Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 47

Baba’s Reminiscences

Story of Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa (snake
and frog)

The last chapter described Baba’s reminiscences about
two goats. This chapter describes more such reminiscences, and relates
the story of Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa.

Preliminary

Blessed is the face of Sai. If we cast a glance at Him for a moment,
He destroys the sorrow of many past births and confers great Bliss on
us; and if He looks at us with grace, our bondage of Karma is immediately
snapped away and we are led to happiness. The river Ganges washes
away the dirt and sins of all people, who go to her for a bath, but she
intently longs for the saints to come to her, and bless her with the touch
of their feet and remove all the filth (sins) accumulated in her. She
knows, for certain that, this can only be removed by the holy feet of the
saints. Sai is the crest-jewel of the saints, and now, hear from Him the
following purifying story.

The Snake and the Frog

Sai Baba said, “One morning, after taking My breakfast I strolled
along, till I came to a small river bank. As I was tired I rested there,
washed My hands and Feet and had a bath and felt refreshed. There
was a foot-path and a cart-track, sheltered by shady trees. The breeze
was also blowing gently. As I was preparing to smoke Chillim (pipe),
I heard the croaking of a frog. I was striking the flint and lighting the
fire, when a traveller turned up, sat by My side, bowed down to Me and
politely invited Me to his house for meals and rest. He lit up the pipe
and handed it over to Me. The croaking was heard again and he
wanted to know, what it was. I told him that a frog was in trouble, and
was tasting the bitter fruit of its own Karma. We have to reap now the
fruit of what we sow in our past life, and there is no use crying about
it now. Then, he smoked and handed over the pipe to Me, and said that
he would go there in person and see for himself. I told him that a frog
was caught by a big snake and was crying. Both were very wicked in
their past life, and were now reaping the fruit of their past actions in
the present bodies. He went and found that a huge black serpent was
holding a big frog in its mouth.
He returned to Me and said that in about 10 or 12 minutes the frog
would be eaten up by the snake. I said, “No, this can’t be. I am its Father
(Protector), and I am here now. How shall I allow the snake to eat it up,
am I here for nothing? Just see, how I release it.”
After smoking again, we walked up to the place. He was afraid
and asked Me not to proceed further, as the snake might attack us. Not
minding him, I went ahead and addressed the creatures thus, “Oh
Veerbhadrappa, has not your enemy Bassappa yet repented, though he
has been born as a frog, and you too, though born as a serpent, still hold
bitter enmity against him? Be ashamed of yourself, give up your hatred
now and rest in peace.”
On hearing these words, the snake left the frog quickly and dived
into the river and disappeared. The frog also jumped away, and hid
itself in the bushes.
The traveller was much surprised; he said that he could not
understand, how the snake dropped the frog and disappeared on hearing
the words. Who was Veerbhadrappa? And who was Bassappa? and
what was the cause of their enmity? I returned with him to the foot of
the tree, and after sharing again a few puffs of smoke with him I
explained the whole mystery to him as follows :
There was an ancient holy place sanctified by a temple of Mahadev1
about 4 or 5 miles from My place. The temple was old and dilapidated.
The residents of the place collected funds for its repairs. After a large
amount was collected, arrangement for worship was made and plans
with estimates for repairs were prepared. A rich local man was appointed
the treasurer and the whole work was entrusted to him. He was to keep
regular accounts, and be honest in all his dealings. He was a first class
miser and spent very little for the repairs, which consequently made
very little progress. He spent all the funds, swallowed some amount
himself and spent nothing from his pocket. He had a sweet tongue, and
was very clever in offering plausible explanations, regarding the poor
and tardy progress of the work. The people again went to him and said
that unless he lent his helping hand and tried his best, the work would
not be complete. They requested him to work out the scheme and again
collected subscriptions, and sent the amount to him. He received it, but
sat as quiet as before, without making any progress. After some days,
God (Mahadev) appeared in his wife’s dream and said to her, “You get
up, build the dome of the temple, I will give you a hundred-fold of what
you spend.” She told this vision to her husband. He was afraid that,
it would involve him in expenses, and therefore, laughed it off saying
that it was a mere dream, a thing not to be relied and acted upon or else
why did not God appear to him in the dream and tell him about it? Was
he far off from her? This looks like a bad dream, having its object in the
creation of ill feeling between husband and wife. She had to remain
quiet.
God does not like big subscriptions and donations, collected
against the wishes of the donors, but He likes ever trifling amounts
given with love, devotion and gratitude. Some days after, God again
appeared in her dream and said : “Do not bother yourself about your
husband, and the collections with him. Don’t press him to spend any
money for the temple. What I want is, bhava and devotion. So, give, if
you like, anything of your own.” She consulted her husband about this
vision and decided to give God her ornaments, given by her father. The
miser felt disconcerted and decided to cheat even God in this item. He
undervalued the ornaments at Rs. 1000/- and bought them himself and
in lieu of the amount gave a barren field to God, as endowment or
security. The wife agreed to this. The field or land was not his own, it
belonged to one poor woman, named Dubaki, who mortgaged it to him
for Rs. 200/-. She was not able to redeem it for long. So, the cunning
miser cheated all, his wife, Dubaki and even God. The land was sterile,
uncultivated and worth nothing and yielded nothing, even in the best
season.
Thus, ended this transaction and the land was given in the
possession of the poor priest, who was pleased with the endowment.
Some time later strange things happened. There was a terrific storm and
heavy downpour; lightning struck the house of the miser, when he and
his wife both died. Dubaki also breathed her last.
In the next life, the rich miser was born at Mathura in a Brahmin
family and was named Veerbhadrappa. His devout wife was born as
the daughter of the priest of the temple, and was named Gouri. The
woman Dubaki (the mortgagor) was born as a male in the family of the
Gurav (attendent) of the temple and was named Chenbassappa. The
priest was a friend of Mine. He often came to Me, chatted and smoked
with Me. His daughter Gouri was also devoted to Me. She was growing
fast and her father was seeking a good husband for her. I told him not
to worry about this, as the bridegroom himself would come seeking her.
Then, there came a poor boy, named Veerbhadrappa wandering and
begging his bread, to the priest’s house. With My consent Gouri was
given in marriage to him. He was also, devoted to Me initially, as I
recommended his marriage with Gouri but later became miser. Even in
this new life he was hankering after money, and asked Me to help him
to get it, as he was leading a married man’s life.
Strange things happened. There was a sudden rise in prices. By
Gouri’s good luck, there was a great demand for land and the land was
sold for one lakh of rupees (100 times the worth of her ornaments). Half
the amount was paid in cash and the remaining was to be paid in 25
instalments or Rs. 2000/- each. All agreed to this transaction, but began
to quarrel over the money. They came to Me for consultation. I told them
that the property belonged to God and was vested in the priest, and
that, Gouri was his sole heiress and proprietress and no amount should
be spent without her consent; and that, her husband had no right
whatsoever to the amount. On hearing My opinion, Veerbhadrappa
was annoyed with Me and said that, I wanted to establish Gouri’s
claim and embezzle her property. On hearing his words, I remembered
God and kept quiet. Veerbhadrappa scolded his wife (Gouri) and she
came to Me at noon and requested Me not to mind the words of others
and not to discard her, as she was My daughter. As she thus sought
My protection, I gave her a pledge that, I would cross seven seas to help
her. Then, that night, Gouri had a vision. Mahadev appeared in her
dream and said, “The whole money is yours, do not give anything to
anybody, spend some amount for temple purposes in consultation with
Chenbassappa and if you want to use it for some other purpose, consult
Baba in the Masjid (Myself).” Gouri told Me the vision and I gave her
proper advice in the matter. I told her to take the principal or capital
amount to herself, give half the amount of interest to Chenbassappa,
and that, Veerbhadrappa had nothing to do in the matter. While I was
thus talking, both Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa came there
quarrelling. I tried My best to pacify them and told them of God’s vision
to Gouri. Veerbhadrappa got wild and angry and threatened to kill
Chenbassappa cutting him to pieces. The latter was timid, he caught
My Feet and sought refuge in Me. I pledged Myself to save him from the
wrath of his foe. Then, after some time, Veerbhadrappa died and was
born as a snake and Chenbassappa died and was born as a frog. On
hearing the croaking of Chenbassappa and remembering my pledge, I
came here, saved him and kept My word. God runs to His devotees for
help in times of danger. He saved Chenbassappa (the frog) by sending
Me here. All this is God’s Leela or sport.”

The Moral

The moral of the story is that, one has to reap what one sows, and
there is no escape, unless one suffers and squares up one’s old debts
and dealings with others, and that, greed for money drags the greedy
man to the lowest level, and ultimately brings destruction for him and
others.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 46

Baba’s Gaya Trip – Story of Goats

This chapter describes Shama’s trip to Kashi, Prayag
and Gaya; and how Baba (in the Form of His portrait)
was there ahead of him; it also describes Baba’s
reminiscences of the past birth of two goats.

Preliminary

Blessed, Oh Sai, are Your Feet, blessed is Your remembrance and
blessed is Your darshan, which liberates us from the bond of Karma.
Though Your Form is invisible to us now, still if the devotees believe
in You, they get living experiences from You. By an invisible and subtle
thread, You draw Your devotees from far and near to Your Feet, and
embrace them like a kind and loving mother. The devotees do not know,
where You are, but You so skillfully pull the wires that, they ultimately
realize that, You are behind them to help and support them. The
intelligent, wise and learned folk fall into the pit of the Sansar on
account of their egoism; but You save, by Your power, the poor, simple
and devout persons. Inwardly and invisibly, You play all the game but
show that You are not concerned with it. While You do things but pose
Your-self as a non-doer. Nobody ever knows Your life. The best course,
therefore, for us is to surrender our body, speech and mind of Your Feet,
and always chant Your name to destroy our sins. You fulfil the wishes
of the devotees and to those, who are without any desire, You give Bliss
supreme. The chanting of Your sweet name, is the easiest Sadhana for
devotees. By this Sadhana, our sins, Rajas and Tamas qualities, will
vanish; the Sattwa qualities and righteousness will gain predominance
and along with this, discrimination, dispassion and knowledge will
follow. Then, we shall abide in our Self and our Guru (who are one and
the same). This is what is called complete surrender to the Guru. The
only sure sign of this is that, our mind gets calm and peaceful. The
greatness of this surrender, devotion and knowledge is unique, for
peace, non-attachment, fame and salvation etc., come in its wake.
If Baba accepts a devotee, He follows him and stands by him, day
and night, at his home or abroad. Let the devotee go anywhere he likes,
Baba is there ahead of him in some form, in an inconceivable manner.
The following story illustrates this.

Gaya Trip

Some time after Kakasaheb Dixit was introduced to Sai Baba, he
decided to perform the thread (Upanayan) ceremony of his eldest son,
Babu, at Nagpur. At about the same time, Nanasaheb Chandorkar
decided to perform the marriage ceremony of his eldest son, at Gwalior.
Both Dixit and Chandorkar came to Shirdi and lovingly invited Baba
for these functions. Baba asked them to take Shama, as His
representative. When He was pressed to come in person, Baba told them
to take Shama with them and said, “After doing Benaras and Prayag
we would be ahead of Shama”. Now, mark these words for they show
Baba’s all-pervasiveness.
After taking the permission of Baba, Shama decided to go to
Nagpur and Gwalior for these functions and ceremonies, and then to
Kashi, Prayag and Gaya. Appa Kote made up his mind to accompany
him. They both went first to Nagpur for the thread ceremony. Kakasaheb
Dixit gave Shama Rs. 200/- for his expenses. Then, they went to Gwalior
for the marriage ceremony. There, Nanasaheb Chandorkar gave Shama
Rs. 100/- and his Vyahi (relative), Mr. Jathar gave him also Rs. 100/-.
Then, Shama went to Kashi, and then to Ayodhya. He was well received
in Jathar’s beautiful temple of Laxmi-Narayan at Kashi (Varanasi or
Banaras) and in the Ram-Mandir at Ayodhya by Jathar’s manager.
They (Shama and Kote) stayed for 21 days in Ayodhya and two months
in Kashi (Benaras). Then, they left for Gaya. In the train they felt little
uneasy on hearing that, plague was prevailing in Gaya. At night they
alighted at Gaya station and stayed in the Dharmshala. In the morning,
the Gayawala (the priest who arranges for the lodging and boarding of
the pilgrims) came there and said, “The pilgrims have already started,
you better make haste.” Shama casually asked him, whether there was
plague in Gaya. “No,” said the Gayawala, “Please come without any
fear or anxiety and see yourself’. Then, they went with him and stayed
in his house, which was a big and spacious Wada. Shama was pleased
with the accommodation provided to him; but what pleased him most,
was the beautiful big portrait of Baba, fixed in the central and front
portion of the building. On seeing this portrait, Shama was overwhelmed
with emotion. He remembered Baba’s words, viz. “After doing Kashi
and Prayag, We would be ahead of Shama,” and burst into tears. His
hairs stood on end, his throat was choked and he began to sob. The
Gayawala thought that, he was afraid of plague prevailing there, and
therefore, was crying. But, Shama enquired from him, how he got Baba’s
portrait there. He replied that he had 200 or 300 agents working at
Manmad and Puntambe, for looking after the convenience of the pilgrims
to Gaya and from them he heard about Baba’s fame. Then, about 12
years ago he went to Shirdi and took Baba’ darshan. There, he was
attracted by Baba’s portrait, hung in Shama’s house and with Baba’s
permission, Shama gave it to him. This was the same portrait. Shama
then remembered, this incident. The Gayawala’s joy knew no bounds,
when he learnt that the same Shama, who obliged him before, was his
guest now. Then, they both exchanged love and service and were most
delighted and happy. The Gayawala gave him a royal welcome. He was
a very rich man. He sat in a palanquin; and made Shama ride an
elephant and attended to all his comforts and conveniences.
The moral of the story is this that : Baba’s words came out true to
the letter, and unbounded was His love towards the devotees. But, leave
this aside. He also loved all creatures equally, for He felt that, He was
one with them. The following story will illustrate this.

Two Goats

Baba was, once, returning from Lendi, when He saw a flock of
goats. Two of them attracted His attention. He went to them, caressed
and fondled them and bought them for Rs. 32/-. The devotees were
surprised at this conduct of Baba. They thought that, Baba was duped
in this bargain, as the goats would fetch Rs. two each or at the most Rs.
3/- or 4/- each, i.e., Rs. 8/- for both. They began to take Baba to task
for this but Baba kept calm and cool. Shama and Tatya Kote asked Baba
for an explanation. He said, He did not care to store money, as He had
no home or family to look after. He asked them to purchase, at His cost,
4 seers of ‘Dal’ (lentil) and feed the goats. After this was done, Baba
returned the goats to the owner of the flock and gave out the following
reminiscences and story of the goats.
“Oh Shama and Tatya, you think that, I have been deceived in this
bargain. No. Listen to their story! In their former birth, they were humanbeings,
and had the good fortune to be with Me and sit by My side. They
were uterine brothers, loving each other initially but later on, they
became enemies. The elder brother was an idle fellow, while the younger
one was an active chap and earned a lot of money. The former became
greedy and jealous and wanted to kill his younger brother and take
away his money. They forgot their fraternal relations, and began to
quarrel with each other. The elder brother resorted to many devices to
kill his younger brother, but all his attempts failed. Thus, they became
deadly enemies and finally, on one occasion the elder gave a deadly
blow with a big stick on the latter’s head, while the latter struck the
former with an axe, with the result that, both fell dead on the spot. As
the result of their actions, they were both born as goats. As they passed
by Me, I, at once, recognised them. I remembered their past history. By
taking pity on them, I wanted to feed them and give them rest and
comfort, and for this reason I spent all the money, for which you blame
Me. As you did not like My bargain, I sent them back to their shepherd.”
Such was Sai’s love for the goats!

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to All

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 45

Kakasaheb’s Doubt and Anandrao’s Vision –
Wooden Plank – Baba’s bed-stead and not Bhagat’s.

Preliminary

We have described in the last three chapters Baba’s
passing away. His physical or finite form has, no doubt, disappeared
from our view, but the infinite or spiritual form (Spirit of Baba) ever
lives. The Leelas, which occurred during His lifetime, have been dwelt
upon at great length, up till now. Ever since His passing away, more
Leelas have taken place and are even now happening. This clearly
shows that, Baba is ever-living and helping His devotees as before. The
people, who got the contact of Baba, when He was living, were indeed
very fortunate, but if any of them did not get a dispassion for the things
and enjoyments of the world, and had not their minds turned to the
Lord, it was their sheer ill-luck. What was then desired, and is still
desired, is the whole-hearted devotion to Baba. All our senses, organs,
and mind should co-operate in worshipping and serving Baba. It is no
use, in engaging some organs in the worship and deflecting others. If
a thing like worship or meditation is to be done, it ought to be done with
all our mind and soul.
The love that a chaste woman bears to her husband, is some times
compared to that, which a disciple bears to his master (Guru). Yet, the
former falls far short of the latter, which is incomparable. No one,
whether he be father, mother, brother or any other relation, comes to our
aid in attaining the goal of life (self-realization). We have to chalk out
and traverse the path of self-realization ourselves. We have to
discriminate between the unreal and the Real, renounce the things and
enjoyments of this world and the next and control our senses and mind,
and aspire for liberation only. Instead of depending upon others, we
should have full faith in ourselves. When we begin to practice
discrimination we come to know that the world is transient and unreal
and our passion for worldly things becomes less, and ultimately we get
dispassion or non-attachment for them. When we know that Brahma,
which is no other than our Guru, is the sole reality; and as It transcends
and besets the seeming universe, we begin to worship It in all creatures.
This is the unitive Bhajan or worship. When we thus worship Brahma
or Guru whole-heartedly, we become one with Him and attain self-
realization In short, always chanting the name of the Guru and
meditating on Him, enables us to see Him in all beings, and confers
eternal Bliss on us. The following story will illustrate this.

Kakasaheb’s Doubt and Anandrao’s Vision

It is well-known that Sai Baba had enjoined Kakasaheb Dixit to
read daily two works of Shri Eknath : (1) Bhagwat and (2) Bhavartha
Ramayan. Kakasaheb read these daily, while Baba was living and he
followed the practice, even after Baba’s passing away. Once in Kaka
Mahajani’s house in Choupati Mumbai, Kakasaheb was reading Eknathi
Bhagwat in the morning. Madhavrao Deshpande, alias Shama, and
Kaka Mahajani were then present and listened attentively to the portion
read, viz., the 2nd chapter, 11th Skandha of the book. Therein the nine
Nathas or Siddhas of the Rishabha family, viz., Kavi, Hari, Antariksha,
Prabuddha, Pippalayan, Avirhotra, Drumil, Chamas and Karabhajan
expounded the principles of the Bhagwat Dharma to King Janak. The
latter asked, all the nine Nathas, most important questions and each of
them answered them satisfactorily. The first, i.e., Kavi explained, what
is Bhagwat Dharm; Hari, the characteristics of a Bhakta (devotee);
Antariksha, what is Maya; Prabuddha, how to cross Maya; Pippalayan,
what is Para-Brahma; Avirhotra, what is Karma; Drumil, the incarnations
of God and their deeds; Chamas, how a non-devotee fares after death;
Karabhajan, the different modes of worship of God in different ages.
The substance of all the exposition was that, in this Kali age, the only
means of liberation was the remembrance of Hari’s (Lord’s) or Guru’s
feet. After the reading was over, Kakasaheb said in a despondent tone
to Madhavrao and others : “How wonderful is the discourse of the nine
Nathas on Bhakti or devotion. But, at the same time, how difficult it is,
to put it into practice! The Nathas were perfect, but is it possible for
fools like us to attain devotion as delineated by them? We won’t get it
even after several births, then, how are we to get salvation? It seems that
there is no hope for us.” Madhavrao did not like this pessimistic attitude
of Kakasaheb. He said, “It is a pity that one, who by his good luck got
such a jewel (Guru) as Baba, should cry out so disparagingly, if he has
unwavering faith in Baba, why should he feel restless? The Bhakti of
the Nathas may be strong and powerful, but is not ours’ loving and
affectionate? And has not Baba told us authoritatively that remembering
and chanting Hari’s and Guru’s name confers salvation? Then, where
is the cause for fear and anxiety?” Kakasaheb was not satisfied with
Madhavrao’s explanation. He continued to be anxious and restless the
whole day, thinking and brooding over, how to get the powerful Bhakti
of the Nathas. Next morning, the following miracle took place :
One gentleman, named Anandrao Pakhade came there, in search
of Madhavrao. The reading of the Bhagwat was then going on. Mr.
Pakhade sat near Madhavrao and was whispering something to him.
He was mentioning in low tone, his dream-vision. As there was some
interruption in the reading by this whispering, Kakasaheb stopped the
reading and asked Madhavrao, what the matter was. The latter said,
“Yesterday, you expressed your doubt, now, here is the explanation of
it, hear Mr. Pakhade’vision, explaining the characteristic of devotion
and showing that, the devotion, in the form of bowing down to or
worshipping of Guru’s feet is sufficient.” All were anxious to hear the
vision, specially Kakasaheb. At their suggestion Mr. Pakhade began to
relate the vision as follows :
I was standing in deep sea in waist-deep water. There, I saw Sai
Baba all of a sudden. He was sitting on a beautiful throne studded with
diamonds, with His Feet submerged in water. I was most pleased and
satisfied with the Form of Baba. The vision was so realistic that, I never
thought that, it was a dream. Curiously enough, Madhavrao was also
standing there. He said to me feelingly, “Anandrao, fall at Baba’s Feet.”
I rejoined, “I also wish to do so, but His Feet are in water, how can I
place my head on them? I am helpless.” Hearing this, he said to Baba,
“Oh Deva, take out Your Feet, which are under water.” Then, Baba
immediately took out His Feet. I caught them without delay and bowed
down to them. On seeing this, Baba blessed me saying, “Go now, you
will attain your welfare, there is no cause for fear and anxiety.” He also
added, “Give a silk-bordered Dhotar to my Shama, you will benefit
thereby.”
In compliance with Baba’s order, Mr. Pakhade had brought the
Dhotar, and requested Kakasaheb to hand it over to Madhavrao, but the
latter refused to accept it, saying that unless Baba gave a hint or
suggestion for acceptance, he would not accept it. Then, after some
discussion Kakasaheb decided to cast lots. It was the practice of
Kakasaheb to cast lots in all the significant matters, and to abide by the
decision, as given in the picked up chit. In this particular case, two
chits, on one of which was written ‘To accept’ and on other ‘To reject,’
were placed at the Feet of Baba and a child was asked to pick one of
them. The ‘Accept’ chit was picked up and the Dhotar was accepted by
Madhavrao. In this way both Anandrao and Madhavrao were satisfied,
and Kakasaheb’s difficulty was solved.
This story exhorts us to give respect to the words of other saints,
but at the same time asks us to have full faith in our Mother, i.e., the
Guru, and abide by His instructions, for he knows our welfare better
than any other person. Carve out on your heart, the following words of
Baba : “There are innumerable saints in this world, but ‘our father’
(Guru) is the Father (Real Guru). Others might say many good things,
but we should never forget our Guru’s words. In short, love your Guru
whole-heartedly, surrender to Him completely and prostrate yourselves
before Him reverentially; and then, you will see that there is no sea of
mundane existence, before you to cross as there is no darkness for the
sun”.

Wooden plank Baba’s Bed-Stead, and not Bhagat’s

In His earlier days, Baba slept on a wooden plank, 4 arms in
length and only a span in breadth with Panatis (earthen lamps) burning
at its four corners. Later on, He broke the plank into pieces and threw
it away (Vide chapter X). Once, Baba was describing the greatness or
importance of this plank to Kakasaheb. On hearing this, the latter said
to Baba, “If you still love the wooden plank, I will again suspend or
hang up one in the Masjid for You to sleep at ease.” Baba replied, “I
won’t like to sleep up leaving Mhalsapati down on the ground.” Then,
Kakasaheb said, “I will provide another plank for Mhalsapati too.”
Baba said, “How can he sleep on the plank? It is not easy to sleep on
the plank. He who has many good qualities in him, only can do so. He
who can sleep with his eyes wide open can effect that. When I go to
sleep I often ask Mhalsapati to sit by My side, place his hand on My
heart and watch the ‘chanting of the Lord’s name’ there, and if he finds
Me sleepy, wake Me up. He can’t do even this. He himself gets drowsy
and begins to nod his head. When, I feel his hand heavy as a stone on
My heart and cry out ‘Oh Bhagat, he moves and opens his eyes. How
can he, who can’t sit and sleep well on the ground, and whose Asana
(posture) is not steady, and who is slave to sleep, can sleep high up on
a plank?” On many other occasions, Baba said, out of love for His
devotees “What is our’s (whether good or bad), is with us, and what
is other’s is with them.”

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 43 & 44

Baba’s Passing Away (continued)

Preparation – Samadhi-Mandir – Breaking of the
Brick – 72 Hours’ Samadhi – Jog’s Sanyaas – Baba’s
Nectar-like Words
Chapters 43 and 44 continue the story of Baba’s passing away,
and therefore, they are taken together.

Previous Preparation

It is the general practice amongst the Hindus that, when a man
is about to die, some good religious scripture is read out to him with
the object that, his mind should be withdrawn from wordly things and
fixed in spiritual matters, so that his future progress should be natural
and easy. Everybody knows that, when king Parikshit was cursed by
the son of a Brahmin Rishi, and was to die after a week, the great sage
Shukadev expounded to him the famous Bhagwat Puran in that week.
This practice is followed even now, and the Gita, Bhagwat and other
sacred books are read out to dying persons. Baba being an Incarnation
of God needed no such help, but just to set an example to the people,
He followed this practice. When He knew that, He was to pass away
soon, He asked one Mr. Vaze to read Ramvijay to Him. Mr. Vaze read
the book once in the week. Then, Baba asked him to read the same again
day and night, and he finished the second reading in three days. Thus
eleven days passed. Then again he read for three days and was
exhausted. So Baba let him go and kept Himself quiet. He abided in His
Self and was waiting for the last moment.
Two or three days earlier, Baba had stopped His morning
peregrinations (going out) and begging rounds, and sat quietly in the
Masjid. He was conscious till the last and was advising the devotees
not to lose heart. He let nobody know the exact time of His departure.
Kakasaheb Dixit and Shriman Buti were dining daily with Him in the
Masjid. That day (15th October) after the Arati, He asked them to go to
their residence for dining. Still a few, viz. Laxmibai Shinde, Bhagoji
Shinde, Bayaji, Laxman Bala Shimpi and Nanasaheb Nimonkar
remained there, Shama was sitting down on the steps. After giving Rs.
9/- to Laxmibai Shinde, Baba said that, He did not feel well there (in
the Masjid) and that, He should be taken to the Dagadi (stone) Wada
of Buti, where He would be all right. While saying these last words, He
leaned on Bayaji’s body and breathed His last. Bhagoji noticed that His
breathing had stopped, and he immediately told this to Nanasaheb
Nimonkar, who was sitting near. Nanasaheb brought some water and
poured it in Baba’s mouth. It came out. Then, he cried out loudly ‘Oh
Deva!’ Baba seemed to open His eyes and say ‘Ah,’ in a low tone. But
it soon became evident that, Baba had left His mortal body for good.
The news of Baba’s passing away spread like wildfire in the
village of Shirdi and all people, men, women and children ran to the
Masjid, and began to mourn this loss in various ways. Some cried out
loudly, some wallowed on and some fell down senseless in the streets.
Tears ran down from the eyes of all and every one was filled with
sorrow.
Some people started remembering the words of Sai Baba. Somebody
said that Maharaj (Sai Baba) told His devotees that in time to come, He
would appear as a lad of eight years. In the Krishna Avatar, Chakrapani
(Lord Vishnu) performed this very deed. Krishna appeared before Devaki
in the prison as a lad of eight years, Who had bright complexion and
Who wielded weapons in His four arms. In that Incarnation He (Lord
Krishna) lightened the burden of the earth. This Incarnation (Sai Baba)
was for the uplift of His devotees. Then, where is the reason for doubt?
The ways of the saints are really inscrutable. This contact of Sai Baba
with His devotees is not only for one generation, but it is there for the
last seventy-two generations. Generating such ties of love, it appears
that, Maharaj (Sai Baba) has gone for tour and the devotees had a firm
belief that, He will return soon.
Then, the question arose – How to lay Baba’s body to rest? Some
(Mohammedens) said that the body should be interred in an open space
and a tomb built over it. Even Khushalchand and Amir Shakkar shared
this opinion. But, Ramachandra Patil, the village officer said to the
villagers with a firm and determined voice, “Your thought is not
acceptable to us. Baba’s body should be placed nowhere, except in the
Wada.” Thus, people were divided on this point, and discussion
regarding this went on for 36 hours.
On Wednesday morning Baba appeared to Laxman Mama Joshi
in his dream and drawing him by His hand said, “Get up soon,
Bapusaheb thinks that, I am dead and so he won’t come, you do the
worship and the Kakad (morning) Arati!” Laxman Mama was the
village astrologer and the maternal uncle of Shama. He was an orthodox
Brahmin, and daily worshipped Baba first in the morning and then all
the village Deities. He had full faith in Baba. After the vision he came
with all the puja materials, and not minding the protests of the Moulvis,
did the Puja and the Kakad Arati with all due formalities and went
away. Then, at noon Bapusaheb Jog came with all others, and went
through the noon-Arati ceremony as usual. After paying due respect to
Baba’s words the people decided to place His body in the Wada and
started digging the central portion there. In the evening of Tuesday, the
sub-inspector came from Rahata and others turned up from other places
and they all agreed to the proposal. Next morning, Amirbhai came from
Mumbai and the Mamalatdar from Kopergaon. The people seemed
divided in their opinion. Some insisted on interring His body in the
open field. The Mamalatdar, therefore, took a general plebiscite and
found that, the proposal to use the Wada secured double the number
of votes. He however, wanted to refer the matter to the collector, and
Kakasaheb Dixit got himself ready to go to Ahmednagar. Meanwhile,
by Baba’s inspiration there was a change in the opinion of the other
people, and all unanimously voted for the proposal. On Wednesday
evening, Baba’s body was taken in procession and brought to the Wada
and was interred there with due formalities in the Garbha, i.e., the
central portion, reserved for Murlidhar. In fact Baba became the
Murlidhar, and the Wada became a temple and a holy shrine, where so
many devotees, since then, have been going to find rest and peace. All
the obsequies of Baba were duly performed by Balasaheb Bhate and
Upasani, a great devotee of Baba.
It may be noted here that, as observed by Professor Narke, Baba’s
body did not get stiff, though it was exposed for 36 hours and that, all
the limbs were elastic and that His Kafni could be taken out without
being torn to pieces.

Breaking of the Brick

Some days before Baba’s departure, there occured an ominous
sign foreboding the event. There was, in the Masjid, an old brick on
which Baba rested His hand and sat. At night time He leaned againt
it and had His Asan. This went on for many years. One day, during
Baba’s absence a boy who was sweeping the floor, took it up in his
hand, and unfortunately it slipped and fell down and got broken into
two pieces. When Baba came to know about this, He bemoaned its loss,
saying : “It is not the brick, but My fate, that has been broken into pieces.
It was my life-long companion, with it I always meditated on the Self,
it was as dear to Me as My life, it has left Me today”. Some may raise
here a question, “Why should Baba express this sorrow for such an
inanimate thing as a brick?” To this, Hemadpant replies that, saints
incarnate in this world with the express mission of saving the poor
helpless people, and when they embody themselves and act with the
people, they act like them, i.e., outwardly they laugh, play and cry, like
all other people, but inwardly they are wide awake to their duties and
mission.

72 Hours’ Samadhi

Thirty-two years before this, i.e. in 1886 Baba made an attempt to
cross the border line. On a Margashirsha Pournima (Full moon) day,
Baba suffered from a severe attack of Asthma. To get rid of it, Baba
decided to take His Pran high up and go into Samadhi. He said to
Bhagat Mhalsapati, “Protect My body for three days! If I return, it will
be all right, if I do not, bury My body in that open land (pointing to it)
and fix two flags there as a mark!” After saying this, Baba fell down
at about 10 p.m. His breathing stopped as well as His pulse. It seemed
as if His Pran left the body. All the people, including the villagers came
there and wanted to hold an inquest and bury the body in the place,
pointed by Baba. But, Mhalsapati prevented this. With Baba’s body on
his lap, he sat full three days guarding it. After three days passed, Baba
showed signs of life at 3 a.m., His breathing commenced, the abdomen
began to move. His eyes opened and stretching His limbs, Baba returned
to consciousness (life) again.
From this and other accounts, let the readers consider, whether Sai
Baba was the three and a half cubits’ body that He occupied for some
years, and that He left thereafter or He was the Self inside. The body,
composed of the five elements, is perishable and transient but the Self
within is the thing – Absolute Reality; which is immortal and intransient.
This pure Being, Consciousness or Brahma, the Ruler and Controller of
the senses and mind is Sai. This pervades all things in the universe and
there is no space without it. For fulfilling His mission He assumed the
body, and after it was fulfilled He threw away the body (the finite
aspect), and assumed His infinite aspect. Sai ever lives, as also the
previous Incarnation of god Dattatreya, Shri Narsimha Saraswati of
Gangapur. His passing away is only an outward aspect, but in reality
He pervades all animate and inanimate things and is their Inner
Controller and Ruler. This can be, and is even now experienced by
many, who surrender themselves completely to Him and worship Him
with whole-hearted devotion.
Though, it is not possible for us to see Baba’s Form now onwards,
but, if we go to Shirdi, we shall find His beautiful life-like portrait
adorning the Masjid. This has been drawn by Shamrao Jaykar, a famous
artist and well-known devotee of Baba. To an imaginative and devout
spectator this portrait can give even to-day the satisfaction of taking
Baba’s darshan. Though Baba has no gross body now, He lives there
and everywhere, and will effect the welfare of the devotees even now,
as He was doing before, when He was embodied. Saints like Baba never
die, though they look like men, they are in reality God Himself.

Bapusaheb Jog’s Sanyaas

Hemadpant closes this chapter with the account of Jog’s Sanyaas.
Sakharam Hari alias Bapusaheb Jog was the uncle of the famous Varkari
Vishnubua Jog of Poona. He had no issue. After his retirement from
Govt. service (He was a supervisor in the P.W.D.) in 1909, he came and
lived in Shirdi with his wife. Both husband and wife loved Baba and
spent all their time in worshipping and serving Baba. After Megha’s
death, Bapusaheb daily did the Arati ceremony in the Masjid and
Chavadi till Baba’s Maha-Samadhi. He was also entrusted with the
work of reading and explaining Dnyaneshwari and Eknathi Bhagwat
in Sathe’s Wada to the audience. After serving for many years, Jog
asked Baba, “I have served you so long, my mind is not yet calm and
composed, how is it that, my contact with saints has not improved me?
When will You bless me?” Hearing the Bhakta’s prayer Baba replied,
“In due time your bad actions (their fruit or result) will be destroyed,
your merits and demerits will be reduced to ashes, and I shall consider
you blessed, when you will renounce all attachments, conquer lust and
sense of taste, and getting rid of all impediments, serve God wholeheartedly
and resort to the begging bowl (accept Sanyaas)”. After some
time, Baba’s Words came true. His wife predeceased him; and as he had
no other attachment, he became free and accepted Sanyaas before his
death, and realized the goal of his life.

Baba’s Nectar-like Words

The kind and merciful Sai Baba said many a time the following
sweet words in the Masjid : “He who loves Me most, always sees Me.
The whole world is desolate to him without Me, he who tells no
stories but Mine; he ceaselessly meditates upon Me and always chants
My name. I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely
to Me, and ever remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him
salvation (self-realization). I am dependent on him, who thinks and
hungers after Me and who does not eat anythig, without first offering
it to Me. He who thus comes to Me, becomes one with Me, just as a
river gets to the sea and becomes merged (one) with it. So, leaving out
pride and egoism and with no trace of them, you should surrender
yourself to Me, Who is seated in your heart.”

Who is this ME?

Sai Baba expounded many a time Who this ME (or I) is. He said,
“You need not go far in search of Me. Barring your name and form,
there exists in you as well as in all beings, a sense of Being or
Consciousness of Existence. That is Myself. Knowing this, you see Me
inside yourself, as well as in all beings. If you practise this, you will
realize all-pervasiveness, and thus attain oneness with Me.”
Hemadpant, therefore, requests the readers humbly and lovingly
that, they should love and respect all gods, saints and devotees. Has not
Baba often said, “He, who carps and cavils at others, pierces Me in the
heart and injures Me, but he that suffers and endures, pleases Me
most.” Baba thus pervades all beings and creatures. He likes nothing
but love to all beings. Such nectar, pure auspicious ambrosia always
flowed from Baba’s lips, He, therefore, concludes – those who lovingly
sing Baba’s fame and those who hear the same with devotion, both
become one with Sai.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 42

Baba’s Passing Away

Previous Indication - Averting Death of Ramchandra
Dada Patil and Tatya Kote Patil - Charity to Laxmibai
Shinde - Last Moment
This chapter describes the passing away of Baba.

Preliminary

The stories given in the previous chapter have shown that, the
light of Guru’s grace removes fear of mundane existence, opens the path
of salvation and turns our misery into happiness. If we always remember
the feet of the Sadguru, our troubles come to an end, death loses its
sting, and the misery of this mundane existence is obliterated. Therefore,
those who care for their welfare, should carefully listen to these stories
of Sai Samarth, which will purify their minds.
In the beginning, Hemadpant dwells on Dr. Pandit’s worship and
his marking Baba’s forehead with Tripunda, i.e. three horizontal lines;
but as this has been already described in chapter XI, it has been omitted
here.

Previous Indication

The readers, up till now, heard the stories of Baba’s life. Let them
now hear attentively of Baba’s passing away. Baba got a slight fever on
28th September, 1918. The fever lasted for 2 or 3 days, but afterwards
Baba gave up his food, and thereby grew weaker and weaker. On the
17th day, i.e., Tuesday, the 15th October, 1918, Baba left His mortal coil
at about 2-30 p.m. (Vide Professor G.G. Narke’s letter, dated 5th
November, 1918, to Dadasaheb Khaparde, published in ‘Sai Leela’
magazine, page 78, first year). Two years before this, i.e. in 1916, Baba
gave an indication of His passing away, but nobody understood it then.
It was as follows : On the Vijayadashami (Dasara) day, Baba, all of a
sudden got into wild rage in the evening, when people were returning
from ‘Seemollanghan’ (crossing the border or limits of the village).
Taking off His head-dress, kafni and langota etc. He tore them and
threw them in the dhuni before Him. On being fed this offering, the fire
in the Dhuni began to burn brighter and Baba shone still brighter. He
stood there stark naked and with His burning red eyes shouted, “You
fellows, now have a look and decide finally, whether I am a Muslim or
a Hindu.” Everybody was trembling with fear, and none dared to
approach Baba. After some time Bhagoji Shinde, the leper devotee of
Baba, went boldly near Him and succeeded in tying a Langota (waistband)
round His waist and said, “Baba, what is all this? To day is the
‘Seemollanghan’, i.e., Dasara Holiday.” Baba striking the ground with
His Satka said, “This is my ‘Seemollanghan’ (crossing the border).”
Baba did not cool down till 11-00 p.m., and the people doubted, whether
the Chavadi procession would ever take place that night. After an hour
Baba resumed His normal condition, and dressing Himself as usual,
attended the Chavadi procession as described before. By this incident
Baba gave a suggestion that, Dasara was the proper time for Him to
cross the border of life, but none understood its meaning then. Baba
gave another indication also as follows:

Averting Death of Ramchandra and Tatya Patil

Some time after this, Ramchandra Patil became seriously ill. He
suffered a lot. He tried all remedies, but finding no relief, despaired of
his life and was waiting for the last moment. Then, one midnight Baba
suddenly stood near his bed. Patil held His Feet and said, “I have lost
all hopes of life, please tell me definitely, when I shall die.” Merciful
Baba said, “Don’t be anxious, your Hundi (death-warrant) has been
withdrawn and you will soon recover, but I am afraid of Tatya Patil.
He will pass away on Vijayadashami of Shaka 1840 (1918 A.D.). Do not
divulge this to anybody nor to him, for he will be terribly frightened.”
Ramchandra Dada got well but he felt nervous about Tatya’s life, for
he knew that Baba’s word was unalterable, and that Tatya would
breathe his last within two years. He kept this secret, told it to none, but
to Bala Shimpi (a tailor) only. Only these two persons - Ramchandra
Dada and Bala Shimpi were in fear and suspense regarding Tatya’s life.
Ramchandra Dada soon left his bed and was on his legs. Time
passed quickly. The month of Bhadrapad of Shaka 1840 (1918) was
ending and Ashwin was approaching. True to Baba’s word, Tatya fell
sick and was bed-ridden; and so he could not come for Baba’s darshan.
Baba was also down with fever. Tatya had full faith in Baba. Tatya’s
illness began to grow from bad to worse and he could not move at all,
but always remembered Baba. The predicament of Baba began to grow
equally worse. The day predicted, i.e. Vijayadashami was impending
and both Ramchandra Dada and Bala Shimpi were terribly frightened
about Tatya; and their bodies trembling and perspiring with fear,
thought that, as predicted by Baba, Tatya’s end was near. Vijayadashami
dawned and Tatya’s pulse began to beat very slow, and he was expected
to pass away shortly. But, a curious thing happened. Tatya remained,
his death was averted and Baba passed away instead. It seemed, as if
there was an exchange. People said that Baba gave up His life for Tatya.
Why He did so? He alone knows, as His ways are inscrutable. It seems,
however that, in this incident Baba gave a hint of His passing away,
substituting Tatya’s name for His own.
Next morning (16th October) Baba appeared to Das Ganu at
Pandharpur in his dream and said to him: The Masjid collapsed, all the
oilmen and grocers of Shirdi harrassed Me a lot, so, I leave the place.
I, therefore, came to inform you here. Go there quickly and cover Me
with ‘Bakkal’ flowers!” Das Ganu got the information also from Shirdi
letters. So, he came to Shirdi with his disciples, and started Bhajan and
Kirtan and sang the Lord’s name, throughout the day before Baba’s
Samadhi. Himself weaving a beautiful garland of Lord Hari’s name, he
placed it on Baba’s Samadhi and gave a mass-feeding in Baba’s name.

Charity to Laxmibai

Dasara or Vijayadashami is regarded by all the Hindus, as the
most auspicious time, and it is befitting that, Baba should choose this
time for His crossing the border-line. He was ailing some days before
this, but he was ever conscious internally. Just before the last moment,
He sat up without anybody’s aid and looked better. People thought
that, the danger had passed off and He was getting well. He knew that,
He was to pass away soon and therefore, He wanted to give some
money as charity to Laxmibai Shinde.

Baba pervading All Creatures

This Laxmibai Shinde was a good and well-to-do woman. She
was serving in the Masjid, day and night. Except Bhagat Mhalsapati,
Tatya and Laxmibai, none was allowed to step in the Masjid at night.
Once, while Baba was sitting in the Masjid with Tatya in the evening,
Laxmibai came and saluted Baba. Baba said to her, “Oh Laxmi, I am
very hungry.” Off she went saying, “Baba, wait a bit, I return immediately
with bread.” She did return with bread and vegetables and placed the
same before Baba. He took it and gave it to a dog. Laxmibai then asked,
“What is this, Baba, I ran in haste, prepared bread with my own hands
for You, and You threw it to a dog without eating a morsel of it. You
gave me trouble, unnecessarily.” Baba replied, “Why do you grieve for
nothing? The appeasement of the dog’s hunger is the same as Mine. The
dog has a soul, the creatures may be different, but the hunger of all is
the same, though some speak and others are dumb. Know for certain
that, he who feeds the hungry really serves Me with food. Regard this
as Truth.” This is an ordinary incident; but Baba thereby propounded
a great spiritual truth, and showed its practical application in daily life
without hurting anybody’s feelings. From this time onward, Laxmibai
began to offer Him daily bread and milk with love and devotion. Baba
accepted and ate it appreciatingly. He took a part of this and sent the
remainder, through Laxmibai to Radhakrishnamai, who always relished
and ate Baba’s remnant Prasad. This bread-story should not be
considered as a digression it shows how Sai Baba pervaded all the
creatures and transcended them. He is Omni-present, Birthless, Deathless
and Immortal.
Baba remembered Laxmibai’s service. How could He forget her?
Just before leaving His body, He put His hand in His pocket and gave
her Rs. 5/- and then Rs. 4/-, in all Rs. 9/-. This figure (9) is indicative
of the nine types of devotion described in chapter 21; or it may be the
dakshina offered at the time of ‘Seemollanghan’. Laxmibai was a wellto-
do woman, and so, she was not in want of any money. Baba might
have suggested to her and brought to her notice, the nine characteristics
of a good disciple, mentioned in the 6th verse of chapter ten, Skandha
eleven of the Bhagwat, wherein first five and then four characteristics
are mentioned, in the first and second couplets.* Baba’s this gift of nine,
she will remember ever.
Being so watchful and conscious, He ordered them all to clear off.
Kakasaheb Dixit, Bapusaheb Buti and others were in the Masjid
anxiously waiting upon Baba, but He asked them to go to the Wada,
and return after meals. They could not leave Baba’s presence, nor could
they disobey Him. So, with heavy hearts and heavy feet they went to
the Wada. They knew that, Baba’s condition was very serious, and that,
they could not leave Him. They sat for meals; but their mind was
elsewhere, it was with Baba. Before they finished, news came to them
of Baba’s shedding the mortal coil. Leaving their dishes, they ran to the
Masjid and found that, Baba rested finally on Bayaji’s lap. He did not
collapse on the ground nor did He lie on His bed; but sitting quietly on
His seat and doing charity with His own hand, left the mortal coil.
Saints embody themselves and come into this world with a definite
mission and after that is fulfilled, they pass away, as quietly and easily
as they came.

Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 41

Story of the Picture – Stealing the Rags and Reading
of Dnyaneshawari

As stated in the last chapter, we continue here the story
of the picture.
Nine years after the incident described in the last chapter, Ali
Mohammed met Hemadpant again, and related to him the following
story.
One day, while wandering in the streets of Mumbai he bought the
picture from a street-hawker, then, he got it framed and set it on a wall
in his house, at Bandra (suburb of Mumbai). As he loved Baba, daily
he took darshan of it. Three months before he gave the picture to
Hemadpant, he was suffering from an abcess or swelling on his leg, for
which an operation was performed and he was convalescing in the
house of his brother-in-law, Mr. Noor Mohammed Peerbhoy in Mumbai.
For three months, his house in Bandra was closed and nobody was
living there. Only the pictures of the Baba Abdul Rehman, Moulanasaheb
Mohammed Hussain, Sai Baba, Baba Tajuddin and a few other saints
(living) were there. The wheel of time did not even spare these. He was
lying sick and was suffering in Mumbai. Why should the pictures suffer
there (in Bandra)? All the pictures met their end; but how Sai Baba’s
picture escaped it, nobody had been able to explain to me up till now.
It shows the all-pervasiveness, omnipresence of Sai and His inscrutable
power. The story goes like this :
He had a small picture of Saint Baba Abdul Rehman from
Mohammed Hussain Thariyatopan many years ago. He gave it to his
brother-in-law Noor Mohammed Peerbhoy, and it was lying on his
table for eight years. Once, Peerbhoy took it to a photographer and got
it enlarged to life-size and distributed copies of the same amongst his
relations and friends including Ali Mohammed, who fixed it up in his
Bandra house. Noor Mohammed was a disciple of saint Abdul Rehman,
and when he went to present the picture to his Guru in an open darbar
held by him, the Guru got wild and ran to beat him and drove him out.
He felt sorry and dejected. He also thought that he spent so much of
money, and incurred his Guru’s displeasure and wrath as his Guru,
Baba Abdul Rehman did not like image-worship. He took the enlarged
picture of Baba Rehman with him to Apolo Bunder, and after hiring a
boat, took it and immersed it in the sea. He requested the friends and
relations to return their copies and after getting them (6 in all) back, had
them immersed in Bandra sea. At this time Ali Mohammed was in his
brother-in-law’s house. He was told by him that his suffering would
come to an end, if he would soon immerse the pictures of the other
saints also in the sea. On hearing this Ali Mohammed sent Mehta (his
manager) to his Bandra house, and got all the pictures of the saints in
the house to be thrown into the sea.
When Ali Mohammed returned home after two months, he was
surprised to find Sai Baba’s picture on the wall as before. He did not
understand, how Mehta took away all the pictures except this. He
immediately took it out and kept it in his cupboard, fearing that if his
brother-in-law saw it, he would do away with it. While he was thinking,
how it should be disposed off and who would keep it with care, Sai
baba Himself as it were, suggested to him that he should see and
consult Moulana Ismu Mujavar and abide by his opinion. He met the
Moulana and told him everything. After much consultation, they both
decided that the picture should be presented to Annasaheb (Hemadpant)
and that, he would protect it well. Then, they both went to Hemadpant
and presented him the picture in the nick of time.
This story shows, how Baba knew all past, present and future,
and how skillfully He pulled the wires and fulfilled desires of His
devotees. The following story shows that, Baba liked very much those
who took real interest in spiritual matters and that, He removed all their
difficulties and made them happy.

Stealing the Rags and Reading of Dnyaneshwari

Mr. B.V. Dev, who was Mamlatdar of Dahanu (Thana district),
wished for a long time to read Dnyaneshwari – (the well-knwon Marathi
commentary on the Bhagawad-Gita, by Dnyaneshwar), along with other
scriptures. He could read daily one chapter of the Bhagawad-Gita, but
when he took Dnyaneshwari in hand, some difficulties cropped up and
he was precluded from reading it. He took three months’ leave, went to
Shirdi, and thence to his home at Poud for rest. He could read other
books there but when he opened Dnyaneshwari, some evil or stray
thoughts came crowding up in his mind and stopped him in the effort.
Try as much as he could, he was not able to read even a few lines of
the book with ease. So, he resolved in his mind that when Baba would
create love for the book, and would order him to read it, he would begin
and not till then. Then, in the month of February 1914, he went with
his family to Shirdi. There, Jog asked him, whether he reads
Dnyaneshwari daily. Dev replied that, he was desirous of reading it,
but he was not successful and that, only when Baba would order him
to read it, he would commence. Jog then advised him to take a copy of
the book and present it to Baba, and start the reading after it was
consecrated and returned by Him. Dev replied that, he did not want to
resort to this device, as Baba knows his heart. Would He not know his
desire and satisfy it by giving him a clear order to read?
Dev, then, saw Baba and offered one rupee as dakshina. Baba
asked for Rs. 20/-, which he gave. At night, he met one Balakram and
enquired from him, as to how he secured Baba’s devotion and grace.
Balakram told him that he would communicate everything next day
after Arati. When Dev went for darshan the next day, Baba asked for
Rs. 20/-, which he gave willingly. As the Masjid was crowded, Dev
went aside and sat in a corner. Baba asked him to come closer and sit
with a calm mind, which Dev did. Then, after the noon-Arati was over
and the men dispersed, Dev saw Balakram again and asked him his
previous experiences, what Baba told him and how he was taught
meditation. While Balakram was going to reply, Baba sent one Chandru,
a leper devotee, to call Dev to Him. When Dev went to Baba, the latter
asked him, with whom and what he was talking. He said that he was
with Balakram and heard from him His fame. Then, Baba asked again
Rs. 25/- as Dakshina, which Dev gladly gave. Then, Baba took him
inside and sitting near the post charged him saying, “You stole away
My rags, without My knowledge.” Dev denied any knowledge of the
rags, but Baba asked him to make a search. He searched but found
none. Then, Baba got angry and said, “There is nobody here, you are
the only thief, grey-haired and old, you came here for stealing!” After
this, Baba lost His temper, got terribly wild, gave all sorts of abuses and
scoldings. Dev remained silent and apprehended that, he might get a
beating also. After about an hour or so, Baba asked him to go to the
Wada. He returned to the Wada and told Jog and Balakram all that had
happened. Then, in the after-noon Baba sent for all of them and said
that, His words might have pained the old man (Dev), but as he
committed the theft, He took him to task. Then, Baba asked again for Rs.
12/-. Dev collected the amount, paid it and prostrated himself before
Him. Then, Baba said to him, “Go on reading the Pothi (Dnyaneshwari)
daily, go and sit in the Wada, read regularly every day, and while
reading, explain the portion read to all with love and devotion. I am
sitting here, ready to give you the whole gold-embroidered Shela (valuable
shawl), then, why go to others to steal rags! and why should you get
into the habit of stealing?”
Dev, was much pleased to hear the words of Baba, for He directly
asked him to start reading Pothi (Dnyaneshwari). He thought that, he
got what he wanted and that, he could read the book with ease,
thenceforth. He again prostrated himself before Baba and said that, he
surrendered himself to Him, and that he should be treated as a child
and be helped in his reading. He realized then, what Baba meant by
‘stealing the rags’. What he asked Balakram constituted the ‘rags’, and
Baba did not like his behaviour in this respect. As He was ready to
answer all his questions, He did not like him to ask others and make
unnecessary enquiries, and therefore, He scolded him. Dev thought
that, He really did not ‘scold’ him but taught that, He was ready to fulfil
his desires and there was no use asking others, in vain. Dev took these
scoldings as blessings, and went home satisfied and contented.
The matter did not end here. Baba did not stop with only issuing
an order to read. Within a year, He went to Dev and enquired about his
progress. On 2nd April, 1914, on Thursday morning Baba gave him a
dream. He sat on the upper floor and asked him, whether he understood
the Pothi. “No”, answered Dev. Baba said, “Then, when are you going
to understand?” Dev burst into tears and said, “Unless, You shower
Your grace, the reading is mere burden, and the understanding is still
more difficult.” Baba told, “While reading you make haste, read it before
Me, in My presence.” Dev asked – “What shall I read?” Baba said,
“Read Adhyatma (spiritualism).” Dev went in to bring the book, when
he opened his eyes he was fully awaken. We leave the readers to
imagine, what ineffable joy and bliss Dev felt after this vision.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 40

Stories of Baba

(1) Attending Mrs. Dev’s Udyapan Ceremony as a
Sanyaasi with two others (2) Visiting Hemadpant’s
House in the Form of His Picture
In this chapter we give two stories; (1) How Baba
attended the Udyapan ceremony, organised by Mr. B.V. Dev’s mother
at his house at Dahanu and (2) How Baba attended the Shimga dinnerparty
in Hemadpant’s house at Bandra.

Preliminary

Blessed is Shri Sai Samartha, Who gives instructions, in both
temporal and spiritual matters, to His devotees and makes them happy
by enabling them to achieve the goal of their life. Sai, when places His
hand on their heads, transfers His powers to them, and thus destroying
the sense of differentiation, makes them attain the unattainable thing.
He, Who embraces the Bhaktas, who prostrate themselves before Him
with no sense of duality or differentiation. He becomes one with the
Bhaktas, as the sea with the rivers. Now, to revert to the stories of this
chapter.

Mrs. Dev’s Udyapan Ceremony

Mr. B.V. Dev was a Mamlatdar at Dahanu (Thana district). His
mother had observed 25 or 30 religious vows and a Udyapan
(concluding) ceremony, in connection therewith, was to be performed.
This ceremony included the feeding of 100 or 200 brahmins. Mr Dev
fixed a date for the ceremony and wrote a letter to Bapusaheb Jog asking
him to request Sai Baba on his behalf, to attend the dinner of the
ceremony, as without His presence the ceremony would not be duly
completed. Bapusaheb Jog read out the letter to Baba. Baba noted carefully
the pure-hearted invitation, and said, “I always think of him, who
remembers Me. I require no conveyance, carriage, tonga, train, or
aeroplane. I manifest Myself to him, who lovingly calls Me. Write to
him a reply that, three of us (the trio), Myself, yourself and a third
person, will go and attend it.” Mr. Jog informed Mr. Dev, of what Baba
said. Mr. Dev was much pleased, but he knew that, Baba never went
to any place, except Rahata, Rui and Nimgaon, in person. He also
thought that, nothing was impossible for Baba as He was all-pervading
and that, He might suddenly come in any form and fulfil His words.
A few days before this, a Sanyaasi in bengali dress and professing
to work for the cause of the protection of the cows, came to the stationmaster
at Dahanu, to collect donations. The Station-master told him to
go into the town, and see the Mamlatdar (Mr. Dev) and with his help
collect funds. Just then, the Mamlatdar happened to come there. The
station-master then introduced the Sanyaasi to him. Both sat talking on
the platform. Mr. Dev told him that a subscription-list for some other
charitable cause had already been prepared by the leading citizen, Rao
Saheb Narottam Shetti, and so, it was not proper to start another
subscription-list and that, it would be better, if he would visit the place
after 2 or 4 months. Hearing this, the Sanyaasi left the place.
About a month afterwards, the Sanyaasi came in a tonga, which
stopped in front of Mr. Dev’s house at about 10 a.m. Dev thought that,
he came for donations. On seeing him busy with the preprations of the
ceremony, the Sanyaasi said that he had come not for money, but for
meals. Dev said, “All right, you are welcome in the house.” The Sanyaasi
said, “Two lads are with me.” Dev said, “Well, come with them.” As
there was about two hours for the meals to be served, Dev enquired,
where he should sent for them. He said that, it was not necessary, as
he would come himself at the appointed time. Dev asked him to come
at noon. Exactly at twelve noon, the trio came, joined the party, and after
feeding themselves went away.
After the ceremony was finished, Dev wrote a letter to Bapusaheb
Jog, complaining of Baba’s breach of promise. Jog went to Baba with the
letter, but before it was opened Baba spoke, “Ah, he says that I promised
him to come, but deceived him. Tell him that, I did attend his dinner
with two others but he failed to recognise Me. Then, why did he call
me at all? He thought that, the Sanyaasi came to ask for subscription
money, did I not remove his doubt in that respect, and did I not say that
I would come with two others, and did not the trio come in time and
have their meals? See, to keep My words, I would sacrifice my life, I
would never be untrue to My words.” This reply pleased Jog’s heart,
and he communicated the whole reply to Dev. As soon as he read it,
he burst into tears of joy; but he took himself to task mentally, for vainly
blaming Baba. He wondered, how he was deceived by the Sanyaasi’s
prior visit and his coming to him for subscriptions, how he also failed
to catch the significance of the Sanyaasi’s words that, he would come
with two others for meals.
This story clearly shows that, when the devotees surrender
themselves completely to their Sadguru, He sees to it that, the religious
functions in their houses are duly executed and complied with all the
necessary formalities.

Hemadpant’s Shimga Dinner

Now, let us take another story, which shows how Baba appeared
in the form of His picture and fulfilled the desire of His devotee.
In 1917, on the morning of the full-moon day Hemadpant had a
vision. Baba appeared to him in his dream in the form of a well-dressed
Sanyaasi, woke him up, and said that He would come to him for meals
that day. This vision constituted a part of the dream. When he fully
woke up, he saw neither Sai nor any Sanyaasi. But, when he began to
recollect the dream, he remembered each and every word the Sanyaasi
uttered in his dream. Though, he was in contact with Baba for seven
years and always meditated on Baba, he never expected that Baba
would come to his house for meals. However, being much pleased with
Baba’s words, he went to his wife and informed her that being the Holi
day a Sanyaasi was coming for meals and that, some more rice should
be prepared. She enquired about the guest, who he was and where he
was coming from. Then, not to cause any misunderstanding, he gave
her the truth, and told her about the dream. She, doubtingly asked,
whether it was possible that, Baba should come there (Bandra) from
Shirdi, leaving the dainty dishes there to accept their coarse food.
Hemadpant then assured her that Baba might not come in person, but
He might attend in the form of a guest, and that they would lose
nothing, if they cooked some more rice.
After this, preparations for the dinner went on, and it was ready
at noon. The Holika-worship was through and the leaves, were spread
and arranged with ‘Rangoli’ around them. Two rows were arranged
with a central seat between them for the honourable guest. All members
of the family – sons, grandsons, daughters and sons-in-law etc. came
and occupied their seats, and the serving of the various items
commenced. While this was being done, everybody was watching for
the guest but none turned up, though it was past noon. Then, the
entrance was closed, the Anna-shuddhi (ghee) was served. This was a
signal to start eating. Formal offering to the Vaishwadeva (Fire), and
Naivaidya to Shri Krishna were also over and the members were about
to begin, when foot-steps in the stair-case were heard distinctly.
Hemadpant went immediately and opened the door and saw two men
there : (1) Ali Mohammed and (2) Moulana Ismu Mujavar. These two
persons, seeing that meals were laid out and all the members were
about to begin eating, apologised to Hemadpant and requested him to
excuse their interference. They said, “You left your seat and came
running to us, others are waiting for you, so, please take this thing, and
I shall relate all about it later, at your convenience.” Saying so, he took
out from under his arm a packet, wrapped in an old newspaper, and
placed it on the table. Hemadpant uncovered the packet and saw, to his
great wonder and pleasant surprise, a big and nice picture of Sai Baba.
On seeing it, he was much moved, tears ran down from his eyes and
hair stood on end all over his body, and he bent and placed his head
on the Feet of Baba in the picture. He thought that, Baba had blessed
him by this miracle or Leela. Out of curiosity, he asked Ali Mohammed,
how he got this picture. He said that, he bought it from a shop and that,
he would give all the details about it afterwards; and wished that as
all the members were waiting for him, he should go and join them.
Hemadpant thanked him, bade them good-bye, and returned to the
dining-hall. The picture was placed on the central seat, reserved for the
guest, and after making the due offering of the Naivaidya, the whole
party commenced eating and finished it in proper time. On seeing the
beautiful form of Sai in the picture, everybody was extremely pleased
and wondered, how all this happened.
This is how Sai Baba fulfilled His words, uttered by Him in the
dream of Hemadpant. The story of the picture with all its details, viz.,
how Ali Mohammed got it, why he bought it and gave it to Hemadpant,
is reserved for the next chapter.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 39

Baba’s Knowledge of Sanskrit

His Interpretation of a Verse from Gita – Construction
of the Samadhi Mandir

This chapter (39) deals with Baba’s interpretation of a
verse from the Bhagwad-Gita. As some people believed
that Baba had little knowledge of Sanskrit but by the interpretation of
Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s query Hemadpant refuted that charge, in
chapter no. 50, and as it deals with the same subject-matter, it is
incorporated in this chapter.

Preliminary

Blessed is Shirdi and blessed is Dwarkamai, where Shri Sai lived
and moved, until He took Mahasamadhi. Blessed are the people of
Shirdi, whom He obliged and for whom, He lived there. Shirdi was a
small village first, but it attained importance, on account of His contact
and became a Tirtha, holy place of pilgrimage. Equally blessed are the
womenfolk of Shirdi, blessed is their whole and undivided faith in Him.
They sang the glories of Baba, while bathing, grinding, pounding corn
and doing other house-hold work.

Baba’s Interpretation

Nobody believed that, Baba knew Sanskrit. One day He surprised
all by giving an interpretation of a verse from the Gita, to Nanasaheb
Chandorkar. A brief account about this matter was written by Mr. B.V.
Dev, retired Mamlatdar and published in Marathi in ‘Shri Sai Leela’
magazine, Vol. IV. Sphuta Vishaya, page 563. Short accounts of the
same are also published in ‘Sai Baba's Charters and Sayings' page 61
and in 'The Wondrous Saint Sai Baba' page 36 – both by B.V.
Narsimhaswami. Mr. B.V. Dev has also given an English version of this,
in his statement, dated 27-9-1936 and published on page 66 of ‘Devotees’
Experiences, Part III’, by Narsimha swami. As Mr. Dev has got first
hand information about this subject from Nanasaheb himself, we give
below his version.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar was a good student of Vedanta. He had
read Gita with commentaries. He fancied that Baba knew nothing of
Sanskrit texts. So Baba one day pricked the bubble. These were the days,
before crowds flocked to Baba, when Baba had individual meetings at
the Mosque with such devotees. Nana was sitting near Baba and
massaging His legs and muttering something under his breath.
Baba – Nana, what are you mumbling to yourself?
Nana – I am reciting a Shloka (verse)
Baba – What Shloka?
Nana – From Bhagawad-Gita
Baba – Say it loudly.
Nana, then, recited B.G., IV-34, which is as follows :
‘Tadviddhi Pranipaatena Pariprashnena Sevaya,
Upadekshyanti Te Gnyanam Gnyaninastattwadarshinah’*
Baba – Nana, do you understand it?
Nana – Yes.
Baba – If you do, then tell me its meaning!
Nana – It means this : “Making Sashtanga Namaskar. i.e.
prostration, asking the Guru, serving him, learn, what this Knowledge
is. Then those who have attained the real knowledge of the Sadvastu
(Brahma) will give you Upadesha (instruction) of Knowledge.”
Baba – Nana, I do not want this sort of collected purport of the
whole stanza. Give me each word, its grammatical force and meaning.
Then, Nana explained it word by word.
Baba – Nana, is it enough to merely make prostration?
Nana – I do not know any other meaning for the word ‘Pranipaat’
than ‘making prostration.’
Baba – What is ‘Pariprashna’?
Nana – Asking questions.
Baba – What does ‘Prashna’ mean?
Nana – The same (questioning).
Baba – If ‘Pariprashna’ means the same as ‘Prashna’ (question),
why did Vyasa add the prefix ‘Pari’? Was Vyasa off his head?
Nana – I do not know of any other meaning for the word
‘Pariprashna.’
Baba – ‘Seva’, what sort of ‘Seva’ is meant?
Nana – Just what we are doing to You.
Baba – Is it enough to render such service?
Nana – I do not know, what more is signified by the word ‘Seva’.
Baba – In the next line ‘Upadekshyanti te Gnyanam’, can you read
any other word in lieu of Gnyanam?
Nana – Yes.
Baba – What word?
Nana – Agnyanam.
Baba – Taking that word (instead of gnyan) is any meaning made
out of the verse?
Nana – No, Shankara Bhashya gives no such construction.
Baba – Never mind, if he does not. Is there any objection in using
the word ‘Agnyan’ if it gives a better sense?
Nana – I do not understand, how to construe by placing ‘Agnyan’
in it.
Baba – Why does Krishna refer Arjun to Tattwadarshis to do his
prostration, interrogation and service? Was not Krishna, a Tattwadarshi,
in fact Gnyan itself.
Nana – Yes, He was. But, I do not make out, why he referred Arjun
to Gnyanis?
Baba – Have you not understood this?
Nana was humiliated, His pride was knocked down. Then Baba
began to explain.
(1) It is not enough merely to prostrate before the Gnyanis. We
must make Sarvasva Sharanagati (complete surrender) to the Sadguru.
(2) Mere questioning is not enough. The question must not be
made with any improper motive or attitude or to trap the Guru and
catch mistakes in the answer, or out of idle curiosity. It must be earnest
with a view to achieve spiritual progress or liberation.
(3) Seva is not rendering service with the feeling that one is free
to offer or refuse service. One must feel that, he is not the master of the
body, that the body is Guru’s and exists merely to render service to him.
If this is done the Sadguru will show you, what the Knowledge
referred to in the previous stanza is.
Nana did not understand, what is meant by  saying, that a Guru
teaches Agnyan.
Baba – How is Gnyan Upadesh, i.e., imparting of realization to be
effected? Destroying ignorance is Gnyan. (of Verse – Ovi – 1396 of
Dnyaneshwari, commenting on Gita 18-66 says : “Removal of ignorance
is, Oh Arjun, if dream and sleep disappear, you are yourself. It is like
that.” Also, Ovi 83 on Gita V-16 says : “Is there anything different or
independent in Gnyan besides the destruction of ignorance?”)* Expelling
darkness means light. Destroying duality (Dwaita) means nonduality
(Adwaita). Whenever we speak of destroying Dwaita, we speak of
Adwaita. Whenever we talk of destroying darkness, we talk of light. If
we have to realize the Adwaita state, the feeling of Dwaita in ourselves
has to be removed. That is the realization of the Adwaita state. Who can
speak of Adwaita, while remaining in Dwaita state? Unless one gets
into that state of non-duality, how can one know it and realize it?
Again the Shishya (disciple), like the Sadguru, is the embodiment
of Gnyan. The difference between the two lies in the attitude, high
realization of Sadguru and his marvellous super human sattva
(beingness) and unrivalled capacity and Aishwarya Yoga (divine
powers). The Sadguru is Nirgun, Sat-Chit-Anand. He has indeed taken
human form to elevate mankind and raise the world. But his real
Nirgun nature is not destroyed thereby, even a bit. His existence (or
reality), divine power and wisdom remain undiminished. The disciple
also is in fact of the same Swarupa. But it is overlaid by the effect of the
Sanskars of innumerable births in the shape of ignorance, which veils
his view that, he is Shuddha Chaitanya (See, B.G., Ch. V-15).** As stated
therein, he gets the impressions : “I am Jiva, a creature, meek and poor.”
The Guru has to root out these offshoots of ignorance and has to give
Upadesh or instruction. To the disciple, held spell-bound for endless
generations by the ideas of his being a Jiva the Guru imparts the
teaching : “You are God, you are mighty and opulent.” Then, he realizes
that, he is God really. The perpetual delusion, under which the disciple
is labouring that he is the body, that he is a creature (jiva) or ego that,
God (Paramatma) and the world are different from him, is an ignorance
inherited from innumerable past births. From actions, based on it, he
has derived his joy, sorrows and mixtures of both. To remove this
delusion, this error, this root ignorance, he must start the inquiry. How
did the ignorance arise? Where is it? And to show him, this is called
the Guru’s Upadesh. The following are the instances of Agnyan :
1 – I am a Jiva (creature).
2 – Body is the soul (I am the body).
3 – God, world and Jiva are different.
4 – I am not God.
5 – Not knowing that body is not the soul.
6 – Not knowing that God, world and Jiva are one.
Unless these errors are exposed to his view, the disciple cannot
learn, what is God, Jiva, world, body; how they are interrelated and
whether they are different from each other, or are one and the same. To
teach him these and destroy his ignorance, is this instruction in Gnyan
or Agnyan. Why should Gnyan be imparted to the Jiva (who is a Gnyan
moorti). Upadesh is merely to show him his error and destroy his
ignorance.
Baba added - (1) Pranipaata implies complete surrender (2) Surrender
must be of body, mind and wealth (3) Why should Krishna refer to other
gnyanis? Sadbhakata takes everything to be Vasudev (B.G. VII-19 i.e.
any Guru would be Krishna to the devotee and Guru takes disciple to
be Vasudev (B.G. 7-18). As Shri Krishna knows that there are such
Gurus and disciples, He refers Arjun to them so that their greatness be
known.

Construction of the Samadhi Mandir

Baba never made any fuss about things, which He wanted to
accomplish, but He so skillfully arranged the circumstances that the
people were surprised at the slow but sure results attained. The
construction of the Samadhi Mandir is an instance. Shriman Bapusaheb
Buti, the famous multi-millionaire of Nagpur, lived in Shirdi with his
family. Once an idea arose in his mind that he should have a building
of his own there. Some time after this, while he was sleeping in Dixit
Wada he got a vision. Baba appeared in his dream and ordered him to
build a Wada with a temple. Shama, who was sleeping there, also got
a similar vision. When Bapusaheb awoke, he saw Shama crying and
asked the latter, as to why he was in tears. Shama replied that in his
vision, Baba came to him and ordered distinctly : “Build the Wada with
the temple! I shall fulfil the desires of all.” On hearing the sweet and
loving words of Baba, I was overpowered with emotion, my throat was
choked, my eyes were overflowing with tears and I began to cry.”
Bapusaheb was surprised to see that both their visions tallied. Being a
rich and capable man, he decided to build a Wada there and drew up
a plan with Shama (Madhavrao). Kakasaheb Dixit also approved of it.
And when it was placed before Baba, He also sanctioned it immediately.
Then the construciton-work was duly started, and under the supervision
of Shama, the ground floor, the cellar and the well were completed.
Baba on his way to and from Lendi, also suggested some improvements.
Further work was entrusted to Bapusaheb Jog; and when it was going
on, an idea struck Bapusaheb Buti’s mind that, there should be an open
space or platform and in the centre, the image of Murlidhar (Lord
Krishna with the flute) be installed. He asked Shama to refer this matter
to Baba and get His consent. The latter asked Baba about this when He
was just passing by the Wada. On hearing Shama, Baba gave His
consent saying, “After the temple is complete, I will come there to stay”,
and staring at the Wada He added, “After the Wada is complete, we
shall use it ourselves, we shall live, move and play there, embrace each
other and be happy”. Then, Shama asked Baba, whether this was the
auspicious time to begin the foundation-work of the central room of the
shrine. Baba answered in the affirmative. Then Shama got a coconut
broken there and started the work. In due time the work was completed
and an order was also placed for making a good image of Murlidhar.
But before it was ready, a new situation turned up. Baba became seriously
ill. Bapusaheb became very sad and dejected, thinking that if Baba
passed away, his Wada would not be consecrated by the holy touch of
Baba’s Feet, and all his money (about a lakh of rupees) would be wasted
away. But the words “Keep Me in the Wada”, which came out of Baba’s
mouth just before His passing away, consoled not only Bapusaheb, but
one and all. In due time, Baba’s holy body was placed and preserved
in the central shrine meant for Murlidhar, and Baba Himself became
Murlidhar, and the Wada thus became the Samadhi Mandir of Sai
Baba. His wonderful leela is unfathomable.
Blessed and fortunate is Bapusaheb Buti, in whose Wada lies the
holy and the pure body of Baba.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all

Shri Sai Satcharitra -- Chapter 38

Baba’s Handi – Disrespect of Shrine - Kala or Hodge
Podge – Cup of Butter-milk

In the last chapter, we described Baba’s Chavadi
procession. In this, we take up Baba’s Handi (cooking
pot), and some other subjects.

Preliminary

Oh, blessed Sadguru Sai, we bow to You, Who has given happiness
to the whole world, accomplished the welfare of the devotees and have
removed the affliction of those, who have resorted to Your Feet. By being
very liberal and also being the protector and saviour of the bhaktas,
who surrender themselves to You, You have Incarnated Yourself in this
world to oblige mankind and do them good. The liquid essence of Pure
Self was poured into the mould of Brahma and out of this has come
out the crest-jewel of the saints – Sai. This Sai is Atmaram Himself. He
is the Abode of the Perfect Divine Bliss. After having attained Himself
all objects of life, He made His devotees established on the path.

Baba’s Handi

Different Sadhanas (means of accomplishments) are prescribed in
our scriptures for different ages. Tapa (penance) is recommended for
Krita age, Dnyan (knowledge) for Treta age, Yagnya (sacrifice) for
Dwapara age and Daan (Charity) for Kali (present) age. Of all the
charities, giving food is the best one. We are much perturbed, when we
get no food at noon. Other beings feel similarly under such
circumstances. After knowing this, he, who gives food to the poor and
hungry, is the best donor or charitable person. The Taittiriya Upanishad
says that “Food is Brahma; from food all the creatures are born and by
food they live, and after having departed, into food again they enter.”
When an Atithi (guest) comes to our door at noon, it is our duty to
welcome him by giving him food. Other kinds of charities, viz. giving
away wealth, property and clothes etc., require some discrimination but
in the matter of food no such consideration is necessary. If anybody
comes to our door at noon, he should be served forthwith; and if lame,
crippled, blind and diseased persons come, they should be fed first and
the able-bodied persons and our relations afterwards. The merit of
feeding the former is much greater, than that of feeding the latter. Other
kinds of charities are imperfect without this Anna-daan (donation of
food), just as stars without the moon, necklace without its pendant,
crown without its pinnacle, pond without a lotus, Bhajan without
devotion, married lady without the Kumkum-mark, song without a
sweet voice or butter-milk without salt. Just as Varan (pulse-soup)
excels all other dishes, Anna-daan is the best of all merits. Now, let us
see how Baba prepared food and distributed it to others.
It has been stated before that, Baba required very little food for
Himself, and what ever little He wanted was obtained by begging from
a few houses. But when He decided to distribute food to all, He made
all preparations, Himself. He depended on nobody and troubled none,
in this matter. First He went to the bazaar and bought all the things,
corn, flour, spices etc., paying cash. He also did the grinding. In the
open court-yard of the Masjid, He arranged a big hearth and after
lighting a fire, He kept a Handi over it with a proper measure of water.
There were two kinds of Handis, one small and the other big. The
former provided food for 50 persons, the latter for 100. Some times He
cooked ‘Mithe Chaval’ (sweet rice), and at other times ‘Biryani’ with
meat. At times, in the boiling Varan (soup), He let in small balls of thick
or flat bread of wheat flour. He grinded the spices on a stone-slab and
put the thin pulverized spices, into the cooking-pot. He took all pains
to make the dishes very palatable. He prepared ‘Ambil’ by boiling
jawari-flour in water and later mixing to it butter-milk, and then boiled
both together. With the food, He distributed this Ambil to all alike. To
see whether the food was properly cooked or not, Baba rolled up the
sleeve of His Kafni and put His bare arm, in the boiling cauldron,
without fear, and churned (moved) the whole mass from side to side
and up and down. There was no mark of burn on His arm nor fear on
His face. When the cooking was over, Baba got the pots in the Masjid
and had them duly consecrated by the Moulvi (Muslim priest). First He
sent part of the food as Prasad to Mhalsapati and Tatya Patil, and then
He served the remaining contents with His own hand to all the poor
and helpless people, to their heart’s content. Really blessed and fortunate
must be those people, who got food, prepared by Baba and served by
Somebody may raise a point here and ask : “Did Baba distribute
vegetarian and nonvegetarian food as Prasad to all His devotees?” The
answer is plain and simple. Those who were accustomed to nonvegetarian
food, were given non-vegetarian food from the Handi as
Prasad and those who were not so accustomed were given vegetarian
meal. He never created in them any wish or desire to indulge in this
food. There is a principle that, when a Guru himself gives anything as
Prasad, the disciple who thinks and doubts whether it is acceptable or
otherwise, goes to perdition (future misery). In order to see, whether any
disciple has imbibed this principle, Baba at times put them to tests. For
instance, on an Ekadashi day, He gave some rupees to Dada Kelkar and
asked him to go in person to Korhala to get meat from there. This Dada
Kelkar was an orthodox Brahmin and adhered to all orthodox manners
in his life. He knew that offering wealth, grain and clothes etc. to a
Sadguru was not enough; but that implicit obedience to Him and prompt
compliance with His order was the real dakshina, that pleased Him
most. So Dada Kelkar dressed himself and started for the place. Then
Baba called him back and said, “Don’t go yourself; but send somebody.”
Then, Dada sent his own servant, Pandu, for the purpose. When Baba
saw him going, He asked Dada to call him back and cancelled that
programme. On another occasion Baba asked Dada, just to see how the
saltish ‘Biryani’ (mutton dish) was done. The latter replied casually
that, it was all right. Then, Baba said to him, “Neither have you seen
it with your eyes, nor tasted it with your tongue, then how could you
say that it was good? Just take off the lid and see!” While saying this
Baba caught his arm and thrust it into the pot and added, “Take some
out of this leaving aside your orthodox ways and taste a little.” When
a wave of real love rises in a mother’s mind, she pinches her child and
when he begins to cry, she hugs him close to her bosom. Similarly, Baba,
in a true motherly way, pinched Dada Kelkar in this way. Really, no
saint or Guru will ever force his orthodox disciple, to eat food forbidden
in his religion.
The Handi business went on for some time till 1910, and was
stopped thereafter. As stated before, Das Ganu spread the fame of Baba
by his kirtans, far and wide, in the Mumbai Presidency and people from
that part of the country began to flock to Shirdi, which became very
soon a place of pilgrimage. The devotees brought with them various
articles for presentation and offered various dishes of food as Naivaidya.
The quantity of Naivaidya offered by them was so much that, the Fakirs
and paupers could feed themselves to their heart’s content, leaving
some surplus behind. Before stating how Naivaidya was distributed,
we shall refer to Nanasaheb Chandorkar’s story, showing Baba’s regard
for local shrines and deities.

Nanasaheb’s Disrespect of a Shrine

By drawing inferences or guessing in their own way, some people
said that Sai was a Brahmin and some said that He was a Muslim. In
Reality, He belonged to no caste. No one knew definitely when He was
born, and in what community, and who His parents were. Then how
could He be a Muslim or Brahmin? If He was a Muslim, how could He
keep Dhuni ever burning in the Masjid, how could there be a Tulsivrindavan
there, how could He allow the blowing of conches and
ringing of bells, how could He allow all the different forms of Hindu
worship there? Had He been a Muslim, could He have ears pierced and
could He have spent money from His pocket for repairing Hindu temples?
On the contrary, He never tolerated the slightest disrespect to Shrines
and Deities.
Once Nanasaheb Chandorkar came to Shirdi with his ‘Sadhu’ –
husband of his wife’s sister, Mr. Biniwale. When they went to the
Masjid and sat before Baba, the latter suddenly got angry with Nanasaheb
and said, “You have been so long in My company then why do you
behave like this?” Nanasaheb at first did not understand anything and
humbly requested Baba to explain. Baba asked him, when did he come
to Kopergaon and how he came to Shirdi from there Nanasaheb then
at once realized his mistake. He usually worshipped the Shrine of
Datta, on the banks of the Godavari, at Kopergaon on his way to Shirdi
but this time he dissuaded his relative, who was a Datta Bhakta, from
going to that Shrine in order to avoid delay and drove straight. He
confessed all this to Baba and told Him that, while bathing in the
Godavari, a big thorn went into his foot and gave him much trouble.
Baba said that, that was a slight punishment he met and warned him
to be more careful in future.

Kala (hotch-potch)

To revert to the distribution of the Naivaidya : After the Arati was
over and after Baba sent away the people with Udi and blessings, He
went inside and sat behind a curtain with His back to the Nimbar for
meals, with two rows of the intimate devotees, one on each side. The
Bhaktas brought Naivaidya, containing a variety of food, such as puris,
mande, polis, basundi, sanza, fine rice etc and kept waiting outside, for
prasad, consecrated by Baba. All the foods were mixed in a hotch-potch
and placed before Baba. He offered it to God and consecrated it. Then
portions of the same were given to the persons, waiting outside and the
rest was served to the group of devotees inside, with Baba at the centre.
The Bhaktas sitting in two rows then dined to their heart’s content.
Baba asked Shama and Nanasaheb Nimonkar, daily to serve the
consecrated food to all persons, sitting inside and look to their individual
needs and comforts. This they did very carefully and willingly. Every
morsel of the food thus partaken gave them fufilment and satisfaction.
Such sweet, lovely and consecrated food it was ! Ever auspicious and
ever holy!

Cup of Butter-milk

Once Hemadpant had eaten to his full capacity in this company,
when Baba offered him a cup of butter-milk. Its white appearance
pleased him, but there was no space for it. He however, took only a sip,
on seeing his faultering attitude, Baba said, “Drink it all, you won’t get
any such opportunity, hereafter.” He drank it off then, and found that
Baba’s words were prophetic, for He passed away after a brief period.
Now readers, we have certainly to thank Hemadpant. He drank
the cup of butter-milk; but has supplied us with sufficient quantity of
nectar in the form of Baba’s Leelas. Let us drink this nectar to our
heart’s content and be satisfied and happy.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all