29
Narration of Stories of Dreams
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.
In this chapter, I will make you listen to Sree’s marvellous
and unimaginable skills, beyond which have been related in
the previous chapter. The subject is the same.
2.
Hearing about Baba’s incredible leelas, in the year 1916, a
bhajan party came to Shirdi for darshan.
3.
It was a travelling group who heard of Baba’s fame at
Madras. While going on a pilgrimage to Kashi, they broke
journey at Shirdi.
4.
They heard that Sai Baba was a great saint, patient,
generous and one who had controlled his passions. He was
kind to pilgrims and distributed large sums of money.
5.
He was munificent with small change; half and quarter rupees
rained freely. He gave ten, twenty and fifty rupees to some.
6.
This was not only on festive days, or for some special
occasions. Everyday, he gave it happily, in the above
mentioned proportions.
7.
Showmen came, ‘nautanki’ troupes danced, great singers gave
programmes, bards performed, persons doing ‘tamasha’ paid
obeisance, kirtankars gave engrossing bhajans.
8.
Having heard by word of mouth that Maharaj was generous, and
liberal in giving charity, they desired to have darshan.
9.
Sometimes, if Baba felt like it, he distributed money even
to the travellers. He inquired after the well-being of the
poor and the meek. Sainath was the embodiment of kindness.
10.
There were four persons in the party – one man and three
women. The man himself, his sister-in-law, wife and
daughter. They were desirous of the saint’s darshan.
11.
After taking Sai’s darshan, the party was pleased. They sang
loving bhajans, before Sai, every day, regularly.
12.
They belonged to the Ramdasi cult and sang bhajans with
great joy. Baba, too, if he felt like it, gave them a rupee
or half a rupee.
13.
Sometimes Baba gave them ‘barfi’ and sometimes he sent them
back empty handed. This was his usual practice but there was
nothing definite or predictable about it.
14.
That he distributed money, that is true. There is no untruth
in it. But he did not give to everybody. No one was aware of
what was in his mind.
15.
Fakirs and beggars came to beg alms always at Baba’s door.
Though Baba was very kind he did not give charity to all.
16.
Only he whose time had come to have good fortune, he alone
received the happiness of the money. Even a small coin,
touched by the hands of a saint, is obtained only by the
fortunate.
17. Let me tell you a story to illustrate this which will
satisfy the listeners. After narrating it, I will proceed to
the main one.
18.
After breakfast when Baba sat down near the ‘dhuni’ against
the pillar, in the Masjid, a girl called Amani1 used to come.
19.
The young girl was three years old, naked, and always came
at this time, with her mother carrying a little tin box2 in
her hands.
20.
Amani would sit on his lap and give the little box in Baba’s
hands. Holding Baba’s hands, she would repeat: “Baba, a
rupee, a rupee”.
21.
Baba was very fond of children. The girl was plump and
beautiful. He kissed and caressed her, and held her closely.
22.
Baba would embrace her but Amani’s mind was fixed on the
money. “Baba, give, give me”, she would say, concentrating
on his pocket.
23.
Amani was after all a child but the grown ups and the elders
had the same greed, running only for selfish purposes. Rare
was the person who had spiritual inclination.
24.
The young girl sat on his lap, while her mother stayed a
little beyond, outside the railing. She would signal to the
girl not to move till he gave her the money.
25.
“Am I a relative of your father or do I owe him anything
that you pester me from the time you awake? Useless ones,
wanting everything free!” Baba would say angrily.
26.
But this anger was simulated, for love rose in waves in his
heart. Putting his hands in his pocket, he would bring out a
rupee.
27.
After he put it in the box, and closed it with a sharp
sound, as soon as the little box came into her hands, she
would run off home.
28.
This happened at breakfast time. Similarly, when he left for
the Lendi he gave Amani a rupee, getting angry in the same
way.
29.
Thus, every day, he gave two rupees to her, six to Jamali3,
five to Dada Kelkar, and two each to Bhagya and Sundari.
30.
Tatyaba was given between rupees ten to fiteen; Fakir Baba
between rupees fifteen to fifty; eight rupees were
distributed amongst the poor. This distribution was done
daily.
31.
Be it so. The Madrasis had heard stories of this generosity
and as their selfish desire had arisen for the money, they
started the practice of the bhajans.
32.
The bhajans were beautiful to listen to but they were sung
out of great greed. They stayed in Shirdi, the whole family,
in the hope of getting money.
33. Out of the group, three of them had great greed and hoped
that Baba would give a lot of money. But only the wife
worshipped Baba with devotion. This was her own feeling
while singing.
34.
Her reverence was like that of the peacock dancing happily
on seeing the rain-bearing clouds or that of the chakor for
the moon.
35.
One day when the noon arati was in progress, Sai the
embodiment of kindness, seeing the lady’s true state of
devotion, gave her darshan as Ram.
36.
For all others, he was the usual Sainath. He appeared to the
lady as the consort of Janaki4. Tears began pouring from her
eyes. People were surprised to see this.
37.
She clapped with both her hands while the tears flowed from
her eyes. Seeing this unusual sight at that time, the people
were surprised.
38.
Seeing this sight, all were curious to know why there was
such a flood of intense love and joy only for her.
39.
Later in the afternoon, brimming with great joy, she told
her husband about the wonderful experience of Ram darshan,
given by Sai.
40.
“I saw Ram, he of the complexion of the blue lotus, the
wish-fulfilling tree of the devotees, the elder brother of
Bharat, the joy of Sita and the son of Dasharath.
41.
I saw Janaki Nath, adorned with a crown, wearing earrings, a
garland of wild flowers, apparelled in yellow and with four
hands.
42.
Holding the conch, discus and mace, on his chest was the
mark of Vishnu and he was adorned by the ‘koustubh5’ garland.
I saw that enchanting form of the divine Purushottam”.
43.
She said: “This unparalleled incarnation of Vishnu, who has
taken a human form, the heart and soul of Janaki, the
bewitching archer, I saw.
44.
He may appear as a fakir begging for alms from door to door
but I saw the heart and soul of Janaki, the bewitching
archer.
45.
He may seem to be an Aulia; or be seen by anyone else, in
their hearts as someone different, but I saw the heart and
soul of Janaki, the bewitching archer”.
46.
The lady was very devout; but her husband was very selfish.
“Women are guileless, like this! How would Raghupati be
here?!
47.
The innocent and devout see what is in their heart. We all
saw Sai. How can she alone see Ram?”
48.
He ridiculed his wife with several such remarks. But the
lady did not have any ill feeling as she had not wrongly
imagined anything.
49.
It was popularly believed that she had earlier attained
spirituality. She used to have Ram’s darshan, often, when
her mind was calm and composed.
50.
Later, she became greedy for money. God does not co-exist
with money. She was unable to have Ram darshan, for that is
the nature of greed.
51.
Sai was aware of all this. Knowing her tendency, he gave her
Ram darshan again and fulfilled her desire.
52.
Be it so. Later, that same night something strange happened.
The man, while sleeping, had a frightful dream.
53. He found himself in some city, the prisoner of the police,
who had tied his hands with ropes so tightly behind him that
the very bones creaked.
54.
There was a lock-up, near which Sai stood outside, quietly
and unmovingly seeing the scene.
55.
Seeing Maharaj near by, folding both his hands, he spoke in
a humble and pitiable voice.
56.
“Baba, having heard your fame I came to your feet. Why has
this happened to me when you are present here?”
57.
Maharaj replied: “One must suffer for one’s deeds”. The man
said with great humility: “I have not done anything wrong.
58.
At least, not in this life, whereby I have to suffer this
hardship”. Whereupon Maharaj said: “Then it must have been
in another life”.
59.
He thereupon replied: “What do I know about the previous
life? And if at all there is anything, it should burn to
ashes by your darshan, certainly.
60.
It should burn like a blade of grass in the fire at your
darshan. Why then have I not been freed from it?”
61.
Then Maharaj said to him: “Do you have so much faith?” When
the man replied in the affirmative, he instructed him to
close his eyes.
62.
As he stood with his eyes closed, as instructed, at that
moment he heard a thump, a sound as if someone had fallen
down.
63.
He was startled by this sudden sound. He opened his eyes and
began to look around. He found himself free and the
policeman lay on the ground, covered with blood.
64.
He was very frightened by this. He began to look at Sainath,
who laughed and said to him: “You are well caught now.
65.
Now an officer will come and after observing everything,
will certainly declare you to be the culprit. He will arrest
you again”.
66.
Then the person said sincerely, “Baba, what you say is true.
Now, do something and have me released. No one else except
you can protect me”.
67.
Hearing this Sai said: “Close your eyes again”. After doing
that, when he opened the eyes, he saw another strange sight.
68.
He was outside the lock-up and Maharaj Sai was near him. He
did an eight fold obeisance. Then Baba asked him:
69.
“Think well and tell me whether there is any difference
between your prostration that you have done now and the ones
that you have been doing before this?”
70.
Then, the man replied: “As different as the sky is from the
earth! My earlier prostrations were done for monetary gains
but this one is to acknowledge you as God.
71.
Earlier I had no faith in you. Not only that, but I believed
that as you were a Muslim, you were defiling the Hindus.
That was why I had anger within me, against you”.
72.
Whereupon, Baba asked: “Do you not believe in any Muslim
deity?” The man replied in the negative.
73.
Baba further asked him: “Do you not have a ‘panja6’ in your
home? Do you not worship it during ‘Tabut’? 7 Think
carefully.
74.
You also have Kada Bibi at home, whom you worship and
propitiate at the time of weddings. She is a Muslim deity”.
75.
He admitted this. Then he was asked if he desired anything.
The man wished to have darshan of his own Guru, Ramdas.
76.
Maharaj then asked him to turn around and look. Then when he
did so, he saw Samartha Ramdas standing before him.
77.
But as soon as he bent down at his feet, Samartha
disappeared. Then, as he looked curiously a strange thought
came to his mind.
78.
“Baba you are quite advanced in age and look like an old
man. Have you any idea of the longevity of your life?”
79.
“How do you say that I am old? See if you can race with
me?” and saying these words, Sai began to run and the man
ran behind him.
80.
Maharaj raised a cloud of dust as he ran at full speed; and
disappeared at that moment. The man then woke up.
81.
So be it. After waking he thought over his dream, and found
that his whole thinking had changed. He extolled the
greatness of Baba.
82.
Seeing such a marvel, his devotion at Sai’s feet was firmly
established. His earlier attitude changed and his doubts
about Baba vanished.
83.
Although the whole thing was a dream, but when the listeners
hear those questions and answers, they will realise the
profoundity therein.
84.
By reflection on these questions and answers, the Madrasi
learned a great lesson. His antagonism to Sai disappeared,
amidst laughter and jokes.
85.
Next day, early morning, when the group came to the Masjid
for darshan, Sai Nath gave them ‘barfi’ worth two rupees and
showed his grace.
86.
Also, Baba gave them all two rupees from his pocket and made
them stay longer. They continued with their bhajans and
worship.
87.
Later, after some time, the group decided to leave. Though
they had not received a lot of money, they received
blessings in plenty:
88.
“Allah Malik will give you in plenty! Allah will take care
of your welfare!” When they set out on their travels, this
is what proved most useful.
89.
With Sai’s blessings and with remembrance of Sai, in their
minds and hearts during their travels, day or night, they
had no discomfort of any kind, even in their dreams.
90.
They went to numerous pilgrim places, as desired, thanks to
the blessings received. They had no problems on the way and
they returned happily and comfortably to their home.
91.
In addition to the places they had intended to go, they
could visit many other pilgrim places. They praised the
marvel of Sai’s words and all were very happy.
92.
In addition to the saint’s blessings, the words “Allah will
take care of your welfare” proved true in every way. Their
wishes were fulfilled.
93.
Thus, this Madrasi group, all of whom were desirous of
pilgrimage, and believed in God, all of them became virtuous
and full of good qualities. Sai freed them from the cycle of
life and death.
94.
I will tell you another story, as sweet and interesting as
this one. If the listeners hear it with reverence and
devotion, they would be surprised.
95.
How infinitely kind was Sai and how he fulfilled the desires
of his devotees with love, working unceasingly! He was the
wish-fulfilling tree for the devotees!
96.
In Bandra, Thane District, there was a staunch devotee named
Raghunath Rao Tendulkar. He was brilliant, courageous and
very knowledgeable.
97.
He was always cheerful and loving. He was attached to the
lotus feet of Sai, with the hope of obtaining the honey of
knowledge. He continuously chanted the Lord’s name.
98.
He has described the leelas of Sai in a book called “Bhajan
Mala” (Garland of Bhajans). He who reads it with devotion
and love, will be blessed by Sai at every step.
99.
His wife was named Savitri and his eldest son was called
Babu. See his strange experience. Listen to this story about
Sai.
100. Once, Babu was confused. He had taken medical education for
allopathy but he did not appear for the examination.
101. He worked very hard, day and night. He asked an astrologer,
whether he would succeed in the exam.
102. Scanning through the pages of the ‘panchang’8, the astrologer
studied the placing of the planets and after calculating the
‘rashi9’ and ‘nakshatra’10, with his fingers, looked anxious.
103. He said: “You have worked very hard, but this year the stars
are not favourable. The next year is very auspicious. You
will get through the exams next year without any worries”.
104. So what was the point of sitting for the exam, if the
efforts were wasted! The student was apprehensive and
mentally faltered.
105. Then, the student’s mother visited Shirdi, after some time.
She bowed at Sai’s feet and began a conversation about
general welfare.
106. Then this matter turned up and she beseeched Baba, in a
humble voice and said that her son would have appeared for
the examination, if the stars were favourable.
107. The astrologer had seen the horoscope and said that the time
was not favourable. So, though he had studied well, the son
had decided not to appear for the exam.
108.“Therefore, Baba, what is this aspect of the planets
influencing his lot? Why such disappointment this year?
Everyone is eager for him to finish with the examination”.
109. After hearing her, Baba said: “Tell him to listen to me.
Roll up the horoscope and sit for the examination, without
any anxiety.
110. Do not follow anyone else’s advice. Do not look at the
horoscope. Do not believe in astrology. Study with
concentration.
111. Tell your son that he will be successful. He should sit for
the examination without anxiety. Let him not lose hope. Have
full faith in me”.
112. Be it so. The mother returned to her home with Baba’s
permission. She told the son of Baba’s message and the
mother assured him, with eagerness.
113. Such was the encouragement of Sai’s words that the son sat
for the examination and answered all the questions
confidently.
114. The written examinations were finished. He had answered
fully. Still, the lack of self-confidence overwhelmed him.
Doubts wrecked his mind.
115. Though he had written answers which were adequate for him to
pass, the student felt that they were not enough and he lost
courage.
116. Actually, he had got through the written examination. Yet he
felt that he had failed. Therefore, he was dejected and
would not go for the oral examinations.
117. The oral examinations started. The first day passed by. The
next day, a friend came and found that the student was
having his meal.
118. He said: “How strange this is! The examiner is worried about
you. He asked me to come and find out the reason for your
absence yesterday”.
119. Tendulkar frankly told him: “When I have failed in the
written examination why should I take the trouble to appear
for the orals. Therefore, I have stayed home through
disappointment”.
120.“The examiner, on the contrary, has told me to come and
bring you somehow and give you the news that you have passed
in the written examination”.
121. Then, how can his joy be described! He invoked Sai Maharaj
and without wasting a moment, ran out with enthusiasm.
122. Be it so. Everything turned out well. The desire to get
through the examination was fulfilled. Sai also strengthened
the devotion at his feet by fulfilling his wish.
123. The handle of the grinding stone often has to be moved about
to fix it firmly. Similarly is the case with faith at the
Guru’s feet. Sai strengthens it by testing it.
124. He never said anything to anybody whereby the mind was not
moved. This was the usual experience with Baba. He
strengthened the faith in this manner.
125. As one goes along the directed path, in the beginning
everything seems to go well. Later, thorny shrubs seem to be
so spread out that one encounters thorns only, in all
quarters.
126. Then one’s faith is shaken and doubts easily arise. ‘Why has
Sai brought me to this difficult path?’, one could ask.
127. When one feels like this, make a stronger effort to hold on
to your faith. These difficulties are there to test you;
then only will firm faith become part of you.
128. Facing these difficulties and constantly chanting Sai’s
name, all the problems will be removed. This is the
tremendous power of the name.
129. That is the purpose of these difficulties, which are also
created by Sai. It is only then that one remembers Sai and
chants his name, which brings about the end of all the
difficulties.
130. So be it. The father of this young man was a very loving
devotee of Baba — patient, generous, and of a virtuous
disposition. His body had become enfeebled.
131. He had worked in the firm of a foreign businessman, who had
an establishment in Bombay, with sincerity and honesty.
132. Later, with advancing age, his vision began dimming and he
was physically weakened. He desired complete rest.
133. As he had no strength to work, Raghunath Rao took leave to
improve his health and took complete rest.
134. Even after that leave had fully expired, as he was not fully
rested, he wrote a further application for extension of
leave.
135. When his immediate superior saw the application, he
recommended the leave. But the head of the office was very
considerate and kind.
136. The head of the office was generous. Taking into
consideration the sincere services of this worker, he put
him on half pay to help the household.
137. This was the Government practice, which was followed by the
topmost business houses, depending upon circumstances, in
the case of their honest staff members, to encourage them.
138.“But will my employer continue to give me this pay when I am
unable to work,” Tendulkar worried.
139.“My whole pay is Rs. 150/-. When I get the pension of Rs.
75/-, how will I meet my family’s expenses”, was the thought
he brooded over.
140. But later, something delightful happened. See Baba’s novel
miracle. He asked Raghunath Rao’s wife about their welfare.
Hear this marvel.
141. Fifteen days before the final orders for the pension, Baba
appeared in her dream and asked her opinion.
142.“I wish that he is given Rs.100/-. Will that satisfy you?”
he asked. The lady replied: “Why do you ask? We have full
faith in you”.
143. There, a decision was taken on his application. Raghunath
was a faithful employee who had served well and for several
years, so he should be given a good pension.
144. Though Baba had said Rs.100/-, Rs.10/-were given
additionally11. Such was Samartha, who was compassionate and
with immense love for the devotees.
145. Now listen to one more story which is very interesting and
entertaining, which will arouse love and delight amongst the
devotees. The listeners will enjoy it.
146. This sweet story is about a doctor, named Captain Hate, who
was a staunch devotee of Baba, to whom Baba gave darshan in
a dream, early one morning.
147. Hate lived in Gwalior and saw Baba in his dream there.
Notice the skillful way in which Baba asked questions and
the replies that Hate gave.
148.Baba said: “Have you forgotten me?” Hate immediately held
Baba’s feet and said: “If the child forgets the mother, how
will it be saved?”
149. In the dream, he got up quickly and went to the garden,
picked fresh ‘valpapdi’12, ‘shidha’13 and with dakshina made
an offering to prove his devotion.
150. When all these items were ready to prove his devotion, Hate
moved forward with the scuttle, in which they were placed,
to make the offering. Suddenly his eyes opened and he
realised that it was a dream.
151. Immediately, Hate felt that he must collect all the items
seen in his dream and offer them to Baba personally, by
going to Shirdi.
152. But, as he was in Gwalior, he wrote a letter to his friend14,
giving him all the details of the circumstances, and
persuaded him to go to Shirdi himself.
153.“The “The money will be sent to you by post. Buy good quality
‘shidha’ and somehow, obtain selected ‘valpapdi’.
154. Take the balance money with you and offer it to Baba, with
‘shidha’ and other things. Pay obeisance at his feet and ask
for prasad, and send it to me”.
155. As soon as the money was received, the friend left for
Shirdi. He purchased all the required items except for
‘papadi’ for which there was difficulty. Just then a basket
came there.
156. It was being carried on a woman’s head. He called her and
was surprised to find ‘valpapdi’ in it. Everyone was
surprised.
157. Then, he brought all the items and offered them with
reverence to Maharaj. He gave them to Nimonkar to cook for
naivedya the next day.
158. The next day when Baba sat down to eat, he did not touch the
dal – rice etc. but he picked up only the ‘valpapdi’.
Everyone was surprised.
159. He accepted only the ‘valpapdi’ and ate only that. Hate was
filled with joy when he got the news.
160. ‘The experience that one has depends upon one’s devotion’.
Such was Hate’s experience also. Listen to the marvel of the
next story and know the sweet courtesy of Sai!
161. A desire arose in him to have a coin of a rupee, in his
home, which had been touched and purified by Sai. Sai
fulfilled his wish.
162. The mind is full of different feelings. Discarding the
harmful only the beneficial ones should be adhered to. Then
observe Sai’s skill in helping the devotees.
163. When such a good desire arose in Hate it did not take any
time to be satisfied. A friend of his, desirous of Sai
darshan, was about to leave (for Shirdi).
164. Only the intention should be good, then Sai fulfils it
marvellously. Those who have virtuous intentions, their
well-being rests in Sai’s hands.
165. Then Hate gave one rupee to his friend with great love and
told him not to forget to place it in Baba’s hands.
166. When the friend went to Shirdi, he immediately took Baba’s
darshan. He bowed down at his feet and placed his head
there. Then he sat in front of Baba.
167. Baba extended his hand for dakshina, so he gave his dakshina
at first. Baba put it in his pocket promptly. Then the
friend took out Hate’s money.
168. With folded hands, he put that rupee also on Baba’s palm and
said: “This dakshina has been sent with me by Dr. Hate”.
169. This Sai is the dweller in all hearts. Even though Hate was
in Gwalior, knowing the desire in his heart, he sat minutely
looking at it.
170. Displaying affection, Baba held the coin before his eyes. He
kept on singularly gazing at it. The people stared at him.
171. He tossed the coin up with his right thumb and caught it
with his hands. He played with it in this way for some time.
Then, he returned the rupee.
172. And said: “Return this to whom it belongs. Take this udi
prasad along with it. Tell him that I do not want anything
from him. Stay well”.
173. Prostrating at Baba’s feet and putting the udi prasad at the
proper place, that friend took Baba’s permission and
returned to his home at Gwalior.
174. After reaching Gwalior and giving the rupee to the doctor,
he related in detail all that had taken place. Hate was
choked with emotion.
175. He said: “The purpose that I had in mind and as I had
wished, Baba fulfilled my wish, knowing my desire”.
176. This was what Hate felt but this was his interpretation. Who
can understand the plans of the saints and their purpose?
177. Even if this (Hate’s belief) is true then observe another
incident. It is exactly the opposite of this. The Saints
alone know their purpose.
178. He returned one person’s rupee and pocketed the other’s! Who
can explain the reason with certainty and what was in Baba’s
mind.
179. He alone knows his reasons. We should only enjoy what is
happening, and not miss the lovely opportunity to do so.
Listen to the story, to this purpose.
180. Once, Vaman Narvekar who had immense love for Baba brought a
beautiful coin to offer it with great devotion.
181. On one side the fascimile of Ram, Lakshman and Sita was
engraved; and on the other, was a pleasing image of Hanuman
with folded hands.
182. His intention in making the offering was to get it back
after Baba had touched it, with udi and prasad.
183. Baba always knew the innermost wishes of others fully. Yet,
when the coin was placed in his hands, he promptly put it in
his pocket.
184. Madhavrao explained Vaman Rao’s desire to Baba and earnestly
entreated him to return the coin to him.
185.“Why should it be given to him? We should keep it
ourselves”, Baba replied in clear tones in front of Vaman
Rao.
186.“However, if he is ready to pay twenty-five rupees, as its
price, I will give it to him in exchange”, Baba said to tell
him so.
187. Then, to get back that coin, Vaman Rao quickly collected the
required money, from here and there, and gave them to Baba.
188. That amount too he put in his pocket, as earlier, and said:
“Even a heap of rupees cannot equal this one in value. Their
value will be less than that of this coin”.
189. Further, he said: “Shama, you take this. Let it be in our
collection. Keep it in the shrine and keep worshipping it”.
190. Now, why did he act like this? Who had the authority to ask
him? Sai knows what is right and what is wrong. He is the
mighty giver and receiver too.
191. So be it. Now that this story is completed, let us give a
rest to the minds of the listeners so that they may
contemplate and continuously dwell on the stories, which
they have already heard.
192. Whatever is done or heard cannot be assimilated without
contemplation and continuous study. Listening alone will be
useless.
193. Therefore, Hemad surrenders to Sai. He holds his feet on his
head, which is the best means for achieving anything.
Further narration will come later.
May there be well-being! This is the end of the twenty-ninth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by the Saints and virtuous people, called
“Narration of Stories of Dreams”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Daughter of Baba’s devotee Kondaji.
2.
Box was originally the container for ‘jintan’, which were small,
flavourful pills eaten with betel leaf or otherwise.
3.
Kondaji’s wife and Amani’s mother.
4.
Sita, i.e. she saw him as Ram.
5.
One of the fourteen precious things obtained from the ocean on
churning it.
6.
A hand, which symbolises the five great saints of the Muslims.
7.
Bier, supposed to be the tombs of Hassan and Hussein, carried about
in procession during Moharrum.
8.
A calendar which deals with five things, such as the lunar date,
the day of the week, planets’ conjunction and half lunar day.
9.
The sign of the zodiac.
10.
Asterism in the moon’s path.
11.
Tendulkar retired on a pension of Rs. 110/-.
12.
Wax beans.
13.
Rice, dal, flour and ghee.
14.
Extract from Captain Hate’s letter dated Xmas written from Lashkar
(Gwalior) addressed to Mr. H.S. Dixit:
“Though I am miles away, the favour that Sai Baba, Sadguru,
shows on me is marvellous. Duty keeps me here, but I will take the first
opportunity of coming to Shirdi. My humble respects to Sai Baba. I have
sent a M.O. of Rs. 12 only. Please give Rs.10/-as dakshina and Rs. 2/
should be spent in buying ghee, wheat flour, dal, etc. as shidha. Please
do keep on it vegetable of ‘valpapdi shenga’. All this shidha etc. has a
special meaning and I shall be highly obliged to you for this favour of
yours.”
Narration of Stories of Dreams
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.
In this chapter, I will make you listen to Sree’s marvellous
and unimaginable skills, beyond which have been related in
the previous chapter. The subject is the same.
2.
Hearing about Baba’s incredible leelas, in the year 1916, a
bhajan party came to Shirdi for darshan.
3.
It was a travelling group who heard of Baba’s fame at
Madras. While going on a pilgrimage to Kashi, they broke
journey at Shirdi.
4.
They heard that Sai Baba was a great saint, patient,
generous and one who had controlled his passions. He was
kind to pilgrims and distributed large sums of money.
5.
He was munificent with small change; half and quarter rupees
rained freely. He gave ten, twenty and fifty rupees to some.
6.
This was not only on festive days, or for some special
occasions. Everyday, he gave it happily, in the above
mentioned proportions.
7.
Showmen came, ‘nautanki’ troupes danced, great singers gave
programmes, bards performed, persons doing ‘tamasha’ paid
obeisance, kirtankars gave engrossing bhajans.
8.
Having heard by word of mouth that Maharaj was generous, and
liberal in giving charity, they desired to have darshan.
9.
Sometimes, if Baba felt like it, he distributed money even
to the travellers. He inquired after the well-being of the
poor and the meek. Sainath was the embodiment of kindness.
10.
There were four persons in the party – one man and three
women. The man himself, his sister-in-law, wife and
daughter. They were desirous of the saint’s darshan.
11.
After taking Sai’s darshan, the party was pleased. They sang
loving bhajans, before Sai, every day, regularly.
12.
They belonged to the Ramdasi cult and sang bhajans with
great joy. Baba, too, if he felt like it, gave them a rupee
or half a rupee.
13.
Sometimes Baba gave them ‘barfi’ and sometimes he sent them
back empty handed. This was his usual practice but there was
nothing definite or predictable about it.
14.
That he distributed money, that is true. There is no untruth
in it. But he did not give to everybody. No one was aware of
what was in his mind.
15.
Fakirs and beggars came to beg alms always at Baba’s door.
Though Baba was very kind he did not give charity to all.
16.
Only he whose time had come to have good fortune, he alone
received the happiness of the money. Even a small coin,
touched by the hands of a saint, is obtained only by the
fortunate.
17. Let me tell you a story to illustrate this which will
satisfy the listeners. After narrating it, I will proceed to
the main one.
18.
After breakfast when Baba sat down near the ‘dhuni’ against
the pillar, in the Masjid, a girl called Amani1 used to come.
19.
The young girl was three years old, naked, and always came
at this time, with her mother carrying a little tin box2 in
her hands.
20.
Amani would sit on his lap and give the little box in Baba’s
hands. Holding Baba’s hands, she would repeat: “Baba, a
rupee, a rupee”.
21.
Baba was very fond of children. The girl was plump and
beautiful. He kissed and caressed her, and held her closely.
22.
Baba would embrace her but Amani’s mind was fixed on the
money. “Baba, give, give me”, she would say, concentrating
on his pocket.
23.
Amani was after all a child but the grown ups and the elders
had the same greed, running only for selfish purposes. Rare
was the person who had spiritual inclination.
24.
The young girl sat on his lap, while her mother stayed a
little beyond, outside the railing. She would signal to the
girl not to move till he gave her the money.
25.
“Am I a relative of your father or do I owe him anything
that you pester me from the time you awake? Useless ones,
wanting everything free!” Baba would say angrily.
26.
But this anger was simulated, for love rose in waves in his
heart. Putting his hands in his pocket, he would bring out a
rupee.
27.
After he put it in the box, and closed it with a sharp
sound, as soon as the little box came into her hands, she
would run off home.
28.
This happened at breakfast time. Similarly, when he left for
the Lendi he gave Amani a rupee, getting angry in the same
way.
29.
Thus, every day, he gave two rupees to her, six to Jamali3,
five to Dada Kelkar, and two each to Bhagya and Sundari.
30.
Tatyaba was given between rupees ten to fiteen; Fakir Baba
between rupees fifteen to fifty; eight rupees were
distributed amongst the poor. This distribution was done
daily.
31.
Be it so. The Madrasis had heard stories of this generosity
and as their selfish desire had arisen for the money, they
started the practice of the bhajans.
32.
The bhajans were beautiful to listen to but they were sung
out of great greed. They stayed in Shirdi, the whole family,
in the hope of getting money.
33. Out of the group, three of them had great greed and hoped
that Baba would give a lot of money. But only the wife
worshipped Baba with devotion. This was her own feeling
while singing.
34.
Her reverence was like that of the peacock dancing happily
on seeing the rain-bearing clouds or that of the chakor for
the moon.
35.
One day when the noon arati was in progress, Sai the
embodiment of kindness, seeing the lady’s true state of
devotion, gave her darshan as Ram.
36.
For all others, he was the usual Sainath. He appeared to the
lady as the consort of Janaki4. Tears began pouring from her
eyes. People were surprised to see this.
37.
She clapped with both her hands while the tears flowed from
her eyes. Seeing this unusual sight at that time, the people
were surprised.
38.
Seeing this sight, all were curious to know why there was
such a flood of intense love and joy only for her.
39.
Later in the afternoon, brimming with great joy, she told
her husband about the wonderful experience of Ram darshan,
given by Sai.
40.
“I saw Ram, he of the complexion of the blue lotus, the
wish-fulfilling tree of the devotees, the elder brother of
Bharat, the joy of Sita and the son of Dasharath.
41.
I saw Janaki Nath, adorned with a crown, wearing earrings, a
garland of wild flowers, apparelled in yellow and with four
hands.
42.
Holding the conch, discus and mace, on his chest was the
mark of Vishnu and he was adorned by the ‘koustubh5’ garland.
I saw that enchanting form of the divine Purushottam”.
43.
She said: “This unparalleled incarnation of Vishnu, who has
taken a human form, the heart and soul of Janaki, the
bewitching archer, I saw.
44.
He may appear as a fakir begging for alms from door to door
but I saw the heart and soul of Janaki, the bewitching
archer.
45.
He may seem to be an Aulia; or be seen by anyone else, in
their hearts as someone different, but I saw the heart and
soul of Janaki, the bewitching archer”.
46.
The lady was very devout; but her husband was very selfish.
“Women are guileless, like this! How would Raghupati be
here?!
47.
The innocent and devout see what is in their heart. We all
saw Sai. How can she alone see Ram?”
48.
He ridiculed his wife with several such remarks. But the
lady did not have any ill feeling as she had not wrongly
imagined anything.
49.
It was popularly believed that she had earlier attained
spirituality. She used to have Ram’s darshan, often, when
her mind was calm and composed.
50.
Later, she became greedy for money. God does not co-exist
with money. She was unable to have Ram darshan, for that is
the nature of greed.
51.
Sai was aware of all this. Knowing her tendency, he gave her
Ram darshan again and fulfilled her desire.
52.
Be it so. Later, that same night something strange happened.
The man, while sleeping, had a frightful dream.
53. He found himself in some city, the prisoner of the police,
who had tied his hands with ropes so tightly behind him that
the very bones creaked.
54.
There was a lock-up, near which Sai stood outside, quietly
and unmovingly seeing the scene.
55.
Seeing Maharaj near by, folding both his hands, he spoke in
a humble and pitiable voice.
56.
“Baba, having heard your fame I came to your feet. Why has
this happened to me when you are present here?”
57.
Maharaj replied: “One must suffer for one’s deeds”. The man
said with great humility: “I have not done anything wrong.
58.
At least, not in this life, whereby I have to suffer this
hardship”. Whereupon Maharaj said: “Then it must have been
in another life”.
59.
He thereupon replied: “What do I know about the previous
life? And if at all there is anything, it should burn to
ashes by your darshan, certainly.
60.
It should burn like a blade of grass in the fire at your
darshan. Why then have I not been freed from it?”
61.
Then Maharaj said to him: “Do you have so much faith?” When
the man replied in the affirmative, he instructed him to
close his eyes.
62.
As he stood with his eyes closed, as instructed, at that
moment he heard a thump, a sound as if someone had fallen
down.
63.
He was startled by this sudden sound. He opened his eyes and
began to look around. He found himself free and the
policeman lay on the ground, covered with blood.
64.
He was very frightened by this. He began to look at Sainath,
who laughed and said to him: “You are well caught now.
65.
Now an officer will come and after observing everything,
will certainly declare you to be the culprit. He will arrest
you again”.
66.
Then the person said sincerely, “Baba, what you say is true.
Now, do something and have me released. No one else except
you can protect me”.
67.
Hearing this Sai said: “Close your eyes again”. After doing
that, when he opened the eyes, he saw another strange sight.
68.
He was outside the lock-up and Maharaj Sai was near him. He
did an eight fold obeisance. Then Baba asked him:
69.
“Think well and tell me whether there is any difference
between your prostration that you have done now and the ones
that you have been doing before this?”
70.
Then, the man replied: “As different as the sky is from the
earth! My earlier prostrations were done for monetary gains
but this one is to acknowledge you as God.
71.
Earlier I had no faith in you. Not only that, but I believed
that as you were a Muslim, you were defiling the Hindus.
That was why I had anger within me, against you”.
72.
Whereupon, Baba asked: “Do you not believe in any Muslim
deity?” The man replied in the negative.
73.
Baba further asked him: “Do you not have a ‘panja6’ in your
home? Do you not worship it during ‘Tabut’? 7 Think
carefully.
74.
You also have Kada Bibi at home, whom you worship and
propitiate at the time of weddings. She is a Muslim deity”.
75.
He admitted this. Then he was asked if he desired anything.
The man wished to have darshan of his own Guru, Ramdas.
76.
Maharaj then asked him to turn around and look. Then when he
did so, he saw Samartha Ramdas standing before him.
77.
But as soon as he bent down at his feet, Samartha
disappeared. Then, as he looked curiously a strange thought
came to his mind.
78.
“Baba you are quite advanced in age and look like an old
man. Have you any idea of the longevity of your life?”
79.
“How do you say that I am old? See if you can race with
me?” and saying these words, Sai began to run and the man
ran behind him.
80.
Maharaj raised a cloud of dust as he ran at full speed; and
disappeared at that moment. The man then woke up.
81.
So be it. After waking he thought over his dream, and found
that his whole thinking had changed. He extolled the
greatness of Baba.
82.
Seeing such a marvel, his devotion at Sai’s feet was firmly
established. His earlier attitude changed and his doubts
about Baba vanished.
83.
Although the whole thing was a dream, but when the listeners
hear those questions and answers, they will realise the
profoundity therein.
84.
By reflection on these questions and answers, the Madrasi
learned a great lesson. His antagonism to Sai disappeared,
amidst laughter and jokes.
85.
Next day, early morning, when the group came to the Masjid
for darshan, Sai Nath gave them ‘barfi’ worth two rupees and
showed his grace.
86.
Also, Baba gave them all two rupees from his pocket and made
them stay longer. They continued with their bhajans and
worship.
87.
Later, after some time, the group decided to leave. Though
they had not received a lot of money, they received
blessings in plenty:
88.
“Allah Malik will give you in plenty! Allah will take care
of your welfare!” When they set out on their travels, this
is what proved most useful.
89.
With Sai’s blessings and with remembrance of Sai, in their
minds and hearts during their travels, day or night, they
had no discomfort of any kind, even in their dreams.
90.
They went to numerous pilgrim places, as desired, thanks to
the blessings received. They had no problems on the way and
they returned happily and comfortably to their home.
91.
In addition to the places they had intended to go, they
could visit many other pilgrim places. They praised the
marvel of Sai’s words and all were very happy.
92.
In addition to the saint’s blessings, the words “Allah will
take care of your welfare” proved true in every way. Their
wishes were fulfilled.
93.
Thus, this Madrasi group, all of whom were desirous of
pilgrimage, and believed in God, all of them became virtuous
and full of good qualities. Sai freed them from the cycle of
life and death.
94.
I will tell you another story, as sweet and interesting as
this one. If the listeners hear it with reverence and
devotion, they would be surprised.
95.
How infinitely kind was Sai and how he fulfilled the desires
of his devotees with love, working unceasingly! He was the
wish-fulfilling tree for the devotees!
96.
In Bandra, Thane District, there was a staunch devotee named
Raghunath Rao Tendulkar. He was brilliant, courageous and
very knowledgeable.
97.
He was always cheerful and loving. He was attached to the
lotus feet of Sai, with the hope of obtaining the honey of
knowledge. He continuously chanted the Lord’s name.
98.
He has described the leelas of Sai in a book called “Bhajan
Mala” (Garland of Bhajans). He who reads it with devotion
and love, will be blessed by Sai at every step.
99.
His wife was named Savitri and his eldest son was called
Babu. See his strange experience. Listen to this story about
Sai.
100. Once, Babu was confused. He had taken medical education for
allopathy but he did not appear for the examination.
101. He worked very hard, day and night. He asked an astrologer,
whether he would succeed in the exam.
102. Scanning through the pages of the ‘panchang’8, the astrologer
studied the placing of the planets and after calculating the
‘rashi9’ and ‘nakshatra’10, with his fingers, looked anxious.
103. He said: “You have worked very hard, but this year the stars
are not favourable. The next year is very auspicious. You
will get through the exams next year without any worries”.
104. So what was the point of sitting for the exam, if the
efforts were wasted! The student was apprehensive and
mentally faltered.
105. Then, the student’s mother visited Shirdi, after some time.
She bowed at Sai’s feet and began a conversation about
general welfare.
106. Then this matter turned up and she beseeched Baba, in a
humble voice and said that her son would have appeared for
the examination, if the stars were favourable.
107. The astrologer had seen the horoscope and said that the time
was not favourable. So, though he had studied well, the son
had decided not to appear for the exam.
108.“Therefore, Baba, what is this aspect of the planets
influencing his lot? Why such disappointment this year?
Everyone is eager for him to finish with the examination”.
109. After hearing her, Baba said: “Tell him to listen to me.
Roll up the horoscope and sit for the examination, without
any anxiety.
110. Do not follow anyone else’s advice. Do not look at the
horoscope. Do not believe in astrology. Study with
concentration.
111. Tell your son that he will be successful. He should sit for
the examination without anxiety. Let him not lose hope. Have
full faith in me”.
112. Be it so. The mother returned to her home with Baba’s
permission. She told the son of Baba’s message and the
mother assured him, with eagerness.
113. Such was the encouragement of Sai’s words that the son sat
for the examination and answered all the questions
confidently.
114. The written examinations were finished. He had answered
fully. Still, the lack of self-confidence overwhelmed him.
Doubts wrecked his mind.
115. Though he had written answers which were adequate for him to
pass, the student felt that they were not enough and he lost
courage.
116. Actually, he had got through the written examination. Yet he
felt that he had failed. Therefore, he was dejected and
would not go for the oral examinations.
117. The oral examinations started. The first day passed by. The
next day, a friend came and found that the student was
having his meal.
118. He said: “How strange this is! The examiner is worried about
you. He asked me to come and find out the reason for your
absence yesterday”.
119. Tendulkar frankly told him: “When I have failed in the
written examination why should I take the trouble to appear
for the orals. Therefore, I have stayed home through
disappointment”.
120.“The examiner, on the contrary, has told me to come and
bring you somehow and give you the news that you have passed
in the written examination”.
121. Then, how can his joy be described! He invoked Sai Maharaj
and without wasting a moment, ran out with enthusiasm.
122. Be it so. Everything turned out well. The desire to get
through the examination was fulfilled. Sai also strengthened
the devotion at his feet by fulfilling his wish.
123. The handle of the grinding stone often has to be moved about
to fix it firmly. Similarly is the case with faith at the
Guru’s feet. Sai strengthens it by testing it.
124. He never said anything to anybody whereby the mind was not
moved. This was the usual experience with Baba. He
strengthened the faith in this manner.
125. As one goes along the directed path, in the beginning
everything seems to go well. Later, thorny shrubs seem to be
so spread out that one encounters thorns only, in all
quarters.
126. Then one’s faith is shaken and doubts easily arise. ‘Why has
Sai brought me to this difficult path?’, one could ask.
127. When one feels like this, make a stronger effort to hold on
to your faith. These difficulties are there to test you;
then only will firm faith become part of you.
128. Facing these difficulties and constantly chanting Sai’s
name, all the problems will be removed. This is the
tremendous power of the name.
129. That is the purpose of these difficulties, which are also
created by Sai. It is only then that one remembers Sai and
chants his name, which brings about the end of all the
difficulties.
130. So be it. The father of this young man was a very loving
devotee of Baba — patient, generous, and of a virtuous
disposition. His body had become enfeebled.
131. He had worked in the firm of a foreign businessman, who had
an establishment in Bombay, with sincerity and honesty.
132. Later, with advancing age, his vision began dimming and he
was physically weakened. He desired complete rest.
133. As he had no strength to work, Raghunath Rao took leave to
improve his health and took complete rest.
134. Even after that leave had fully expired, as he was not fully
rested, he wrote a further application for extension of
leave.
135. When his immediate superior saw the application, he
recommended the leave. But the head of the office was very
considerate and kind.
136. The head of the office was generous. Taking into
consideration the sincere services of this worker, he put
him on half pay to help the household.
137. This was the Government practice, which was followed by the
topmost business houses, depending upon circumstances, in
the case of their honest staff members, to encourage them.
138.“But will my employer continue to give me this pay when I am
unable to work,” Tendulkar worried.
139.“My whole pay is Rs. 150/-. When I get the pension of Rs.
75/-, how will I meet my family’s expenses”, was the thought
he brooded over.
140. But later, something delightful happened. See Baba’s novel
miracle. He asked Raghunath Rao’s wife about their welfare.
Hear this marvel.
141. Fifteen days before the final orders for the pension, Baba
appeared in her dream and asked her opinion.
142.“I wish that he is given Rs.100/-. Will that satisfy you?”
he asked. The lady replied: “Why do you ask? We have full
faith in you”.
143. There, a decision was taken on his application. Raghunath
was a faithful employee who had served well and for several
years, so he should be given a good pension.
144. Though Baba had said Rs.100/-, Rs.10/-were given
additionally11. Such was Samartha, who was compassionate and
with immense love for the devotees.
145. Now listen to one more story which is very interesting and
entertaining, which will arouse love and delight amongst the
devotees. The listeners will enjoy it.
146. This sweet story is about a doctor, named Captain Hate, who
was a staunch devotee of Baba, to whom Baba gave darshan in
a dream, early one morning.
147. Hate lived in Gwalior and saw Baba in his dream there.
Notice the skillful way in which Baba asked questions and
the replies that Hate gave.
148.Baba said: “Have you forgotten me?” Hate immediately held
Baba’s feet and said: “If the child forgets the mother, how
will it be saved?”
149. In the dream, he got up quickly and went to the garden,
picked fresh ‘valpapdi’12, ‘shidha’13 and with dakshina made
an offering to prove his devotion.
150. When all these items were ready to prove his devotion, Hate
moved forward with the scuttle, in which they were placed,
to make the offering. Suddenly his eyes opened and he
realised that it was a dream.
151. Immediately, Hate felt that he must collect all the items
seen in his dream and offer them to Baba personally, by
going to Shirdi.
152. But, as he was in Gwalior, he wrote a letter to his friend14,
giving him all the details of the circumstances, and
persuaded him to go to Shirdi himself.
153.“The “The money will be sent to you by post. Buy good quality
‘shidha’ and somehow, obtain selected ‘valpapdi’.
154. Take the balance money with you and offer it to Baba, with
‘shidha’ and other things. Pay obeisance at his feet and ask
for prasad, and send it to me”.
155. As soon as the money was received, the friend left for
Shirdi. He purchased all the required items except for
‘papadi’ for which there was difficulty. Just then a basket
came there.
156. It was being carried on a woman’s head. He called her and
was surprised to find ‘valpapdi’ in it. Everyone was
surprised.
157. Then, he brought all the items and offered them with
reverence to Maharaj. He gave them to Nimonkar to cook for
naivedya the next day.
158. The next day when Baba sat down to eat, he did not touch the
dal – rice etc. but he picked up only the ‘valpapdi’.
Everyone was surprised.
159. He accepted only the ‘valpapdi’ and ate only that. Hate was
filled with joy when he got the news.
160. ‘The experience that one has depends upon one’s devotion’.
Such was Hate’s experience also. Listen to the marvel of the
next story and know the sweet courtesy of Sai!
161. A desire arose in him to have a coin of a rupee, in his
home, which had been touched and purified by Sai. Sai
fulfilled his wish.
162. The mind is full of different feelings. Discarding the
harmful only the beneficial ones should be adhered to. Then
observe Sai’s skill in helping the devotees.
163. When such a good desire arose in Hate it did not take any
time to be satisfied. A friend of his, desirous of Sai
darshan, was about to leave (for Shirdi).
164. Only the intention should be good, then Sai fulfils it
marvellously. Those who have virtuous intentions, their
well-being rests in Sai’s hands.
165. Then Hate gave one rupee to his friend with great love and
told him not to forget to place it in Baba’s hands.
166. When the friend went to Shirdi, he immediately took Baba’s
darshan. He bowed down at his feet and placed his head
there. Then he sat in front of Baba.
167. Baba extended his hand for dakshina, so he gave his dakshina
at first. Baba put it in his pocket promptly. Then the
friend took out Hate’s money.
168. With folded hands, he put that rupee also on Baba’s palm and
said: “This dakshina has been sent with me by Dr. Hate”.
169. This Sai is the dweller in all hearts. Even though Hate was
in Gwalior, knowing the desire in his heart, he sat minutely
looking at it.
170. Displaying affection, Baba held the coin before his eyes. He
kept on singularly gazing at it. The people stared at him.
171. He tossed the coin up with his right thumb and caught it
with his hands. He played with it in this way for some time.
Then, he returned the rupee.
172. And said: “Return this to whom it belongs. Take this udi
prasad along with it. Tell him that I do not want anything
from him. Stay well”.
173. Prostrating at Baba’s feet and putting the udi prasad at the
proper place, that friend took Baba’s permission and
returned to his home at Gwalior.
174. After reaching Gwalior and giving the rupee to the doctor,
he related in detail all that had taken place. Hate was
choked with emotion.
175. He said: “The purpose that I had in mind and as I had
wished, Baba fulfilled my wish, knowing my desire”.
176. This was what Hate felt but this was his interpretation. Who
can understand the plans of the saints and their purpose?
177. Even if this (Hate’s belief) is true then observe another
incident. It is exactly the opposite of this. The Saints
alone know their purpose.
178. He returned one person’s rupee and pocketed the other’s! Who
can explain the reason with certainty and what was in Baba’s
mind.
179. He alone knows his reasons. We should only enjoy what is
happening, and not miss the lovely opportunity to do so.
Listen to the story, to this purpose.
180. Once, Vaman Narvekar who had immense love for Baba brought a
beautiful coin to offer it with great devotion.
181. On one side the fascimile of Ram, Lakshman and Sita was
engraved; and on the other, was a pleasing image of Hanuman
with folded hands.
182. His intention in making the offering was to get it back
after Baba had touched it, with udi and prasad.
183. Baba always knew the innermost wishes of others fully. Yet,
when the coin was placed in his hands, he promptly put it in
his pocket.
184. Madhavrao explained Vaman Rao’s desire to Baba and earnestly
entreated him to return the coin to him.
185.“Why should it be given to him? We should keep it
ourselves”, Baba replied in clear tones in front of Vaman
Rao.
186.“However, if he is ready to pay twenty-five rupees, as its
price, I will give it to him in exchange”, Baba said to tell
him so.
187. Then, to get back that coin, Vaman Rao quickly collected the
required money, from here and there, and gave them to Baba.
188. That amount too he put in his pocket, as earlier, and said:
“Even a heap of rupees cannot equal this one in value. Their
value will be less than that of this coin”.
189. Further, he said: “Shama, you take this. Let it be in our
collection. Keep it in the shrine and keep worshipping it”.
190. Now, why did he act like this? Who had the authority to ask
him? Sai knows what is right and what is wrong. He is the
mighty giver and receiver too.
191. So be it. Now that this story is completed, let us give a
rest to the minds of the listeners so that they may
contemplate and continuously dwell on the stories, which
they have already heard.
192. Whatever is done or heard cannot be assimilated without
contemplation and continuous study. Listening alone will be
useless.
193. Therefore, Hemad surrenders to Sai. He holds his feet on his
head, which is the best means for achieving anything.
Further narration will come later.
May there be well-being! This is the end of the twenty-ninth
chapter of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by the Saints and virtuous people, called
“Narration of Stories of Dreams”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Daughter of Baba’s devotee Kondaji.
2.
Box was originally the container for ‘jintan’, which were small,
flavourful pills eaten with betel leaf or otherwise.
3.
Kondaji’s wife and Amani’s mother.
4.
Sita, i.e. she saw him as Ram.
5.
One of the fourteen precious things obtained from the ocean on
churning it.
6.
A hand, which symbolises the five great saints of the Muslims.
7.
Bier, supposed to be the tombs of Hassan and Hussein, carried about
in procession during Moharrum.
8.
A calendar which deals with five things, such as the lunar date,
the day of the week, planets’ conjunction and half lunar day.
9.
The sign of the zodiac.
10.
Asterism in the moon’s path.
11.
Tendulkar retired on a pension of Rs. 110/-.
12.
Wax beans.
13.
Rice, dal, flour and ghee.
14.
Extract from Captain Hate’s letter dated Xmas written from Lashkar
(Gwalior) addressed to Mr. H.S. Dixit:
“Though I am miles away, the favour that Sai Baba, Sadguru,
shows on me is marvellous. Duty keeps me here, but I will take the first
opportunity of coming to Shirdi. My humble respects to Sai Baba. I have
sent a M.O. of Rs. 12 only. Please give Rs.10/-as dakshina and Rs. 2/
should be spent in buying ghee, wheat flour, dal, etc. as shidha. Please
do keep on it vegetable of ‘valpapdi shenga’. All this shidha etc. has a
special meaning and I shall be highly obliged to you for this favour of
yours.”
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