 October issue of Sai Sudha
as follows:
Once upon a time, Sri Rama after His return from Lanka was sitting in
His Darbar with Sage Narada, Viswamitra, Vasishta and host of other people.
Suddenly Sage Narada posed a question " Whether Naam (LOrd's name) or Nami
(Lord HImself) is superior?" As they could not arrive at a conclusion,
Sage Narada Himself gave the verdict "Certainly Naam is superior to
Nami." He wanted to prove his verdict and played a small drama. He told
Hanumanji not to salute Viswamitra, a Rajarshi. Sri Hanuman obeyed this and
incurred Viswamitraa's displeasure. Narada approached Viswamitraa " O
Great Rishi!!! Hanuman did not respect you. Please punish him." Enraged
Viswaamitra went to Rama and explained how he was insulted by Hanuman and also
suggested to award death sentence.
Hanuman was very much agitated and told Narada he did as per the
latter's suggestion only. Sage Narada assured nothing would happen "Repeat
Maha Mantra 'SRI RAM JAYA RAM JAYA JAYA RAM',it would protect you." Next
day Hanumanji had a bath in Sarayu river, with folded hands repeated the
Mantra. Though Lord Rama rained the arrows on Hanuman, even Brahmastra would
not touch Hanuman. On seeing Rama's helpless condition Narada approached
Viswamitra and told Rama should be given rest as He was tired. He further added
" You have understood the Glory of Sri Rama's Name." Then Hanumanji
prostrated to Rama and also Viswamitra.
Sri Ram ----- 'Sambhodhana' or the locative
addressing Rama
Jay Ram ----- Is His praise
Jay Jay Ram ---- Total Surrender to Him
While reepeating this Mantra,have this in mind "O Rama!! I
Salute Thee, I Surrender to Thee"