Tested and Never Found Wanting
Kaka Mahajani’s Friend and Master – Bandra
insomnia case – Bala Patil Newaskar
This chapter also continues with the subject of the
importance and effectiveness of the Udi; it also gives
two cases in which Baba was tested and not found wanting. These
cases will be taken up first.
Preliminary
In spiritual matters or endeavours, sectarianism is the greatest bar
to our progress. Those who believe that God is without form, are heard
saying that, to believe that God is with the form is an illusion; and that
the saints are only human beings. Then why should they bow down
their heads before them and offer dakshina? Persons belonging to other
sects will also raise objections and say : “Why should they bow and
offer allegiance to other saints, leaving their own Gurus?” Similar
objections regarding Sai Baba were heard before and even now. Some
said that when they went to Shirdi, Baba asked for dakshina from them;
is it good that saints should collect money in this fashion? If they do
so, where is their sainthood? But there are many instances where men
went to Shirdi to scoff but remained there to pray. Two such instances
are given below.
Kaka Mahajani’s Friend
A friend of Kaka Mahajani was a worshipper of Nirgun, God
without form, and was averse to idolatry. Out of curiosity he agreed to
go to Shirdi with Kaka Mahajani on two conditions, viz : (1) that he
would neither bow down to Baba, (2) nor pay Him any dakshina. Kaka
agreed to these conditions and they both left Mumbai on a Saturday
night and reached Shirdi the next morning. As soon as they put their
feet on the steps of the Masjid, Baba, looking at the friend from a little
distance addressed him in sweet words as follows : “Oh, welcome sir*”.
The tone in which He uttered these words, was a very peculiar one. It
exactly resembled the tone of the friend’s father. It reminded him of his
departed father and sent a thrill through his body. What an enchanting
power the tone had! Being surprised the friend said, “This is no doubt
the voice of my father”. Then, he at once went up and forgetting his
resolution, placed his head upon Baba’s Feet.
Then Baba asked for dakshina twice, once in the morning and
again at noon, at the time of their taking leave but, He asked it from
Kaka only and not from the friend. The latter whispered to Kaka, “Baba
asked for dakshina from you twice. I am with you why does He ignore
me?” “You ask Baba yourself’ was Kaka’s reply. Baba asked Kaka,
what his friend was whispering, then the friend asked Baba himself
whether he should pay any dakshina. Baba replied, “You had no mind
to pay, so you were not asked, but if you want to pay now you may.”
Then the friend paid Rs. 17 as dakshina, the same amount that Kaka
paid. Baba then addressed him with a few words of advice, “You
destroy the Teli’s wall (sense of difference) between us, so that we can
see and meet each other face to face.” Then, Baba allowed them to leave.
Though the weather was cloudy and rough, Baba assured them of their
safe journey, and both of them reached Mumbai safely. When he reached
home and opened the door and windows of his house, he found two
sparrows dead on the ground and one just flying out through a window.
He thought that if he had left the windows open, two sparrows would
have been saved but thought again that, they had met their lot, and that
Baba had sent him back soon just to save the third sparrow.
Kaka Mahajani’s Master
Kaka was the Manager in the firm of Thakkar Dharamsey Jethabhai,
a solicitor of Mumbai. Both the Master and the Manager, were on
intimate terms. Mr. Thakkar knew that Kaka would often go to Shirdi,
stay there for some days and return, when Baba permitted him. Out of
curiosity Mr. Thakkar decided to go to Shirdi with Kaka, during Shimga
holidays. As Kaka’s return was uncertain, he took another man with
him, for his company. The three started together and Kaka bought two
seers of raisins (dried grapes with seed), on the way for presentation to
Baba. They reached Shirdi in due time, and went to the Masjid for
darshan. Babasaheb Tarkhad was also there, and Mr. Thakkar asked
him, why he came there. “For darshan”, Tarkhad replied. Mr. Thakkar
asked if miracles took place there. Tarkhad replied that it (to see miracles)
was not the concern, the earnest intentions of the bhaktas were satisfied
here. Then, Kaka prostrated himself before Baba and offered the raisins
to Him. Baba ordered them to be distributed. Mr. Thakkar also got a few
of them. He did not want to have the raisins, as he was advised by his
doctor not to eat them without washing and cleaning them. So he was
in a fix. He did not want to eat them, nor could he reject them. To keep
up formalities, he put them into his mouth but did not know, what to
do with the seeds. He could not spit them out on the floor of the Masjid,
so he pocketed them against his wish. He then said in his mind that,
if Baba was a Saint, how could He be ignorant of his dislike for the
raisins, and how could He force them on him. When this thought arose
in his mind Baba again gave him some more raisins He could not eat
them but held them in his hand. Then Baba asked him to eat them up.
He obeyed and found to his surprise that, they were all seedless. He
wanted to see miracles and here was one. He knew that Baba read his
thought and as per his wish converted raisins (with seeds) into seedless
grapes. What a wonderful power! Again to test further, he asked Tarkhad,
who was sitting by and who also got some raisins, “What kind of
grapes you got?” He replied, “The variety with seeds.” Mr. Thakkar
was still more surprised to hear this. Then to confirm his faith further
Thakkar thought in his mind that, if Baba was a real saint, the raisins
should be now given to Kaka first. Reading this thought also, Baba
ordered that, distribution should be commenced from Kaka. These proofs
were sufficient for Thakkar.
Then Shama introduced Mr. Thakkar, as the master of Kaka, upon
which Baba said, “How could he be his master? He has got a different
Master altogether.” Kaka appreciated this reply. After forgetting his
resolve, Thakkar saluted Baba and returned to the wada.
After the noon-Arati was over, they all went to the Masjid for
taking Baba’s leave for their departure. Shama spoke for them. Baba,
then spoke as follows :
“There was a fickle-minded gentleman. He had health and wealth
and was free from both, physical and mental afflictions, but he took on
needless anxieties and burdens and wandered hither and thither, thus
losing his peace of mind. Some times, he dropped the burdens and at
other times carried them again. His mind knew no steadiness. On
seeing his state, I took pity on him and said, “Now, keep your faith on
one place you like, why roam like this?”
Thakkar at once understood that, this was an exact description of
himself. He wished that Kaka should also return with him; but no one
expected that Kaka would be allowed to leave Shirdi, so soon. Baba
read this thought also and permitted Kaka to return with his master.
Then Baba asked Kaka for Rs. 15/- as dakshina and received it.
He said, “If I take one rupee as Dakshina from anybody, I have to return
tenfold to him. I never take anything gratis. I never ask any one,
indiscriminately. I only ask and take from him, whom the Fakir (My
Guru) points out. If any one is indebted formerly to the Fakir, Dakshina
is received from him. The donor gives, i.e. sows his seeds, only to reap
a rich harvest in future. Wealth should be the means to work out
dharma. If it is used for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. Unless you
have given it before, you do not get it now. So, the best way to receive,
is to give. The giving of Dakshina, advances Vairagya (non-attachment),
and thereby Bhakti and Dnyan. Give one and receive tenfold!”
On hearing these words Mr. Thakkar himself gave Rs. 15/- in
Baba’s hand, forgetting his earlier resolve, not to do so. He thought, it
was good that he came to Shirdi as all his doubts were solved and he
learnt so much.
Baba’s skill in handling such cases was unique. Though He
conducted all that, He was totally non-attached to them. Whether
anybody saluted Him or not, or whether anybody gave Him Dakshina
or not, all was same to Him. He felt no pleasure, if He was worshipped
and felt no pain, if He was disregarded. He had transcended the pairs
of opposites, viz. pleasure and pain, etc.
Insomnia case
A Kayastha Prabhu gentleman of Bandra suffered from insomnia
for long. As soon as he lay down for sleep, his departed father appeared
to him in his dream, abused and scolded him severely. This disturbed
his sleep and made him restless the whole night. Every night this went
on and the man did not know what to do. One day he consulted a
devotee of Baba in this respect. He recommended the Udi, as the only
infallible remedy he knew. He gave him some of the Udi and asked him
to apply a little on his forehead before going to bed and keep the Udipacket,
under his pillow. He tried this remedy and found to his great
surprise and joy that he had a sound sleep, and there was no disturbance
of any kind. He continued the remedy and always remembered Sai.
Then he got a picture of Sai Baba, which he hung on the wall, near his
pillow and started worshipping it daily, and on Thursdays offered
garland, Naivaidya etc. Then he got well and forgot his trouble
altogether.
Balaji Patil Newaskar
This man was a great devotee of Baba. He rendered excellent and
selfless service. Every day he swept and kept clean all the passages and
streets in Shirdi, through which Baba passed in His daily routine. After
him this work was done equally well by another devotee,
Radhakrishnamai, and after her by Abdulla. When Balaji reaped his
corn every year, he brought the whole quantity and presented it to Baba.
He returned with what Baba gave him back and maintained himself
and his family with it. This course was followed by him for many years
and after him by his son also.
Power and Efficacy of Udi
Once it happened that, on Balaji’s death anniversary a certain
number of guests were invited and the dinner was prepared for them.
But at dinner-time it was found that, thrice the number of people
invited, turned up. Mrs. Newaskar was in a fix. She thought that the
food would not suffice for the people assembled, and if it fell short, the
honour of the family would be at stake. Her mother-in-law comforted
her by saying, “Don’t be afraid, it is not ours but Sai’s food; cover every
vessel with cloth, putting some Udi in it and serve from the same
without opening it; Sai will save us from ignominy.” She did as she was
advised, and it was found to their surprise and joy that, not only did
the food suffice for all, but plenty of it remained after serving. “As one
feels intently, so he realizes accordingly” was proved in this case.
Sai appearing as Serpent
Once Raghu Patil of Shirdi went to Balaji Patil at Newase. That
evening he found that a serpent entered the cowshed hissing. All the
cattle were afraid and became restless. The inmates of the house were
frightened, but Balaji thought that it was Sai, Who appeared in his
house as a serpent. Without being afraid in the least, he brought a cup
of milk and placing it before the serpent said, “Baba, why do You hiss
like this? Do you want to frighten us? Take this cup of milk and drink
it with a calm mind.” Saying this, he sat down close by. The other
members were frightened and did not know what to do. In a short time
the serpent disappeared of its own and nobody knew where it went. It
was not found, though a thorough search was made in the cowshed.
Balaji had two wives and some children. They some times went
to Shirdi, from Newase, for taking Baba’s darshan. Then, Baba bought
saris and other clothes, which were given to them with His blessings.
Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all
Kaka Mahajani’s Friend and Master – Bandra
insomnia case – Bala Patil Newaskar
This chapter also continues with the subject of the
importance and effectiveness of the Udi; it also gives
two cases in which Baba was tested and not found wanting. These
cases will be taken up first.
Preliminary
In spiritual matters or endeavours, sectarianism is the greatest bar
to our progress. Those who believe that God is without form, are heard
saying that, to believe that God is with the form is an illusion; and that
the saints are only human beings. Then why should they bow down
their heads before them and offer dakshina? Persons belonging to other
sects will also raise objections and say : “Why should they bow and
offer allegiance to other saints, leaving their own Gurus?” Similar
objections regarding Sai Baba were heard before and even now. Some
said that when they went to Shirdi, Baba asked for dakshina from them;
is it good that saints should collect money in this fashion? If they do
so, where is their sainthood? But there are many instances where men
went to Shirdi to scoff but remained there to pray. Two such instances
are given below.
Kaka Mahajani’s Friend
A friend of Kaka Mahajani was a worshipper of Nirgun, God
without form, and was averse to idolatry. Out of curiosity he agreed to
go to Shirdi with Kaka Mahajani on two conditions, viz : (1) that he
would neither bow down to Baba, (2) nor pay Him any dakshina. Kaka
agreed to these conditions and they both left Mumbai on a Saturday
night and reached Shirdi the next morning. As soon as they put their
feet on the steps of the Masjid, Baba, looking at the friend from a little
distance addressed him in sweet words as follows : “Oh, welcome sir*”.
The tone in which He uttered these words, was a very peculiar one. It
exactly resembled the tone of the friend’s father. It reminded him of his
departed father and sent a thrill through his body. What an enchanting
power the tone had! Being surprised the friend said, “This is no doubt
the voice of my father”. Then, he at once went up and forgetting his
resolution, placed his head upon Baba’s Feet.
Then Baba asked for dakshina twice, once in the morning and
again at noon, at the time of their taking leave but, He asked it from
Kaka only and not from the friend. The latter whispered to Kaka, “Baba
asked for dakshina from you twice. I am with you why does He ignore
me?” “You ask Baba yourself’ was Kaka’s reply. Baba asked Kaka,
what his friend was whispering, then the friend asked Baba himself
whether he should pay any dakshina. Baba replied, “You had no mind
to pay, so you were not asked, but if you want to pay now you may.”
Then the friend paid Rs. 17 as dakshina, the same amount that Kaka
paid. Baba then addressed him with a few words of advice, “You
destroy the Teli’s wall (sense of difference) between us, so that we can
see and meet each other face to face.” Then, Baba allowed them to leave.
Though the weather was cloudy and rough, Baba assured them of their
safe journey, and both of them reached Mumbai safely. When he reached
home and opened the door and windows of his house, he found two
sparrows dead on the ground and one just flying out through a window.
He thought that if he had left the windows open, two sparrows would
have been saved but thought again that, they had met their lot, and that
Baba had sent him back soon just to save the third sparrow.
Kaka Mahajani’s Master
Kaka was the Manager in the firm of Thakkar Dharamsey Jethabhai,
a solicitor of Mumbai. Both the Master and the Manager, were on
intimate terms. Mr. Thakkar knew that Kaka would often go to Shirdi,
stay there for some days and return, when Baba permitted him. Out of
curiosity Mr. Thakkar decided to go to Shirdi with Kaka, during Shimga
holidays. As Kaka’s return was uncertain, he took another man with
him, for his company. The three started together and Kaka bought two
seers of raisins (dried grapes with seed), on the way for presentation to
Baba. They reached Shirdi in due time, and went to the Masjid for
darshan. Babasaheb Tarkhad was also there, and Mr. Thakkar asked
him, why he came there. “For darshan”, Tarkhad replied. Mr. Thakkar
asked if miracles took place there. Tarkhad replied that it (to see miracles)
was not the concern, the earnest intentions of the bhaktas were satisfied
here. Then, Kaka prostrated himself before Baba and offered the raisins
to Him. Baba ordered them to be distributed. Mr. Thakkar also got a few
of them. He did not want to have the raisins, as he was advised by his
doctor not to eat them without washing and cleaning them. So he was
in a fix. He did not want to eat them, nor could he reject them. To keep
up formalities, he put them into his mouth but did not know, what to
do with the seeds. He could not spit them out on the floor of the Masjid,
so he pocketed them against his wish. He then said in his mind that,
if Baba was a Saint, how could He be ignorant of his dislike for the
raisins, and how could He force them on him. When this thought arose
in his mind Baba again gave him some more raisins He could not eat
them but held them in his hand. Then Baba asked him to eat them up.
He obeyed and found to his surprise that, they were all seedless. He
wanted to see miracles and here was one. He knew that Baba read his
thought and as per his wish converted raisins (with seeds) into seedless
grapes. What a wonderful power! Again to test further, he asked Tarkhad,
who was sitting by and who also got some raisins, “What kind of
grapes you got?” He replied, “The variety with seeds.” Mr. Thakkar
was still more surprised to hear this. Then to confirm his faith further
Thakkar thought in his mind that, if Baba was a real saint, the raisins
should be now given to Kaka first. Reading this thought also, Baba
ordered that, distribution should be commenced from Kaka. These proofs
were sufficient for Thakkar.
Then Shama introduced Mr. Thakkar, as the master of Kaka, upon
which Baba said, “How could he be his master? He has got a different
Master altogether.” Kaka appreciated this reply. After forgetting his
resolve, Thakkar saluted Baba and returned to the wada.
After the noon-Arati was over, they all went to the Masjid for
taking Baba’s leave for their departure. Shama spoke for them. Baba,
then spoke as follows :
“There was a fickle-minded gentleman. He had health and wealth
and was free from both, physical and mental afflictions, but he took on
needless anxieties and burdens and wandered hither and thither, thus
losing his peace of mind. Some times, he dropped the burdens and at
other times carried them again. His mind knew no steadiness. On
seeing his state, I took pity on him and said, “Now, keep your faith on
one place you like, why roam like this?”
Thakkar at once understood that, this was an exact description of
himself. He wished that Kaka should also return with him; but no one
expected that Kaka would be allowed to leave Shirdi, so soon. Baba
read this thought also and permitted Kaka to return with his master.
Then Baba asked Kaka for Rs. 15/- as dakshina and received it.
He said, “If I take one rupee as Dakshina from anybody, I have to return
tenfold to him. I never take anything gratis. I never ask any one,
indiscriminately. I only ask and take from him, whom the Fakir (My
Guru) points out. If any one is indebted formerly to the Fakir, Dakshina
is received from him. The donor gives, i.e. sows his seeds, only to reap
a rich harvest in future. Wealth should be the means to work out
dharma. If it is used for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. Unless you
have given it before, you do not get it now. So, the best way to receive,
is to give. The giving of Dakshina, advances Vairagya (non-attachment),
and thereby Bhakti and Dnyan. Give one and receive tenfold!”
On hearing these words Mr. Thakkar himself gave Rs. 15/- in
Baba’s hand, forgetting his earlier resolve, not to do so. He thought, it
was good that he came to Shirdi as all his doubts were solved and he
learnt so much.
Baba’s skill in handling such cases was unique. Though He
conducted all that, He was totally non-attached to them. Whether
anybody saluted Him or not, or whether anybody gave Him Dakshina
or not, all was same to Him. He felt no pleasure, if He was worshipped
and felt no pain, if He was disregarded. He had transcended the pairs
of opposites, viz. pleasure and pain, etc.
Insomnia case
A Kayastha Prabhu gentleman of Bandra suffered from insomnia
for long. As soon as he lay down for sleep, his departed father appeared
to him in his dream, abused and scolded him severely. This disturbed
his sleep and made him restless the whole night. Every night this went
on and the man did not know what to do. One day he consulted a
devotee of Baba in this respect. He recommended the Udi, as the only
infallible remedy he knew. He gave him some of the Udi and asked him
to apply a little on his forehead before going to bed and keep the Udipacket,
under his pillow. He tried this remedy and found to his great
surprise and joy that he had a sound sleep, and there was no disturbance
of any kind. He continued the remedy and always remembered Sai.
Then he got a picture of Sai Baba, which he hung on the wall, near his
pillow and started worshipping it daily, and on Thursdays offered
garland, Naivaidya etc. Then he got well and forgot his trouble
altogether.
Balaji Patil Newaskar
This man was a great devotee of Baba. He rendered excellent and
selfless service. Every day he swept and kept clean all the passages and
streets in Shirdi, through which Baba passed in His daily routine. After
him this work was done equally well by another devotee,
Radhakrishnamai, and after her by Abdulla. When Balaji reaped his
corn every year, he brought the whole quantity and presented it to Baba.
He returned with what Baba gave him back and maintained himself
and his family with it. This course was followed by him for many years
and after him by his son also.
Power and Efficacy of Udi
Once it happened that, on Balaji’s death anniversary a certain
number of guests were invited and the dinner was prepared for them.
But at dinner-time it was found that, thrice the number of people
invited, turned up. Mrs. Newaskar was in a fix. She thought that the
food would not suffice for the people assembled, and if it fell short, the
honour of the family would be at stake. Her mother-in-law comforted
her by saying, “Don’t be afraid, it is not ours but Sai’s food; cover every
vessel with cloth, putting some Udi in it and serve from the same
without opening it; Sai will save us from ignominy.” She did as she was
advised, and it was found to their surprise and joy that, not only did
the food suffice for all, but plenty of it remained after serving. “As one
feels intently, so he realizes accordingly” was proved in this case.
Sai appearing as Serpent
Once Raghu Patil of Shirdi went to Balaji Patil at Newase. That
evening he found that a serpent entered the cowshed hissing. All the
cattle were afraid and became restless. The inmates of the house were
frightened, but Balaji thought that it was Sai, Who appeared in his
house as a serpent. Without being afraid in the least, he brought a cup
of milk and placing it before the serpent said, “Baba, why do You hiss
like this? Do you want to frighten us? Take this cup of milk and drink
it with a calm mind.” Saying this, he sat down close by. The other
members were frightened and did not know what to do. In a short time
the serpent disappeared of its own and nobody knew where it went. It
was not found, though a thorough search was made in the cowshed.
Balaji had two wives and some children. They some times went
to Shirdi, from Newase, for taking Baba’s darshan. Then, Baba bought
saris and other clothes, which were given to them with His blessings.
Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all
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