18
Favour that was Bestowed on Me
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Hail to the Sadguru who is supreme and eternal! Hail to the
Sadguru, who is the Truth of Brahman! who makes you
experience that the world is illusory. Hail, hail to him,
who is the Controller of Maya!
2.
Hail, hail to you without beginning or end! Hail, hail to
you, beyond duality! Hail, hail to you, who is immutable! O,
you are the only one, who teaches the true nature of the
Self!
3.
Can a salt doll return from a bath in the ocean? This can
never happen! It is the same with you!
4.
The Vedas and the Shrutis discuss, day and night, that which
cannot be defined. You can point it out easily to the
devotees.
5.
If, by luck, you lay seige to someone then that one will
never entertain the selfish thoughts of the difference
between yours and mine.
6.
In the last chapter, the pure story unfolding the meaning of
Brahman and how the avariciousness of the Brahmarthi was an
obstacle was described.
7.
Now the story about how I received Baba’s blessings. Oh
listeners, listen respectfully for it will reveal Baba’s way
of giving guidance.
8.
This story is also interesting. I will relate it as it
happened. Listeners should listen, with a calm mind, for
their own good.
9.
If the listener is keen and has due respect, the speaker
also gets the right enthusiasm and his heart overflows with
love. It is enjoyable for both of them.
10.
Without any change of mind or feeling, even in the slightest
measure, and according to each one’s capabilities Baba
showed the true path and preached in accordance with that.
11.
Many people are of the opinion that whatever a Guru has told
them should not be divulged to anybody, otherwise the Guru’s
words become ineffective.
12.
But this is entirely imaginary – an unnecessary fuss made!
Not only things taught personally, but dream visions too,
have been told to all, word for word.
13.
If you assume this to be untrue, I can support it with the
example of Budha Kaushik Rishi, who was taught the Ram
Raksha Stotra1 in his dream, which he taught to all.
14.
The Guru is like a moisture laden cloud of the rainy season,
who fondly showers water in the form of contentment. Why
should it be hoarded? On the contrary, one should drink to
one’s heart’s content and should also serve others.
15.
A mother holds the chin of the child and lovingly feeds
medicine for the sake of its health. Baba’s skill was
similar.
16.
His ways were not secretive. Listen carefully how
unexpectedly he would fulfil the wishes of his devotees.
17.
Blessed, blessed is the company of the Sadguru! Who can
describe his powers? When the memories of his words are
recalled, one by one, I am inspired greatly!
18.
If you pray to God with love, and serve the Guru and perform
his puja, you will receive that knowledge which only the
Guru has. All other means are useless.
19.
This path of the world is full of confusion and dim. The
words of the Guru shine like rays from a lamp to make it
smooth and perceivable.
20.
Guru is actually God himself. He is Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheshwar. Guru in reality is God Almighty. Guru is the
Supreme Brahman.
21.
Guru is the mother and Guru is the father. Guru is the
protector when God’s wrath is incurred. But when Guru is
angry nobody can protect you. Remember this always.
22.
Guru is the guide for worldly behaviour, the rituals and
pilgrimages to holy places. He is the guide to what is right
and wrong, and to practise non-attachment. He is the
exponent of the Vedas and the Upanishads.
23.
The Saints open up the inner eyes of the intellect and
reveal the grandeur of the Inner Self. They fulfil all the
wishes of the devotees. They are extremely tender at heart
and compassionate.
24.
They cause the passions to disappear. Even in sleep true
knowledge pulsates. Because of their blessings, the twin
fruits of self-denial and self-control are obtained.
25.
If one is able to get close to a Saint, serve him and love
him, like the wish-fulfilling tree, he fulfils all the
wishes of the devotees and wards off all miseries.
26.
Always practise truth; listen to the stories about the
saints; bow down at the feet of the Saints. Sins will be
washed away.
27.
When Lord Reay was the Governor of the State, he overthrew
the Crawford regime. At that time, a well-known gentleman
became Baba’s devotee.
28.
This world is full of three-fold miseries and is false. This
gentleman suffered heavy losses in business and was
disheartened. He gave up everything and left home.
29.
He was greatly perturbed. He decided to take a journey to a
far off place where he would be happy in seclusion.
30.
When a person is in tremendous difficulty, then he remembers
God; and that too, with great difficulty. Then the devotee
continuously calls out God’s name and becomes a follower.
31.
But till the sins are not diminished, just reciting God’s
name does not help. Afterwards, seeing the devotion, God
leads him to a Saint.
32.
Similarly it happened for that devotee. Seeing him utterly
fed up of the world, his friends gave him good advice.
Listen to that.
33.
“Why don’t you go to Shirdi to take the darshan of Samartha
Sainath? Pray to him, the Saint who is the Cloud of Mercy.
34.
If one is able to get the company of a Saint, even for a
moment, the wayward mind becomes steady and immediately
settles at the feet of God from where it is difficult to
turn back.
35.
People go from far and near, humble themselves in the dust
of Sai’s feet, act according to Maharaj’s commands and get
their wishes fulfilled by serving him.
36.
Such is his wide-spread fame. The young and the old all know
about it. If he takes pity on you, you will be free of
miseries.
37.
Shirdi, at present, is a holy place. Streams of people flow
in and out, day and night. You too can have this experience.
The darshan of the Saint will be beneficial”.
38.
Just as a person worried because of drought and thus reduced
to penury, if he is suddenly showered with ample wealth; or
if a person agonised by terrible hunger is served witis served with
delicacies;
39.
he felt like that when his friends told him of Shirdi. That
devotee accepted this advice and decided to have the
experience. He set off for Shirdi.
40.
He came to the town, had darshan and prostrated at his feet.
Immediately, he felt relaxed and contented.
41.
He who was Absolute Brahman, Ancient, Self-illumined,
Unblemished – such was the vision he saw and he was joyous.
42.
He felt that, thanks to his last birth’s good fortune, he
had come near Sai’s feet and his mind was at peace, free
from anxiety because of the darshan.
43.
This person’s surname was Sathe. He was of a steadfast
nature. He began the recitation of the ‘Guru Charitra’2 and
practised the ritual religiously.
44.
After seven days of reading the book was over. Baba gave him
a dream vision that night in which he was holding the book
in his hand and was explaining its meaning to Sathe.
45.
Baba sat on his own seat, made Sathe sit in front of him,
took the Guru Charitra book and expertly explained it to
him.
46.
Baba recited from the book and taught like a puranika3. Sathe
listened peacefully and full of respect.
47.
‘What is this about-turn in my life?!’ Thought Sathe. He
felt greatly surprised and was choked with love.
48.
‘O, Benevolent One, you awaken those who are resting their
heads on the pillows of the darkness of ignorance and who
are snoring away in the embrace of passions!
49.
Just see, even at such a time, shaking us to wakefulness,
you are giving the nectar of the Guru Charitra to drink, O
Merciful One’.
50.
immediately. He related the whole episode
which had taken place to Kakasaheb Dixit.
51.
And said: “I do not understand the
meaning. Only Baba is capable of knowing
it. I do not know what is in his mind.
Kaka, please ask him in detail.
52.
Shall I start the recitation again? Or,
shall I consider that whatever has been
done is enough? Whatever be Baba’s
Kakasaheb Dixit
So be it. After he had such a dream Sathe became fully awake
intentions, please ask him. Only that will put my mind to
rest”.
53. Then, Kaka having found an opportune moment told Baba about
the dream. “Oh, Lord, through this dream what have you to
convey to Sathe?
54.
Should the week-long recitation be repeated? Or should it be
terminated now? Please explain the meaning of the dream
yourself and show the way to Sathe.
55.
This is the only request I am making at your feet. Sathe is
an ardent devotee. Please have mercy on him and grant his
wish”.
56.
Then Baba ordered: “Let there be more recitation. By reading
this Guru Charitra, devotees are purified.
57.
If this book is recited repeatedly, it will be beneficial
for them. They will receive God’s blessings and the worldly
chains will be broken off”.
58.
While Baba was thus talking, I was massaging Baba’s feet. I
was surprised inwardly and was provoked to think.
59.
‘How could Baba do this?! It seems that Sathe has gained the
fruit with little effort. And I have spent years! While he
gets the benefit in seven days!
60.
Sathe has only once completed the recitation of the Guru
Charitra in seven days and here I am who has done it for
forty years! Do I deserve no thought?
61.
One gets the benefits within seven days and another has
spent seven fruitless years4! I am like the chatak eagerly
awaiting and thinking, when will this merciful cloud shower
on me?
62.
When will that day ever come when this jewel amongst the
Saints blesses me, fulfils my heart’s desire and will grant
me the knowledge?’
63.
Sree Guru Sai loved his devotees. See his marvel! No sooner
than these thoughts came to my mind that he immediately was
aware of them!
64.
Such thoughts, good or bad, though born of illusion, may
they be millions of them, which arise and subside
continuously, all come to his knowledge.
65.
‘The mind can imagine that which even an enemy cannot think
of’, is a well-known saying. Though nobody else would know
the thoughts, Maharaj immediately realised them.
66.
But that very compassionate Mother forgives everything that
is evil; and, at the opportune moment, she provokes the good
and cultivates right behaviour.
67.
Then having understood my thoughts, Baba said to me: “Get
up. Go to Shamya and bring Rs. 15/-from him.
68.
Sit with him for a while; chat with him; come back quickly
after taking dakshina from him”.
69.
Sainath took pity on me and under the pretext of dakshina,
said: “Go and immediately ask for money from Shama for my
sake”.
70.
When such an order was given, who could dare to sit? If one
should sit in spite of that, it would be disobedience. I got
up and took leave.
71.
Then I left immediately. Shamrao came out to greet. He had
just had his bath and was standing there, wearing a dhoti.
72.
He had just finished his bath, had put on freshly –
laundered garments and was draping the folds of the dhoti,
while reciting God’s names, under his breath.
73.
He said: “How have you come unexpectedly? Are you coming
from the Masjid? Why do you look restless? And, why are you
alone
to-day?
74.
Come and sit. I have just had a bath and am pleating my
dhoti. I’ll just pour the water over the images of the
deities and will return in no time.
75.
By the time you eat pan, I will finish my puja and rituals.
Afterwards we will sit comfortably and talk at leisure”.
76.
Madhavrao went inside. Then I casually picked up the book of
Nath Bhagvat5, which was lying on the window-sill.
77.
I opened the book at random and strangely it was that page
which I had started to read in the morning and had left
incomplete.
78.
I was greatly surprised because the portion I was reading in
the morning and which I had omitted due to sheer laziness,
Baba made me complete and made me stick to my daily ritual.
79.
‘Ritual’ means to read a certain portion regularly. If not
fully understood or done half-way, one should not get up and
leave it unfinished. Otherwise, the upasana is incomplete.
80.
Now, this small story, which has come up in the course of
narration, I do not like to leave. So, now, listeners should
listen to that story, with respect regarding the Nath
Bhagvat.
81.
That is the Nath Bhagvat, full of devotions to the Guru,
which Sai has acknowledged, and which Dixit read regularly.
82.
This book, written for the salvation of the world was told
to Brahma (the Creator) by Narayana (Vishnu) and was the
seed sowed by him in the field, which Narada reaped.
83.
That farm was cultivated in ten fold ways by Badrayan6 and
Shuka7 selected a few best ears of the corn for the sake of
Parikshit8 in his threshing ground in the scuttle.
84.
Sridhar Swamy9 cleaned it. Janardan Swamy measured it and
Nath prepared plenty of delicious dishes from it.
85.
The eleventh chapter, which is the mine of devotion, love
and happiness, from the Vrindavan11 with thirty-two corners,
is the chapter which Dixit read regularly.
86.
During the day he would read and explain that (to the other
devotees); and at night he would read Bhavartha Ramayan12.
This book was also ordered by the Guru and Dixit followed
that authority.
87.
It is the essence of happiness and devotion to God – a
second edition, as it were, of the Dñyaneshwari. This is a
great obligation on Maharashtra by Nath.
88.
Having an early morning bath, doing daily worship of Sai and
other deities, offering naivedya and having done the arati
(lighting the niranjan),
89.
then, afterwards along with other listeners, having taken
the naivedya of milk and some fruits, he read the pothi at
full length, full of respect, as a daily ritual.
90.
That pothi, which was enjoyed by the great devotee of God,
Tukaram, and was recited by him a thousand times in solitude
on the Bandara hill, how can its sweetness be possibly
described by anybody?
91.
Sai Samartha had asked Dixit who was a devotee full of faith
to read the divine book, which is beneficient and capable of
leading beings to their salvation.
92.
One need not go and stay in the jungles because God himself
appears in the Uddhava Gita (chapter 11). Those who recite
it with full faith can reach God directly.
93.
In Mahabharata, there is a dialogue between Krishna and
Arjuna; but this one between Krishna and Uddhava is better
than that. It is that which is in the Bhagvat brought out in
words by Eknath, with fond understanding.
94.
So be it. This beneficent book, together with the Bhavartha
Dipika, of Dñyandev, the great and merciful Sainath made
people read in Shirdi.
95.
Sakharam Hari Jog was commissioned by Baba ro read it at
Sathe’s wada and the devotees were greatly benefitted.
96.
Baba would often persuade the devotees to recite the book
and would plead with them out of compassion to do so, for
their own good.
97.
Incomprehensible is Baba’s skill of teaching! His ways and
means were different for different devotees. They could be
near or far away but he would be close to them in their
hearts.
98.
Though he would sit in the Masjid and allot certain work to
a person, he would get it done by extending his own powers
to the person.
99.
He would tell Bapusaheb Jog to read the pothi which he would
read regularly and religiously in the wada and the
listeners also came to listen.
100. Every afternoon, after the meals, Jog would go to Baba, bow
down at his feet, take ‘vibhuti’ and ask for permission to
start the reading of the pothi.
101. Sometimes he read the Dñyaneshwari and sometimes the Nath
Bhagvat. He would recite with a heart filled with joy and
would also explain the meanings.
102. Since this order was given, those devotees who came to visit
Baba were directed by Baba to go and listen to the pothi, as
soon as they came.
103. Sometimes he would tell stories in short which the listeners
would listen to attentively and try to retain. No sooner he
would tell them to get up and go to listen to the reading of
the pothi in the wada.
104. When the listener, with full devotion, would go to listen to
the pothi, he would find such a story by which the meaning
of the earlier story (as told by Baba) would be confirmed.
105. The Dñyaneshwari of Dñyaneshwar or the words of Eknath (in
the Bhagvat) would be found to be, as it were, adopted from
Baba’s story. This would greatly surprise the listeners.
106. Sometimes, though there would not be such a schedule as to
read a certain portion from the pothi, yet Jog would read it
out, or refer to, by some coincidence.
107. The Bhagvat Gita and the Bhagvat are the two main books
which contain the essence of the Bhagvat dharma and Jog
would regularly read them.
108. Dñyaneshwari is the commentary on the Gita, which is given
the title Bhavartha Dipika, while Nath advocates the
philosophy in a nutshell in the eleventh chapter of the
Bhagvat.
109. So be it. Thus the Bhagvat dharma fame spread. Accordingly,
as a daily ritual, I used to read it regularly, but that day
I had missed it.
110. One story was read half way. Because the people set out for
the Masjid, I put away the pothi, while reading, and hurried
off with them,
111. with a view to listen to Baba’s stories. But Baba had
something else in his mind. Baba did not like my leaving the
Bhagvat and doing anything else.
112. Only for this reason, somehow or the other, Baba made me
read the remaining portion of the Bhagvat. Such was Baba’s
great marvel. My affection overflows as I remember it.
113. So be it. The reading in the Bhagvat was completed. And, my
subsidiary story also ends here. By then Madhavrao’s puja
had ended and he came out.
114.“Oh, there is a message from Baba, which I have brought to
you: ‘Bring, Rs. 15/-as dakshina from Shama.’
115. While I was sitting and serving him, suddenly he remembered
you and said: ‘Get up and go to Shama, and come back with
the dakshina.’
116. He also said: ‘Sit for a while at his home. Chat with him
for some time. After conversing with him, return
thereafter’”.
117. When Madhavrao heard this, he was very much astonished and
said: “Instead of rupees, offer him my namaskars. Say that
it is my dakshina”.
118.“Alright one thing is done. I am carrying fifteen namaskars
with me. But now, come and sit and chat with me”, so said I.
119.“Tell me any story you choose. Quench the thirst of my
desire to listen. Let the Ganges of Baba’s stories flow from
you, for they will wash away my sins”.
120. Then Madhavrao said: “Sit down. Such is the leela of this
God of which you are aware! Rest for a while. Sit.
121. Take this pan and katha. The chuna and the supari are in the
box. I’ll come back in a moment, after putting my cap on my
head.
122. Unfathomable are the leelas of Sai Baba. How many can I tell
you? Have’nt you seen enough since you came to Shirdi?!
123. I am just a villager, while all of you are from the cities.
To what extent can I talk about his incomprehensible leelas
before you?!”
124. He told me that he was coming back and went inside – offered
flowers etc. to the deities, put on his cap quickly,
returned and sat down to talk to me.
125.“What an amazing sport of God is this! Who can understand
his ways? His deeds know no bounds. He remains aloof after
making his moves.
126. Oh! You are all seekers of knowledge – one more learned than
the other. Such simpletons as we are, how can we understand
Baba’s incomprehensible personality?
127. Could he not explain to you, during the conversation what he
wanted to say? Why did he send you to me? Only he knows the
meaning of his deeds, because he is not a mortal.
128. Just now, while flowing with the current of these thoughts,
I am reminded of a story. So let us make good use of this
time by talking about it.
129. I will relate to you an incident which took place before my
eyes. Whatever was the determination one had, in mind, he
saw to it that it was fulfilled.
130. Sometimes, Baba too, puts a person’s love and faith to
severe test. He spares no means; and, then gives upadesh”.
131. As soon as I heard the word ‘upadesh’, I was reminded of the
incident about Sathe’s Guru Charitra. I actually felt as if
lightening had struck my mind.
132. Could it be that this incident about Shama had been
contrived by Baba to ease my mind, which had become wayward
in the Masjid? This indeed was an astounding deed of Baba!
133. So be it. This line of thought was suppressed by me
immediately. My eagerness to listen to the story had doubled
and let us see how it was satisfied.
134. Thereafter, as he started telling the stories about Baba,
slowly unfolding them, I felt happier by and by, realising
his love for his devotees.
135. Afterwards he told another story and said that there was a
wife of a Deshmukh, who thought of spending some time in the
company of Saints.
136. Hearing of Sai Baba’s fame, the lady came to Shirdi, along
with a group of people from Sangamner with a longing for
Baba’s darshan.
137. She was the mother of Khashaba Deshmukh. Her name was
Radhabai. With great faith in Sai, she bowed down at his
feet and took darshan.
138. She had darshan with the right formalities. All her fatigue
of a long journey disappeared and then she remembered her
mission.
139. She ardently desired to make Sai Samartha her Guru, so that
he would give her the right upadesh by which she would
attain her goal of life.
140. The lady was quite aged and had immense faith in Baba. She
was firmly resolved on getting some upadesh from him.
141.“I will not go anywhere else till Baba graces me personally
and gives me a mantra whispered in my ear.
142. The mantra should come directly from the lips of Sai,
because if I take it from anyone else, it will be impure.
Lord Sai is the holiest and foremost amongst Saints. Let him
choose to bless me.”
143. Having thus determined at heart, the lady gave up eating and
drinking and became inflexible about it.
144. She was old, as it was. She had not eaten even a morsel nor
drunk any water. Yet she had extreme faith in upadesh.
145. For three days and nights continuously, the old woman fasted
and had decided to continue it till the day Baba gave her
the upadesh.
146. ‘What is the use of visiting Shirdi without receiving a
mantra upadesh?’ She remained unmoving from the place where
she was staying and was prepared to die there.
147. She did not have food or water for three days and thus did
penance. The lady was exhausted and became very sad.
148. Madhav Rao was worried and thought that the situation was
not proper. What should be done about the future, as the old
lady was not afraid of death.
149. Then he went to the Masjid and sat besides Baba. He asked
respectfully, about the day-to-day matters regarding general
well–being.
150.“Shama, what are you planning to-day? Is everything alright?
That Narayan Teli13 has gone far out of bounds and is giving
me a lot of trouble”.
151. Thinking about the condition of the old lady, Shama was
already dejected. What exactly should he do? Gathering
courage, he asked Baba.
152.“Lord, what is this confusion and mystery14? Your moves are
not understood by others. You make people come to this
village and now you are asking my plans.
153. That old Deshmukh woman is aged and has gone without food or
water for three days and is solely depending on you.
154. That old woman is very obstinate and has great faith in you.
You are not ready to even look at her. Why are you making
her miserable?
155. As it is, she is like a dry stick. She is unrelenting, of a
very irascible nature and strong-willed. Obviously, without
food, she is going to lose her life.
156. It will be said that the old woman came with the desire to
take darshan and wished to have upadesh. But Sai Baba had no
pity on her. He let her die.
157. Baba, let not such a reputation spread. Tell her what is
good for her. Why don’t you grace her and wipe out the
probable blot?
158. She has no strength left in her. Her life is hanging by a
thread. The old woman will die and you will receive the
blame.
159. The old woman’s penance is hard. We are very much worried.
Unfortunately, if the old woman dies, it will be a disaster.
160. The old woman is bent on doing injury to herself in a fit of
passion. If you do not favour her I don’t see any chance of
her survival. Tell her something from your own lips”.
161. This chapter has reached the limit set for its length. The
desire of the listeners will be fulfilled thoroughly in the
next chapter, very lovingly.
162. Later on Baba lovingly gave upadesh because of that old
woman. By listening to it with respect, ignorance will
disappear.
163. Hemad surrenders to Sai; prostrates before the listeners.
Now be ready to listen to that which will lead you to cross
the worldly ocean with the least efforts.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the eighteenth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called:
“Favour that was Bestowed on Me”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Hymn of praise to Ram, simple and lucid, and in use by the common
man.
2.
It is the story of Narasimha Saraswati Swamiji, who is considred as
the avatar of Dutta. It is believed that it destroys all evil when
it is read and grants salvation.
3.
A brahmin well versed in the Puranas.
4.
Seven years since Baba’s darshan.
5.
Commentary by Eknath Maharaj on the eleventh Skanda (section) of
the Bhagvat, which had thirty-two chapters (sections).
6.
Vyas, noted scribe to whom sometimes authorship is wrongfully
attributed.
7.
Son of Vyas.
8.
Grandson of the Pandavas.
9.
Critic of the Bhagvat in Sanskrit and the Gita of the fourteenth
century.
10.
Saint graced by Dutta and Eknath’s Guru, of the sixteenth century.
11.
Tulsi plant holder.
12.
Also written by Eknath.
13.
Not a real person, but a personification of something that troubled
Baba.
14. The Marathi phrase used is “Gowd Bengal”, because these two
states are famous for magic practices and hypnotism.
Taking the tumrel in one hand and the jholi in the other, he himself moved from doorstep
to doorstep of the particular houses every day. (Chp. 8, ovi 93)
Blessed are those at whose doorstep, Baba as a mendicant spread his hand, calling
“Oh, lassie, bring me a quarter of a bhakri”. (Chp. 8, ovi 92)
Favour that was Bestowed on Me
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Hail to the Sadguru who is supreme and eternal! Hail to the
Sadguru, who is the Truth of Brahman! who makes you
experience that the world is illusory. Hail, hail to him,
who is the Controller of Maya!
2.
Hail, hail to you without beginning or end! Hail, hail to
you, beyond duality! Hail, hail to you, who is immutable! O,
you are the only one, who teaches the true nature of the
Self!
3.
Can a salt doll return from a bath in the ocean? This can
never happen! It is the same with you!
4.
The Vedas and the Shrutis discuss, day and night, that which
cannot be defined. You can point it out easily to the
devotees.
5.
If, by luck, you lay seige to someone then that one will
never entertain the selfish thoughts of the difference
between yours and mine.
6.
In the last chapter, the pure story unfolding the meaning of
Brahman and how the avariciousness of the Brahmarthi was an
obstacle was described.
7.
Now the story about how I received Baba’s blessings. Oh
listeners, listen respectfully for it will reveal Baba’s way
of giving guidance.
8.
This story is also interesting. I will relate it as it
happened. Listeners should listen, with a calm mind, for
their own good.
9.
If the listener is keen and has due respect, the speaker
also gets the right enthusiasm and his heart overflows with
love. It is enjoyable for both of them.
10.
Without any change of mind or feeling, even in the slightest
measure, and according to each one’s capabilities Baba
showed the true path and preached in accordance with that.
11.
Many people are of the opinion that whatever a Guru has told
them should not be divulged to anybody, otherwise the Guru’s
words become ineffective.
12.
But this is entirely imaginary – an unnecessary fuss made!
Not only things taught personally, but dream visions too,
have been told to all, word for word.
13.
If you assume this to be untrue, I can support it with the
example of Budha Kaushik Rishi, who was taught the Ram
Raksha Stotra1 in his dream, which he taught to all.
14.
The Guru is like a moisture laden cloud of the rainy season,
who fondly showers water in the form of contentment. Why
should it be hoarded? On the contrary, one should drink to
one’s heart’s content and should also serve others.
15.
A mother holds the chin of the child and lovingly feeds
medicine for the sake of its health. Baba’s skill was
similar.
16.
His ways were not secretive. Listen carefully how
unexpectedly he would fulfil the wishes of his devotees.
17.
Blessed, blessed is the company of the Sadguru! Who can
describe his powers? When the memories of his words are
recalled, one by one, I am inspired greatly!
18.
If you pray to God with love, and serve the Guru and perform
his puja, you will receive that knowledge which only the
Guru has. All other means are useless.
19.
This path of the world is full of confusion and dim. The
words of the Guru shine like rays from a lamp to make it
smooth and perceivable.
20.
Guru is actually God himself. He is Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheshwar. Guru in reality is God Almighty. Guru is the
Supreme Brahman.
21.
Guru is the mother and Guru is the father. Guru is the
protector when God’s wrath is incurred. But when Guru is
angry nobody can protect you. Remember this always.
22.
Guru is the guide for worldly behaviour, the rituals and
pilgrimages to holy places. He is the guide to what is right
and wrong, and to practise non-attachment. He is the
exponent of the Vedas and the Upanishads.
23.
The Saints open up the inner eyes of the intellect and
reveal the grandeur of the Inner Self. They fulfil all the
wishes of the devotees. They are extremely tender at heart
and compassionate.
24.
They cause the passions to disappear. Even in sleep true
knowledge pulsates. Because of their blessings, the twin
fruits of self-denial and self-control are obtained.
25.
If one is able to get close to a Saint, serve him and love
him, like the wish-fulfilling tree, he fulfils all the
wishes of the devotees and wards off all miseries.
26.
Always practise truth; listen to the stories about the
saints; bow down at the feet of the Saints. Sins will be
washed away.
27.
When Lord Reay was the Governor of the State, he overthrew
the Crawford regime. At that time, a well-known gentleman
became Baba’s devotee.
28.
This world is full of three-fold miseries and is false. This
gentleman suffered heavy losses in business and was
disheartened. He gave up everything and left home.
29.
He was greatly perturbed. He decided to take a journey to a
far off place where he would be happy in seclusion.
30.
When a person is in tremendous difficulty, then he remembers
God; and that too, with great difficulty. Then the devotee
continuously calls out God’s name and becomes a follower.
31.
But till the sins are not diminished, just reciting God’s
name does not help. Afterwards, seeing the devotion, God
leads him to a Saint.
32.
Similarly it happened for that devotee. Seeing him utterly
fed up of the world, his friends gave him good advice.
Listen to that.
33.
“Why don’t you go to Shirdi to take the darshan of Samartha
Sainath? Pray to him, the Saint who is the Cloud of Mercy.
34.
If one is able to get the company of a Saint, even for a
moment, the wayward mind becomes steady and immediately
settles at the feet of God from where it is difficult to
turn back.
35.
People go from far and near, humble themselves in the dust
of Sai’s feet, act according to Maharaj’s commands and get
their wishes fulfilled by serving him.
36.
Such is his wide-spread fame. The young and the old all know
about it. If he takes pity on you, you will be free of
miseries.
37.
Shirdi, at present, is a holy place. Streams of people flow
in and out, day and night. You too can have this experience.
The darshan of the Saint will be beneficial”.
38.
Just as a person worried because of drought and thus reduced
to penury, if he is suddenly showered with ample wealth; or
if a person agonised by terrible hunger is served witis served with
delicacies;
39.
he felt like that when his friends told him of Shirdi. That
devotee accepted this advice and decided to have the
experience. He set off for Shirdi.
40.
He came to the town, had darshan and prostrated at his feet.
Immediately, he felt relaxed and contented.
41.
He who was Absolute Brahman, Ancient, Self-illumined,
Unblemished – such was the vision he saw and he was joyous.
42.
He felt that, thanks to his last birth’s good fortune, he
had come near Sai’s feet and his mind was at peace, free
from anxiety because of the darshan.
43.
This person’s surname was Sathe. He was of a steadfast
nature. He began the recitation of the ‘Guru Charitra’2 and
practised the ritual religiously.
44.
After seven days of reading the book was over. Baba gave him
a dream vision that night in which he was holding the book
in his hand and was explaining its meaning to Sathe.
45.
Baba sat on his own seat, made Sathe sit in front of him,
took the Guru Charitra book and expertly explained it to
him.
46.
Baba recited from the book and taught like a puranika3. Sathe
listened peacefully and full of respect.
47.
‘What is this about-turn in my life?!’ Thought Sathe. He
felt greatly surprised and was choked with love.
48.
‘O, Benevolent One, you awaken those who are resting their
heads on the pillows of the darkness of ignorance and who
are snoring away in the embrace of passions!
49.
Just see, even at such a time, shaking us to wakefulness,
you are giving the nectar of the Guru Charitra to drink, O
Merciful One’.
50.
immediately. He related the whole episode
which had taken place to Kakasaheb Dixit.
51.
And said: “I do not understand the
meaning. Only Baba is capable of knowing
it. I do not know what is in his mind.
Kaka, please ask him in detail.
52.
Shall I start the recitation again? Or,
shall I consider that whatever has been
done is enough? Whatever be Baba’s
Kakasaheb Dixit
So be it. After he had such a dream Sathe became fully awake
intentions, please ask him. Only that will put my mind to
rest”.
53. Then, Kaka having found an opportune moment told Baba about
the dream. “Oh, Lord, through this dream what have you to
convey to Sathe?
54.
Should the week-long recitation be repeated? Or should it be
terminated now? Please explain the meaning of the dream
yourself and show the way to Sathe.
55.
This is the only request I am making at your feet. Sathe is
an ardent devotee. Please have mercy on him and grant his
wish”.
56.
Then Baba ordered: “Let there be more recitation. By reading
this Guru Charitra, devotees are purified.
57.
If this book is recited repeatedly, it will be beneficial
for them. They will receive God’s blessings and the worldly
chains will be broken off”.
58.
While Baba was thus talking, I was massaging Baba’s feet. I
was surprised inwardly and was provoked to think.
59.
‘How could Baba do this?! It seems that Sathe has gained the
fruit with little effort. And I have spent years! While he
gets the benefit in seven days!
60.
Sathe has only once completed the recitation of the Guru
Charitra in seven days and here I am who has done it for
forty years! Do I deserve no thought?
61.
One gets the benefits within seven days and another has
spent seven fruitless years4! I am like the chatak eagerly
awaiting and thinking, when will this merciful cloud shower
on me?
62.
When will that day ever come when this jewel amongst the
Saints blesses me, fulfils my heart’s desire and will grant
me the knowledge?’
63.
Sree Guru Sai loved his devotees. See his marvel! No sooner
than these thoughts came to my mind that he immediately was
aware of them!
64.
Such thoughts, good or bad, though born of illusion, may
they be millions of them, which arise and subside
continuously, all come to his knowledge.
65.
‘The mind can imagine that which even an enemy cannot think
of’, is a well-known saying. Though nobody else would know
the thoughts, Maharaj immediately realised them.
66.
But that very compassionate Mother forgives everything that
is evil; and, at the opportune moment, she provokes the good
and cultivates right behaviour.
67.
Then having understood my thoughts, Baba said to me: “Get
up. Go to Shamya and bring Rs. 15/-from him.
68.
Sit with him for a while; chat with him; come back quickly
after taking dakshina from him”.
69.
Sainath took pity on me and under the pretext of dakshina,
said: “Go and immediately ask for money from Shama for my
sake”.
70.
When such an order was given, who could dare to sit? If one
should sit in spite of that, it would be disobedience. I got
up and took leave.
71.
Then I left immediately. Shamrao came out to greet. He had
just had his bath and was standing there, wearing a dhoti.
72.
He had just finished his bath, had put on freshly –
laundered garments and was draping the folds of the dhoti,
while reciting God’s names, under his breath.
73.
He said: “How have you come unexpectedly? Are you coming
from the Masjid? Why do you look restless? And, why are you
alone
to-day?
74.
Come and sit. I have just had a bath and am pleating my
dhoti. I’ll just pour the water over the images of the
deities and will return in no time.
75.
By the time you eat pan, I will finish my puja and rituals.
Afterwards we will sit comfortably and talk at leisure”.
76.
Madhavrao went inside. Then I casually picked up the book of
Nath Bhagvat5, which was lying on the window-sill.
77.
I opened the book at random and strangely it was that page
which I had started to read in the morning and had left
incomplete.
78.
I was greatly surprised because the portion I was reading in
the morning and which I had omitted due to sheer laziness,
Baba made me complete and made me stick to my daily ritual.
79.
‘Ritual’ means to read a certain portion regularly. If not
fully understood or done half-way, one should not get up and
leave it unfinished. Otherwise, the upasana is incomplete.
80.
Now, this small story, which has come up in the course of
narration, I do not like to leave. So, now, listeners should
listen to that story, with respect regarding the Nath
Bhagvat.
81.
That is the Nath Bhagvat, full of devotions to the Guru,
which Sai has acknowledged, and which Dixit read regularly.
82.
This book, written for the salvation of the world was told
to Brahma (the Creator) by Narayana (Vishnu) and was the
seed sowed by him in the field, which Narada reaped.
83.
That farm was cultivated in ten fold ways by Badrayan6 and
Shuka7 selected a few best ears of the corn for the sake of
Parikshit8 in his threshing ground in the scuttle.
84.
Sridhar Swamy9 cleaned it. Janardan Swamy measured it and
Nath prepared plenty of delicious dishes from it.
85.
The eleventh chapter, which is the mine of devotion, love
and happiness, from the Vrindavan11 with thirty-two corners,
is the chapter which Dixit read regularly.
86.
During the day he would read and explain that (to the other
devotees); and at night he would read Bhavartha Ramayan12.
This book was also ordered by the Guru and Dixit followed
that authority.
87.
It is the essence of happiness and devotion to God – a
second edition, as it were, of the Dñyaneshwari. This is a
great obligation on Maharashtra by Nath.
88.
Having an early morning bath, doing daily worship of Sai and
other deities, offering naivedya and having done the arati
(lighting the niranjan),
89.
then, afterwards along with other listeners, having taken
the naivedya of milk and some fruits, he read the pothi at
full length, full of respect, as a daily ritual.
90.
That pothi, which was enjoyed by the great devotee of God,
Tukaram, and was recited by him a thousand times in solitude
on the Bandara hill, how can its sweetness be possibly
described by anybody?
91.
Sai Samartha had asked Dixit who was a devotee full of faith
to read the divine book, which is beneficient and capable of
leading beings to their salvation.
92.
One need not go and stay in the jungles because God himself
appears in the Uddhava Gita (chapter 11). Those who recite
it with full faith can reach God directly.
93.
In Mahabharata, there is a dialogue between Krishna and
Arjuna; but this one between Krishna and Uddhava is better
than that. It is that which is in the Bhagvat brought out in
words by Eknath, with fond understanding.
94.
So be it. This beneficent book, together with the Bhavartha
Dipika, of Dñyandev, the great and merciful Sainath made
people read in Shirdi.
95.
Sakharam Hari Jog was commissioned by Baba ro read it at
Sathe’s wada and the devotees were greatly benefitted.
96.
Baba would often persuade the devotees to recite the book
and would plead with them out of compassion to do so, for
their own good.
97.
Incomprehensible is Baba’s skill of teaching! His ways and
means were different for different devotees. They could be
near or far away but he would be close to them in their
hearts.
98.
Though he would sit in the Masjid and allot certain work to
a person, he would get it done by extending his own powers
to the person.
99.
He would tell Bapusaheb Jog to read the pothi which he would
read regularly and religiously in the wada and the
listeners also came to listen.
100. Every afternoon, after the meals, Jog would go to Baba, bow
down at his feet, take ‘vibhuti’ and ask for permission to
start the reading of the pothi.
101. Sometimes he read the Dñyaneshwari and sometimes the Nath
Bhagvat. He would recite with a heart filled with joy and
would also explain the meanings.
102. Since this order was given, those devotees who came to visit
Baba were directed by Baba to go and listen to the pothi, as
soon as they came.
103. Sometimes he would tell stories in short which the listeners
would listen to attentively and try to retain. No sooner he
would tell them to get up and go to listen to the reading of
the pothi in the wada.
104. When the listener, with full devotion, would go to listen to
the pothi, he would find such a story by which the meaning
of the earlier story (as told by Baba) would be confirmed.
105. The Dñyaneshwari of Dñyaneshwar or the words of Eknath (in
the Bhagvat) would be found to be, as it were, adopted from
Baba’s story. This would greatly surprise the listeners.
106. Sometimes, though there would not be such a schedule as to
read a certain portion from the pothi, yet Jog would read it
out, or refer to, by some coincidence.
107. The Bhagvat Gita and the Bhagvat are the two main books
which contain the essence of the Bhagvat dharma and Jog
would regularly read them.
108. Dñyaneshwari is the commentary on the Gita, which is given
the title Bhavartha Dipika, while Nath advocates the
philosophy in a nutshell in the eleventh chapter of the
Bhagvat.
109. So be it. Thus the Bhagvat dharma fame spread. Accordingly,
as a daily ritual, I used to read it regularly, but that day
I had missed it.
110. One story was read half way. Because the people set out for
the Masjid, I put away the pothi, while reading, and hurried
off with them,
111. with a view to listen to Baba’s stories. But Baba had
something else in his mind. Baba did not like my leaving the
Bhagvat and doing anything else.
112. Only for this reason, somehow or the other, Baba made me
read the remaining portion of the Bhagvat. Such was Baba’s
great marvel. My affection overflows as I remember it.
113. So be it. The reading in the Bhagvat was completed. And, my
subsidiary story also ends here. By then Madhavrao’s puja
had ended and he came out.
114.“Oh, there is a message from Baba, which I have brought to
you: ‘Bring, Rs. 15/-as dakshina from Shama.’
115. While I was sitting and serving him, suddenly he remembered
you and said: ‘Get up and go to Shama, and come back with
the dakshina.’
116. He also said: ‘Sit for a while at his home. Chat with him
for some time. After conversing with him, return
thereafter’”.
117. When Madhavrao heard this, he was very much astonished and
said: “Instead of rupees, offer him my namaskars. Say that
it is my dakshina”.
118.“Alright one thing is done. I am carrying fifteen namaskars
with me. But now, come and sit and chat with me”, so said I.
119.“Tell me any story you choose. Quench the thirst of my
desire to listen. Let the Ganges of Baba’s stories flow from
you, for they will wash away my sins”.
120. Then Madhavrao said: “Sit down. Such is the leela of this
God of which you are aware! Rest for a while. Sit.
121. Take this pan and katha. The chuna and the supari are in the
box. I’ll come back in a moment, after putting my cap on my
head.
122. Unfathomable are the leelas of Sai Baba. How many can I tell
you? Have’nt you seen enough since you came to Shirdi?!
123. I am just a villager, while all of you are from the cities.
To what extent can I talk about his incomprehensible leelas
before you?!”
124. He told me that he was coming back and went inside – offered
flowers etc. to the deities, put on his cap quickly,
returned and sat down to talk to me.
125.“What an amazing sport of God is this! Who can understand
his ways? His deeds know no bounds. He remains aloof after
making his moves.
126. Oh! You are all seekers of knowledge – one more learned than
the other. Such simpletons as we are, how can we understand
Baba’s incomprehensible personality?
127. Could he not explain to you, during the conversation what he
wanted to say? Why did he send you to me? Only he knows the
meaning of his deeds, because he is not a mortal.
128. Just now, while flowing with the current of these thoughts,
I am reminded of a story. So let us make good use of this
time by talking about it.
129. I will relate to you an incident which took place before my
eyes. Whatever was the determination one had, in mind, he
saw to it that it was fulfilled.
130. Sometimes, Baba too, puts a person’s love and faith to
severe test. He spares no means; and, then gives upadesh”.
131. As soon as I heard the word ‘upadesh’, I was reminded of the
incident about Sathe’s Guru Charitra. I actually felt as if
lightening had struck my mind.
132. Could it be that this incident about Shama had been
contrived by Baba to ease my mind, which had become wayward
in the Masjid? This indeed was an astounding deed of Baba!
133. So be it. This line of thought was suppressed by me
immediately. My eagerness to listen to the story had doubled
and let us see how it was satisfied.
134. Thereafter, as he started telling the stories about Baba,
slowly unfolding them, I felt happier by and by, realising
his love for his devotees.
135. Afterwards he told another story and said that there was a
wife of a Deshmukh, who thought of spending some time in the
company of Saints.
136. Hearing of Sai Baba’s fame, the lady came to Shirdi, along
with a group of people from Sangamner with a longing for
Baba’s darshan.
137. She was the mother of Khashaba Deshmukh. Her name was
Radhabai. With great faith in Sai, she bowed down at his
feet and took darshan.
138. She had darshan with the right formalities. All her fatigue
of a long journey disappeared and then she remembered her
mission.
139. She ardently desired to make Sai Samartha her Guru, so that
he would give her the right upadesh by which she would
attain her goal of life.
140. The lady was quite aged and had immense faith in Baba. She
was firmly resolved on getting some upadesh from him.
141.“I will not go anywhere else till Baba graces me personally
and gives me a mantra whispered in my ear.
142. The mantra should come directly from the lips of Sai,
because if I take it from anyone else, it will be impure.
Lord Sai is the holiest and foremost amongst Saints. Let him
choose to bless me.”
143. Having thus determined at heart, the lady gave up eating and
drinking and became inflexible about it.
144. She was old, as it was. She had not eaten even a morsel nor
drunk any water. Yet she had extreme faith in upadesh.
145. For three days and nights continuously, the old woman fasted
and had decided to continue it till the day Baba gave her
the upadesh.
146. ‘What is the use of visiting Shirdi without receiving a
mantra upadesh?’ She remained unmoving from the place where
she was staying and was prepared to die there.
147. She did not have food or water for three days and thus did
penance. The lady was exhausted and became very sad.
148. Madhav Rao was worried and thought that the situation was
not proper. What should be done about the future, as the old
lady was not afraid of death.
149. Then he went to the Masjid and sat besides Baba. He asked
respectfully, about the day-to-day matters regarding general
well–being.
150.“Shama, what are you planning to-day? Is everything alright?
That Narayan Teli13 has gone far out of bounds and is giving
me a lot of trouble”.
151. Thinking about the condition of the old lady, Shama was
already dejected. What exactly should he do? Gathering
courage, he asked Baba.
152.“Lord, what is this confusion and mystery14? Your moves are
not understood by others. You make people come to this
village and now you are asking my plans.
153. That old Deshmukh woman is aged and has gone without food or
water for three days and is solely depending on you.
154. That old woman is very obstinate and has great faith in you.
You are not ready to even look at her. Why are you making
her miserable?
155. As it is, she is like a dry stick. She is unrelenting, of a
very irascible nature and strong-willed. Obviously, without
food, she is going to lose her life.
156. It will be said that the old woman came with the desire to
take darshan and wished to have upadesh. But Sai Baba had no
pity on her. He let her die.
157. Baba, let not such a reputation spread. Tell her what is
good for her. Why don’t you grace her and wipe out the
probable blot?
158. She has no strength left in her. Her life is hanging by a
thread. The old woman will die and you will receive the
blame.
159. The old woman’s penance is hard. We are very much worried.
Unfortunately, if the old woman dies, it will be a disaster.
160. The old woman is bent on doing injury to herself in a fit of
passion. If you do not favour her I don’t see any chance of
her survival. Tell her something from your own lips”.
161. This chapter has reached the limit set for its length. The
desire of the listeners will be fulfilled thoroughly in the
next chapter, very lovingly.
162. Later on Baba lovingly gave upadesh because of that old
woman. By listening to it with respect, ignorance will
disappear.
163. Hemad surrenders to Sai; prostrates before the listeners.
Now be ready to listen to that which will lead you to cross
the worldly ocean with the least efforts.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the eighteenth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called:
“Favour that was Bestowed on Me”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Hymn of praise to Ram, simple and lucid, and in use by the common
man.
2.
It is the story of Narasimha Saraswati Swamiji, who is considred as
the avatar of Dutta. It is believed that it destroys all evil when
it is read and grants salvation.
3.
A brahmin well versed in the Puranas.
4.
Seven years since Baba’s darshan.
5.
Commentary by Eknath Maharaj on the eleventh Skanda (section) of
the Bhagvat, which had thirty-two chapters (sections).
6.
Vyas, noted scribe to whom sometimes authorship is wrongfully
attributed.
7.
Son of Vyas.
8.
Grandson of the Pandavas.
9.
Critic of the Bhagvat in Sanskrit and the Gita of the fourteenth
century.
10.
Saint graced by Dutta and Eknath’s Guru, of the sixteenth century.
11.
Tulsi plant holder.
12.
Also written by Eknath.
13.
Not a real person, but a personification of something that troubled
Baba.
14. The Marathi phrase used is “Gowd Bengal”, because these two
states are famous for magic practices and hypnotism.
Taking the tumrel in one hand and the jholi in the other, he himself moved from doorstep
to doorstep of the particular houses every day. (Chp. 8, ovi 93)
Blessed are those at whose doorstep, Baba as a mendicant spread his hand, calling
“Oh, lassie, bring me a quarter of a bhakri”. (Chp. 8, ovi 92)
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