25


Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by Granting
What is Desired Deeply


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.
Sai Maharaj, Ocean of Mercy, Veritable Incarnation of God.
Absolute Brahman, Great Lord of Yoga – I do my eightfold
obeisance before him!
2.
Hail! Hail to you! The Highest Adornment of Saints! Abode
of All Auspiciousness! Sai Samartha, the Refuge of All
Devotees! I bow to you, whose desires have been fulfilled!
3.
In the last chapter, there was a close study and narration
of the wit and humour (of Baba). But this Sai, who is fond
of his devotees, always kept his devotees pleased.
4.
Sai is the embodiment of immense compassion. What is
necessary is a singular devotion. For the devotee who has
faith and devotion, there would be no lack of fulfilment of
desires.
5.
Krishna said to Uddhava: “The Sadguru is none but myself”.
Such a Sadguru should be worshipped with love. This is
known as singular or unparallel devotion.
6.
The desire rose within me to write about the life of Sree
Sai. He chose the leelas which are very wonderful and
worthy of being listened to and he immediately got them
written by me.
7.
Though I did not have the powers nor the knowledge of the
Shastras, he gave me, the insignificant one, the
inspiration and got the book written by me, to bring about
an awareness in his devotees.
8.
When the order was given to “keep the notes”, at that time
my slight intelligence was enriched with knowledge and
courage.
9.
Immediately, I was emboldened that this Sai, profoundly
virtuous, would get his stories collected, for the
upliftment of his devotees.

10.
Otherwise, would I have dared to enter this sphere of
speech, as this biography is like nectar, that is, the
‘payas’1 from the prasad offered at the feet of the saint.
11.
This story of Sai is for the devotees a place where water
is given to the thirsty; but instead of water it is nectar!
Drink to your fill, by Sai’s grace, for it removes the
problems of the world.
12.
This is not a story but ‘Somakant’2, from which the stories
of Sai ooze like nectar from the moon, which the thirsty
devotees, like the chakor, may drink to their fill.
13.
Now, loving devotees, with full concentration and without
restraint, listen to these pious stories of Sai, which
would destroy the sins arising out of kaliyug.
14.
Once there is singular faith, then all the calamities of
that devotee are warded off and he is granted all that is
desired deeply. All the difficulties are resolved.
15.
Here is a story to that extent, which will demonstrate
Sai’s love for his devotees. If the listeners hear it with
respect, they will feel happy.
16.
Therefore, listen with full involvement to this marvellous
story, when you will experience what an ocean of
compassion, Gurumaya is!
17.
It is a very brief story, yet without parallel because of
the lesson it teaches. Pay attention for a while and all
the problems will be driven away.
18.
One prosperous devotee called Damu Anna was a well-to-do
bangle merchant of Ahmednagar. He was greatly devoted to
Sai.
19.
The story of that excellent devotee would be a delight to
listen to and Sai’s immediate protection of the devotee
will be distinctly seen.
20.
At the Ramnavmi annual festival, two big new flags are
taken in procession through Shirdi village. Everyone there
knows about it.
21.
Out of these, one is from Nimonkar and the other one from
this Damu Anna. This has been their practice since many
years, carried out uninterruptedly with love and devotion.
22.
Damu Anna had two wives but no issue. After receiving Sai’s
blessings, he got a son.
23.
It was then that he vowed to offer a flag for the Ramnavmi
festival and the taking out of the flag in procession every
year started from then.

24.
The preparations for the procession were made at Kondya,
the carpenter’s house. From there, the flags are carried in
a procession with the reverbrations of the musical
instruments.
25.
These long flags were tied to the two corners of the
Masjid. Every year this is an auspicious signal of the
beginning of the festival.
26.
The fakirs that came there were also sumptuously fed. This
merchant observed the Ramnavmi, in this way, every year.
27.
Now, I present the story of that Damu Anna for the benefit
of the listeners. If listened to carefully, you will
realise the powers of Sai.
28.
His friend from Bombay wrote to him and asked him, if he
should do a transaction which would result in a profit of
two lakhs of rupees.
29.
“We shall be partners and each of us will earn one lakh of
rupees. Send a reply immediately. The transaction is clear
and there is no risk.
30.
We shall buy raw cotton now. The prices will rise sharply.
If the transaction is not done at the opportune time, then
we are sure to regret it later”.
31.
Anna’s mind was disturbed because he did not want to miss
this opportunity. He had full faith in his friend yet he
was not able to firmly decide.
32.
Anna began to wonder whether to enter into this transaction
or not. “Oh God! What will happen and how?” He was
confused.
33.
As Damu Anna was a disciple, he wrote to Baba: “I have no
independent judgement. You are my protection.
34.
On the face of it, I feel like entering into this
transaction. But will it be profitable or
cause loss? Please let me know”.
35.
He addressed the letter to Madhavrao saying:
“Please read it to Baba. Let me know his
instructions. The business seems to be
good”.
36.
The next day, in the afternoon, Madhavrao
received the letter. He took it to the
Masjid and placed it at Baba’s feet.
37.
“What is it Shama? Why this haste? What is this paper that
you have put at my feet?” Baba said. “Baba, that Damu
Sheth from Nagar is desirous of asking you something”.
Madhavrao
Deshpande
alias Shyama

38.
“What does he write? What does he plan now? It appears that
he is trying to touch the sky. He is not contented with
what God has given.
39.
Read, read his letter”. Shama said: “What you have just
said is exactly the meaning of the letter of Damu Anna,
word to word.
40.
God, you sit quietly and put the devotees in a turmoil.
Then when they are mentally disturbed, you bring them to
your feet.
41.
Some you drag yourself and bring them here; for some you
get letters written. When you reveal before hand the secret
contents then why do you have the letter read?”.
42.
“Oh Shama, read, read! Why do you believe me? I am just
made this way, speaking out whatever comes to my mind”.
43.
Then Madhavrao read the letter. Baba listened attentively,
and then Baba said feelingly: “The Sheth has taken leave of
his senses.
44.
Tell him in reply – What is lacking in your home? Let him
be content with half a loaf of bread, and let him not
bother about a lakh”.
45.
Damu Anna was impatiently waiting for the reply. He read
it, the moment it reached him.
46.
Damu Sheth was disappointed on reading that reply. The
fortress of his hopes was dashed to the ground. The tree of
his expectations was uprooted.
47.
‘Now, if I earn one lakh, I will lend half of it on
interest and immediately become a millionaire and live
happily in Nagar’.
48.
The castles that he had built in the air collapsed on the
spot. Damu Anna was greatly disheartened. ‘What has Baba
done?!
49.
I made a mistake in writing that letter itself! I have
caused my own ruin. I have myself kicked the platter of
served food, no sooner than it had come.’
50.
Be it so. In that letter to Damu Anna, it had been hinted
that “there is a difference between seeing and hearing.
Come here personally”.
51.
Such was Madhavrao’s indication. ‘I too feel that I should
go personally. Maybe that would be beneficial. Perhaps he
may give his consent.’
52.
Thinking thus, Anna came to Shirdi and sat near Baba, after
prostration.

53.
He was gently pressing Baba’s feet, but had no courage to
ask. He began to secretly think that he should keep a share
of the profits for Baba.
54.
‘Sainatha if you help me in this transaction, I shall offer
some part of the profits to you and always remain indebted
to you’, he thought.
55.
He held Sai’s feet to his head and Damu Anna sat thus for a
while. It is human nature to make decisions and have
hesitations. Such thoughts about the transaction were
turning round in his mind.
56.
Devotees have desires without realising their true welfare.
Only the Guru knows what is in the devotee’s interest,
knowing the past, present and the future.
57.
However much anyone kept his thought hidden, Sai Samartha
dwells within the hearts of everyone as the Witness and he
knows the innermost thoughts.
58. When anyone lovingly related his intentions and placed them
at Sai’s feet, and asked for permission with full faith,
Sai showed the right path.
59.
This was his vow and all his devotees knew it. He removed
the obstacles of all who had completely surrendered.
60.
The Guru is the real mother and father. Since numerous
births, he is the Guardian and Protector. He is Brahma,
Vishnu and Shankar, the Doer and the One who gets
everything done.
61.
A child wants sweets but the mother gives bitter medicine
whether the child cries or writhes. This is her loving
decision.
62.
How can the child know the properties of that bitter
medicine and how it will be beneficial at the proper time?
Only the mother knows the indications.
63.
Even if Anna kept a share, was Baba likely to forget
himself? His love was not motivated by gain. He was ever
ready to look after the welfare of his devotees.
64.
Money and gold were like dust to him, so what was the value
of the share for him? These Saints manifest in the world
only to uplift suffering humanity.
65.
He is a Saint who has control over his senses and is free
from the vices of ignorance and envy and whose aim is to
bestow favours on others.
66.
Though Damu Anna’s idea of giving a share was not expressed
and was hidden, Baba gave an open reply. Listen to it with
respectful attention.

67.
Baba was fully aware of the desires of all beings, present
– future – past like an amalak fruit held in the palm.
68.
Baba knew very well the future of his devotee. Listen to
how he gave timely warnings and spoke clearly.
69.
“Bapu, I am not to be involved in anything”, Baba informed
him lovingly. ‘Sai does not think this transaction to be
good,’ Anna thought and felt ashamed.
70.
Hearing these words of Baba, Damu Anna understood what was
meant. He gave up the idea and sat quietly with his head
downcast.
71.
Again, another idea occurred to him whether he should do
some other business like dealing in rice, wheat and other
grains. Listen to Baba’s reply.
72.
“You will buy five seers for a price and sell seven for the
same price.” Hearing these words of Baba, Anna felt
ashamed.
73.
Thus nothing ever happened which was not seen by Sai.
Everything everywhere was known to him.
74.
On the other side, his friend (Anna’s) had troubled
thoughts. He did not know what to do. There was even no
reply from Anna.
75.
Then that Sheth wrote and told him all that had happened.
His friend was surprised on reading it and thought ‘strange
is fate’.
76.
‘What a wonderful transaction had come our way! Why did he
not think for himself instead of dancing attendance on the
fakir?! He has unnecessarily lost the gains.
77.
God gives, but we lose by our own actions. The mind stops
working when evil days are imminent. Why did this fakir
have to come in the way of this clear business?
78.
What can he say who has given up the normal way of life and
goes from door to door, like a mad man, to beg for morsels
of food to feed himself?
79.
Let it be. He was not destined to have it, therefore, his
mind acted thus. I should look for another partner.
Whatever is not destined would never happen.’
80.
May it be whatsoever! Anna remained contented. Someone else
became his friend’s partner whose karma dragged him into
it. He got into trouble.
81.
They had hoped to make money but suffered reversals. They
had losses, as if the fakir’s satka had beaten them.

82.
How fortunate is my Damu Anna! Very wise! Sai is a true
pearl to him, wise and sagacious. How compassionate was he
to the devotee!
83.
The friend said: “If he had followed my advice, then he
would have lost heavily. He was saved because he followed
the fakir. How wonderful was his faith!
84.
I laughed at his madness and was proud of my own
cleverness! It was truly futile. That’s the experience I
got.
85.
I reviled that fakir unnecessarily. If I had followed his
advice, he would have given me timely warning also and I
would not have suffered this loss”.
86.
Now, I will narrate one more story and then bring to a
close the narration about Anna. The listeners will be happy
and will wonder at Baba!
87. See, what happened once! A parcel came from Goa. A
Mamlatdar named Rale, sent some famous mangoes.
88.
It was addressed to Madhavrao with the intention that they
should be offered at Baba’s feet, with respect. They were
accepted at Kopergaon and brought to Shirdi.
89.
When opened in the Masjid before Baba, the mangoes were
found to be lovely. There were more than three hundred and
the fruit was full of sweet aroma.
90.
Baba saw all of them and gave the lot to Madhavrao, who put
four in the ‘kolamba’ (earthern pot in which Baba put all
the food), and took the rest away.
91.
As soon as the fruit was put in the ‘kolamba’, Baba said:
“Those fruits are for Damu Anna. Let them be there”.
92.
Two hours later Damu Anna arrived at the Masjid, to offer
worship, with flowers etc.
93.
He had no idea of what had happened earlier. Baba began to
speak loudly: “Those mangoes are for Damiya and not ours,
even though people are casting covetous eyes upon them.
94.
He should take the mangoes for whom they are meant. Why
should we have what is for another? He alone should eat for
whom they are meant and then die after eating them”.
95.
Anna naturally accepted them as being ‘prasad’. Anna knew
fully well not to misinterpret the words as being
inauspicious.
96.
Anna finished the worship and left. He came again and
asked: “I do not know to which wife I should give these
fruits – the older or the younger”.
97.
Baba replied: “Give to the younger one. She will have eight
children. Four boys and four girls, all caused by this Amra
(mango) leela”.
98.
Since he had no children, he had made a lot of efforts. He
had invoked Saints and Sages to get their blessings.

99.
He danced attention on Saints and Sages for this purpose
and to propitiate his planets he even tried astrology, to
such a degree that he became an astrologer himself.
100.
According to the stars in his horoscope, he had no
children. This was the outcome of the knowledge of
astrology. Anna knew this very well and had given up all
hopes.
101.
Yet, these were the words of assurance from the saint Sai.
Hope dawned again as the Samartha was propitious.
102.
Be it so. After some time, Baba’s words came true. As the
‘prasad’ of the saint germinated and bore fruit, the
children were born.
103.
It happened as it was said. Anna’s own forecast was proved
to be wrong. Sai’s words turned out to be fruitful. Sons
were born as he had promised.
104.
May it be whatsoever. This was Baba’s speech when Baba was
in body. Later even after he left the body, he had
determined the greatness of his speech.
105.
“Even when I pass away, believe in my words. From my tomb
my bones will give you assurance.
106.
Not only I, but my tomb would be speaking, moving and
communicating with those who surrender themselves whole
heartedly to me.
107.
Do not worry that I shall be hidden from your eyes. You
will hear my bones speak and discuss your welfare.
108.
Always remember me only. Believe in me heart and soul. Pray
without selfish motives and you will attain your welfare”.
109.
“O Sai Sadguru, the wish-fulfilling tree of the devotees,
let not Hemad forget and lose sight of your feet.
110.
O Guruvara, the One who is Compassionate towards the
devotees, make haste and reach us. There is no respite in
the wordly affairs. Free us from this cycle of births and
deaths.
111.
Our nature depends on our tendencies. Our senses are
forever directed outwardly. Restrain us from the attraction
of the objects of the senses. Introvert us.
112.
In the ocean of worldly existence, we are tossed around
like waves in a whirlpool. Extend your timely help and
relieve us.
113.
The senses run amok; evil practice overpowers us. Please
dam up this unrestrained flow. Turn back the host of
senses.

114.
If the senses are not introverted, there is no prospect of
Self-realisation. Without that, how can there be Supreme
Bliss? Life will be futile.
115.
Neither wife, nor son, nor numerous friends will be of any
use in the end. You alone are the lasting friend for the
final journey. You are the giver of joys and salvation.
116.
Unravel the net of actions and sins and free us from its
misery. Uplift the poor and the meek with the power of your
grace, Maharaja.
117.
Destroy from their roots evil tendencies and argumentative
habits. Let our tongues get a passion for chanting the
name, O pure, Sairaya.
118.
Grant to me the ability to love you so intensely that I may
forget all my resolves, doubts, even my body and home. Take
away my ego also.
119.
Make me ever remember your name and forget all other
things. Remove the restlessness of the mind and make it
steady and calm.
120.
If you just clasp us, the darkness of night of our
ignorance will vanish and we shall live happily in your
light. What more can we desire?
121.
That you made us drink the nectar of your life story and
awakened us from our slumber is due to your grace. Isn’t
this something extraordinary?”
122.
The next chapter is sweeter than this. The listeners’
longing will be satisfied. Their love at Sai’s feet will
increase. Their faith will also be strengthened.
123.
Once, a devotee came for darshan after obtaining permission
from his Guru. On bowing at Sai’s feet, his faith in his
own Guru was strengthened.
124.
Similarly, another gentleman who was rich but having great
problems came for Sai’s darshan with his son and his wife.
125.
How his desire was fulfilled and his epileptic son was
cured by mere darshan! He was also reminded of an earlier
experience.
126.
Therefore, Hemad surrenders to Sai and respectfully
requests the listeners to become inclined towards Sai’s
stories, and make the listening meaningful.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the twenty fifth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee


Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people called
“Achieving the Devotee’s Welfare by Granting What is Desired
Deeply”.


This is offered to Sree Sadguru SainathSree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!


Notes:


1.
A dish (delicacy) composed of cooked rice, milk and sugar.
2.
Jewel which starts oozing water when the rays of the moon fall
on it.
Damodar Rasane alias Damu Anna


Trimbak D. Rasane Dattatraya D. Rasane
-alias Thanashah -alias Daulatshah