36
The All-Pervasiveness of Sai
and the Fulfilment of His Blessings
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the Guru
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Now refer to the last chapter wherein an assurance was given
to relate the interesting story of the theft. Be fully
attentive to it.
2.
This is not a story but a drink of eternal bliss, which
increases the thirst for more. To pacify that thirst,
another story will follow.
3.
The listeners will be pleased on hearing that it destroys
the distress of this mundane existence and grants a state of
happiness.
4.
One who is fortunate enough to desire his own well-being, he
should be ready to listen with reverence to the narration of
Sai’s stories.
5.
The greatness of the saints is beyond limits! None is able
to describe it fully. I am truly aware that I have no
qualifications.
6.
Enough of the ego of the narrator! Sai, the Sagacious, can
find anyone to describe his attributes so that his devotees
can hear them.
7.
He indeed is the Swan in the Lake in the form of the
Highest. He is the Swan, looking at the world in him, or
within him and finding himself in that world, remaining
truly indifferent, but rejoicing in the food of pearls in
the form of Brahman and enjoying the spirit of great
adventure.
8.
One who has no name or place of his own, but has
incomparable glory, he can make a pauper into a wealthy man,
instantly, by merely raising an eyebrow.
9.
He, who is Absolute Knowledge Incarnate, shows the true form
of God, remaining uninvolved except as a witness, by
creating innumerable circumstances.
10.
He gives darshan in different forms to those on whom he
showers his grace by creating inconceivable occurrences.
Listen to the glory of that Great Soul.
11.
Those who meditate upon him with unswerving concentration or
sing loving bhajans (praising and worshipping him), they
will never lack anything because he takes care of them
completely.
12.
He enjoys his stories being told and, therefore, reminds me
constantly by being instrumental in creating a speaker and
listeners, to fulfil the wishes of the devotees.
13.
He who has enjoined himself to Vishnu (Chakrapani), and is
fully engrossed in the spiritual attainment by leaving aside
the worldly ties, has uplifted many beings.
14.
He who is worshipped within the country and abroad and he
for whom the flag of devotion flies high, he invites the
meek and the poor and fulfils the desires of all.
15.
Be that whatsoever. Now listen with reverence to this story
of Sai which is supremely holy. The ears of the listeners
and the tongue of the speaker will be purified.
16.
Two gentlemen from Goa came for Sai’s darshan. Both of them
humbled themselves at Sai’s feet and were pleased with the
darshan.
17.
Though both came together, Sai asked for dakshina from one
only. “Give me fifteen rupees”, he said, which that
gentleman gave happily.
18.
He asked nothing from the second person. But on his own he
gave thirty five rupees. Sai immediately refused to take
them. He was greatly surprised.
19.
Madhavrao was there at that time. Seeing this
discrimination, he asked Sai about it. Listen to it.
20.
“Baba, why do you do this? Both friends have come together.
You asked dakshina from one and returned what was
voluntarily offered by the other.
21.
Why should there be any discrimination by a saint? On your
own, you asked from one and returned what was given by the
other, by his own wish. You disappointed the latter.
22.
You seem pleased with the smaller offering and refused the
larger sum. If I had been in your place, I would not have
behaved like this.”
23.
“Shamya, you do not know anything. I do not take anything
from anybody. It is the Masjid Mai (presiding deity of the
Masjid) who asks for what is owing to her. The giver is then
free from debts.
24.
Do I have a home? Or do I have a family, that I should need
money? I am free in all respects.
25.
But debt, enmity and murder have to be atoned for, as there
is no escape. People take vows to some deity at a time of
need. But it is a problem for me, who is trying to uplift
them.
26.
You do not worry about that. You implore me only at that
particular moment. I am always pleased with those devotees
of mine who have no debt.
27.
Initially, he was poor. He took a vow to give his first pay
to God, which was fifteen rupees. But later he forgot.
28.
Thereafter, from Rupees 15/-it increased to Rupees 30/-;
then from Rupees 30/-it rose to Rupees 60/-; to Rupees
100/-. Though the salary doubled or even increased four –
fold, he totally forgot about the vow.
29.
In this way, his salary increased to Rupees 700/-. By his
good fortune he came here. Then I asked for my Rupees 15/-,
being that amount, in the guise of dakshina”.
30.
“Now listen to another story. Once when I was wandering on
the sea shore, I came across a huge mansion and I sat down
on its verandah.
31.
The owner of the mansion was a Brahmin, cultured and very
rich. He welcomed me with affection and fed me sumptuously.
32.
There, in a nice, clean, selected place, with a sliding
shutter, he gave me a place to sleep and I fell asleep.
33.
Seeing that I was sound asleep, someone removed the stone
and broke the wall and cut my pocket without my knowledge.
He stripped me of all that I had.
34.
When I woke up and realised what had happened, I was in
tears, as I had been robbed of Rs. 30,000/-. I was
devastated.
35.
The money was in bank notes. When I had this sudden loss, I
was shocked. The Brahmin tried to console me.
36.
I was too grief stricken to even eat or drink. For fifteen
days, I sat at the same place on the verandah.
37.
After the fifteenth day, a wandering fakir, singing couplets
in the Urdu language on a metaphysical theme, appeared
suddenly and saw me crying.
38.
Upon his asking me the reason for my grief, I told him the
whole tale. He told me that my difficulty would be solved
provided, I acted as he told me.
39.
He said that he would give me the name of a fakir and his
whereabouts. If I surrendered to him, he would get back my
money.
40.
But he asked me to observe a vow until I recovered what I
desired by abstaining from my favourite food, whereupon my
goal would be attained.
41.
I acted upon the fakir’s advice, got my money back. Then I
left the Wada and went back to the sea-shore.
42.
While thus walking, I saw a steamer but I could not get in
as it was crowded. Then a good-natured peon interceded for
me and got me a place in the steamer.
43.
By good fortune, the steamer reached the other shore. When I
caught the train and came back home, I saw the Masjidmai”.
44. Here Baba’s story ended. Later Shama was instructed to take
the guests home and to feed them there.
45.
May it be whatsoever. Later, food was served on the leaf
plates. Madhavrao was curious and asked the guests if they
understood the story.
46.
“In reality, Sai Baba has lived here continuously. There is
no sea, nor steamer, nor captain. He is fully aware of this.
47.
Which was the Brahmin? And which was the huge mansion? He
has spent his whole life under a tree. From where could he
get such a large sum of money that could later be stolen by
a thief?
48.
He began relating this story only after your arrival; and in
this way he told you something connected in your past”.
49.
Then, the guests replied in voices choking with tears: “Sai
is omniscient. He is the Parabrahma Avatar, without any
duality. He is infinite and All-Pervading.
50.
Whatever he has said now is word to word our own story. As
soon as this delicious repast is over we will tell you
everything in detail.
51.
Whatever Baba said has actually taken place in every detail.
How did he come to know without even knowing us? Therefore,
it is beyond our comprehension”.
52.
So be it. After the meal, when they were chewing betel-nut
leaf, with Madhavrao present, they started telling the
stories.
53.
One of the two gentlemen said: “The Ghats are my native
place but I was destined to earn my livelihood from a place
near the sea.
54.
Therefore, I went to Goa and thought of getting a job there.
For that purpose, I began worshipping and propitiating Lord
Dutta and took a vow to him with great reverence.
55.
I said: “O Lord, I need a job for the maintenance of the
family. Therefore, be merciful and give me one. I prostrate
at your feet.
56.
Within a short time, if you keep your word, I will offer to
you my entire earnings of the first month’.
57.
By good fortune, Lord Dutta was propitious and, in a short
time, the object of my vow was fulfilled. I began to get
Rupees 15/-per month, as salary in the beginning.
58.
Later, as Sai Baba described, my promotions came but I
totally forgot about the vow and Baba reminded me in this
manner.
59.
It may be considered that ‘dakshina’ was taken. But it was
not ‘dakshina’ but a repayment of a debt. He reminded me, by
this pretext, of a very old vow”.
60.
Actually, Sai did not ask for money nor allowed his devotees
to ask for the same. He considered wealth to be the cause of
all evil and did not let his devotees have any greed for it.
61.
A devotee like Mhalsapati, who was always attached at Sai’s
feet, and could hardly make both ends meet, even he was not
allowed to make any money.
62.
Sai himself distributed to people, many times, the monies
that had come as ‘dakshina’; but he did not give a farthing
to him who was always in difficulties.
63.
Mhalsapati too was a man of self respect. Though Sai was so
generous, he never extended his hand to ask him for it.
64.
Though his financial situation was dire, but he was very,
very detached. He bore the difficulties of poverty always
content with the little he had.
65.
Once a very kind businessman, who was called ‘Hansraj’ felt
like giving something to Mhalsapati.
66.
Knowing his poverty stricken condition, he naturally got the
good idea of helping him to the extent that he could, to
give him some relief.
67.
Though such was his condition, if anyone tried to give him
something, Sainatha did not approve, as he preferred
indifference to money.
68.
So, observe what that businessman did! Being melted with
pity towards that devotee, when both were present in the Sai
Durbar, he pushed some money in his hands.
69.
With all humility, Mhalsapati returned it and said: “Without
Sai’s permission, I cannot accept it”.
70.
He was not a worshipper of money. He only yearned for
spirituality. He had surrendered to Sai with body and mind,
unselfishly and with a loving heart.
71.
Hansraj entreated Sai but Sai did not touch a farthing and
said: “Even my devotees are not lured by money and you will
not find them fall prey to the pomp and show of money”.
72.
Now, the second visitor said: “Now I also have realised the
whole matter. Listen, I will tell the whole story. You will
enjoy listening to it.
73.
My cook who had served me for thirty-five years, who was
completely honest and faithful, on account of his misfortune
was misled and he stole all my savings.
74.
A cupboard had been fixed in the wall of my house. After
stealthily pushing aside a stone, he made a hole in it,
without any one’s knowledge.
75.
The cupboard to which Baba referred earlier he made a hole
in that, for which he removed the stones from the wall, when
every one was asleep.
76.
And as Baba said furthermore, he took all my money, which
was in bank notes. All that is the truth.
77.
It was exactly thirty thousand! I do not know how Baba
mentioned that amount. It was all my hard earned money. I
was crying day and night.
78.
My inquiries came to nothing. I did not know what to do. For
a fortnight I was in a whirlpool of anxiety. I was at my
wits end.
79.
One day as I was sitting on the verandah, very depressed and
morose, a fakir was passing by singing metaphysical
couplets.
80.
Seeing me sad and dejected, the fakir asked me the cause of
my depression. Then I narrated to him the story in detail
and he told me how to overcome the problem.
81.
“In Kopergaon Taluka, in a village called Shirdi, there
lives an Aulia called Sai. Take a vow to him.
82.
Foreswear eating something you relish and tell him mentally
and truly ‘I have given up eating this food till I have your
darshan’”.
83.
When the fakir said this to me. I immediately forsook eating
rice and said: “Baba till my property is recovered and I
have your darshan, I will not partake of it”.
84.
Barely had a fortnight passed and I do not know what came in
the cook’s mind, but of his own accord he came and returned
all my money.
85.
He said: “I lost my mind and thereby acted in this manner. I
now put my head at your feet. Please say ‘I forgive you’”.
86.
May that be whatsoever. Later on everything went well. I had
an intense desire to have Sai’s darshan, which has been
fulfilled to-day. Blessed is this good fortune!.
87.
The one who came to console me when I was seated on the
verandah, sad, depressed and in great misfortune, was not
seen again.
88.
I never met again the one who had such loving concern for me
and who told me about Sai and directed me to Shirdi.
89. The one whom I met by chance, singing metaphysical couplets,
and who made me take the vow – him I never met again.
90.
I feel that, that fakir was truly this Sai Aulia of yours.
To give me the benefit of taking his darshan, he himself
became anxious.
91.
Whatever may be the enticement held out by anyone, I had no
desire to have this darshan. The fakir created this desire
in me, at the outset, so that I could recover my money.
92.
It would never be possible for him to covet Rupees 35/-from
me, who gave me back my whole wealth only by making a vow to
him and without any other effort.
93.
On the contrary, we are ignorant people. To bring us on the
path of spirituality and to ensure our well-being he makes
efforts and brings us to the path under these pretexts.
94.
This is the purpose of this Avatar. Otherwise, how would we,
who are devoid of devotion and insignificant, cross the
ocean of worldly existence. Think of that calmly.
95.
So be it. After recovering the stolen property I was
overjoyed. And, as a result, I forgot all about my vow. The
greed for money is dangerous.
96.
Then observe that one day when I was near Kulaba1, I saw Sai
in my dream and immediately left for Shirdi.
97.
Sai Samartha has described my travels. I was refused a place
on the steamer, but a peon interceded for me and helped me
to overcome my problem.
98.
When I came to the steamer, these were my difficulties. And
truly a peon, who was a stranger, interceded on my behalf.
99.
Only then did the captain, who was initially rude, give me a
place on the steamer and obliged me.
100. Though the peon was a total stranger, he said that I was
known to him. Therefore, I was allowed in and got a good
seat.
101. Just as the story about the steamer, so was the story about
the peon, which actually occurred in my case. Sai said it as
if it had happened to him.
102. Having this marvellous experience my intellect is baffled.
I feel that this Sai is omnipresent.
103. There is not an atom which is not pervaded by him. He will
grant similar experiences to others as he has given to me.
104. Who am I? And where do I come from? How fortunate I am that
he has dragged me with all these efforts and placed me on
the spiritual path.
105. What made me take the vow? What caused my savings to be
stolen? What a marvel it is about the fulfilment of the vow!
And the return of the savings without efforts!
106. How inconceivably fortunate am I! He whose darshan I had not
taken earlier, nor had I thought of, nor heard of, he was
taking care of me!
107. Then how much more fortunate are those devotees who have
lived with him for many years, humbled at his feet, and
served him day and night!
108. Greatly fortunate are all those with whom Sai has played,
laughed, sat, talked, walked, eaten, slept, and even got
angry with.
109. He has shown such loving concern for me who has done nothing
for him. Blessed is your state that you are so close to him!
110. It seems that your store of earlier merits has caused this
human form and brought this personage to Shirdi. You are
infinitely blessed!
111. By my immense good fortune I have attained to Shirdi. I feel
that for Sree Sai’s ‘darshan yatra’ I would sacrifice
everything.
112. Sai, the Pure and Benevolent, is the great Vaishnav. He is
truly the sprout of the Tree of Knowledge which shines like
the sun in the Sea of Consciousness.
113. So be it. I also must have some merit to have met this
Mashidai (Dwarakamayi), who made me fulfil my vow and gave
me his darshan.
114. He is my Lord Dutta. He ordered me to take this vow. He made
me get a seat in the steamer and brought me to Shirdi for
the darshan.
115. In this way, Sai showed his all-pervasive nature and how he
resided in the hearts of all, bearing witness to all that
happens everywhere.
116. Seeing Sai’s smiling visage I felt extremely happy, and
though being worldly forgot all about the pains of the
worldly existence. My blissful joy cannot be contained.
117. Let everything happen as per destiny; and my mind certainly
attain to that state. May my love be eternal at Sai’s feet
and may he dwell always in my heart and eyes.
118. Sai Leelas are inconceivable and infathomable! There is no
limit to his obligations. O Compassionate One, I feel like
wearing out my body and mind in your service”.
119. So be it. Now a story which is a digression. Listen now to
the words of Sai by being attentive for a while as they are
like the writing of Brahma.
120. The wife of Sakharam Aurangabadkar, who lived in Sholapur
city was anxious about a child, and therefore, came to
Shirdi.
121. Hearing about the inconceivable story of Sai Baba, the holy
saint, she came for his holy darshan, bringing along her
stepson.
122. Though she had been married for twenty seven years, she had
not conceived2. She had got exhausted making vows to gods and
goddesses. She had lost all hope.
123. So be it. Thus this married woman came for Baba’s darshan
with a purpose. She thus came to Shirdi, when she had an
idea.
124.“Baba is always surrounded by devotees. How will I find him
alone? How will I be able to tell him what is in my heart?”
Therefore, she became intensely anxious.
125. The Masjid was open and so was the courtyard. There were
always devotees hovering around Baba. How would she get a
quiet moment to describe to him the earnest desire?
126. She and her stepson, Vishvanath, stayed on for two months,
rendering service to Baba.
127. Listen to what this woman, with a desire, entreated
Madhavrao seeing that neither Vishvanath nor anyone else was
near Baba.
128.“You, at least, find an opportunity to tell Baba my heart’s
longing when Baba is in a good mood.
129. That too when he is alone and not surrounded by his family
of devotees. Tell him that at the earliest opportunity so
that no one can hear”.
130. Madhavrao replied: “The Masjid is never without people.
Someone or the other keeps continuously coming for darshan.
131. This Durbar of Sai is open. No one is forbidden to enter it.
But I am suggesting something. Keep it in your mind
carefully.
132. To make efforts is my duty. He is the giver of success and
the abode of auspiciousness. Finally, he will give you peace
and relieve you of your worries.
133. You should merely wait with a coconut and incense sticks in
the courtyard, on the stone, when Baba sits down for his
meal.
134. Then after the meal is over, if I find him in a good mood, I
will beckon you and you should come up only then”.
135. So be it. After some time, when the destined moment came,
one day after Sai’s meal was over, he got an unexpected
opportunity.
136. Sai having washed his hands, Madhavrao was drying them with
a cloth. Observe what Sai did while he was in a joyful mood!
137. In a burst of affection, Baba then pinched Madhavrao’s
cheek. Listen then to the loving conversation between god
and his devotee at that opportune time.
138. Though Madhavrao was full of humility, he feigned anger and
jokingly said to Baba: “Is this behaviour good?
139. We do not want such a mischievous god who pinches our cheek
with such force! Are we so awed by you? Is this the fruit of
intimacy?”
140. Then Baba replied: “Have I ever touched you in all the
seventy-two generations? Do you ever remember such an
occasion?”
141. To which Madhavrao said: “We want such a god who always
gives us wonderful and novel sweets to eat when we are
hungry.
142. We do not want your respect nor a divine vehicle to attain
the heavens. Give me only the boon of having faith at your
feet”.
143. Then Baba started to speak: “Yes, indeed, I have come for
that and that is why I started giving you food and got
fondly attached to you”.
144. By this time, they were near the bannister. When Baba sat
down on his own ‘asan’, Madhavrao signalled to the lady, who
was sitting alert for her purpose.
145. No sooner than the signal was made, she got up immediately
and hurriedly climbed the steps of the Masjid. She came in
front of Baba and bowed with humility.
146. She immediately offered the coconut at his feet and bowed at
the lotus feet. Baba then struck the coconut with his own
hand on the bannister forcefully.
147. He Said: “Shama, what does this say? The coconut is rattling
a lot”. Shama then took the opportunity. Hear what he said
to Baba.
148.“The lady wishes that a child may be similarly rolling in
her womb. Grant her that. May she be enjoined to your feet
always! And let her problem be solved!
149. Cast a merciful glance on her. Place the coconut in her
‘oti’3. May she have sons and daughters with your
blessings”.
150. Then Baba told him ; “Can the coconut give any issue? How
can there be such foolish belief? I think the people have
lost their mind”.
151. Shama said: “I know the marvel of your words. Your words are
so valuable that she will have a series of children,
spontaneously.
152. But these days you are making a distinction. You are not
giving her real blessings. You are only wrangling. Give her
the coconut as ‘prasad’”.
153.“Break the coconut”, Baba said. Shama said: “Place it in
her ‘oti’”. The higgling went on for quite a while, when
Baba ultimately yielded.
154.He said: “Go, she will have a child,” Shama said: “When?
Give a reply”. Baba said: “After twelve months”. The
coconut was forcefully broken.
155. Half of it was eaten by both i.e. by Baba and Shama. The
remaining half was given to the lady. Madhavrao said to the
lady: “You are a witness to my words.
156. Lady, if from today before twelve months are complete you do
not have a child, listen to what I will do.
157. I will break such a coconut against this god’s head and
drive him out of the Masjid. If I fail in this, I will not
call myself Madhav.
158. I will not allow such a god to live in the Masjid. I say
this certainly. In course of time, you will realise the
truth of these words. Believe this surely and firmly”.
159. Being thus assured, the lady was very happy. Prostrating at
Baba’s feet, she returned to her home.
160. Knowing that Shama was invariably obedient, Sai fulfilled
the devotee’s wish pulled by the strings of love and did not
at all take offence at his words.
161. Sai, the Compassionate One, the Cloud of Mercy, the
Protector of those who have surrendered to him, to ensure
that the words of the devotees came true, fondly fulfilled
them.
162. Shama was his favourite devotee; and the saint fulfilled the
devotee’s wish, which was asked for in ignorance and
fondness, whether it was proper or not. This was his own
vow.
163. So be it. Before the twelve months were completed, Baba
fulfilled his promise. Within three months of the
conversation, the lady conceived.
164. Fortunately, she became the mother of a son. She came to
Shirdi with her husband and five month old child for
darshan.
165. The husband too happily paid obeisance at Sai’s feet and
offering five hundred rupees expressed his unspoken
gratitude.
166. The monies were later utilised to build the walls of the
stable for Baba’s horse Shyamakaran, at the existing site
where he used to be tethered.
167. Therefore, think of this Sai, remember Sai and meditate upon
Sai. This is Hemad’s own refuge who did not run helterskelter
anywhere.
168. Why roam hither and thither when the ‘kasturi’4 is in one’s
own navel? Always being humble at Sai’s feet, Hemad enjoys
incomparable bliss.
169. The next chapter is more interesting than this about how the
devotees took Baba in procession from the Masjid to the
Chavadi, with great joy.
170. Also the story about Baba’s cooking vessel and the giving of
‘prasad’ with humour. Listen to that in the next chapter
which will increase the enthusiasm.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the thirty-sixth
chapter, of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the
devotee Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called
“The All-Pervasiveness of Sai and the Fulfilment of His
Blessings”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes:
1. On the west coast of the present Raigad district in Maharashtra.
2. Though she was regularly undergoing the menstrual flux.
3. Portion of her sari touching her lap.
4. Musk.
Mhalsapati alias Bhagat Mhalsapati alias Bhagat
He was not a worshipper of money. He only yearned for spirituality. He had surrendered
to Sai with body and mind, unselfishly and with a loving heart. (Ch. 36 ovi 70)
The All-Pervasiveness of Sai
and the Fulfilment of His Blessings
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the Guru
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Now refer to the last chapter wherein an assurance was given
to relate the interesting story of the theft. Be fully
attentive to it.
2.
This is not a story but a drink of eternal bliss, which
increases the thirst for more. To pacify that thirst,
another story will follow.
3.
The listeners will be pleased on hearing that it destroys
the distress of this mundane existence and grants a state of
happiness.
4.
One who is fortunate enough to desire his own well-being, he
should be ready to listen with reverence to the narration of
Sai’s stories.
5.
The greatness of the saints is beyond limits! None is able
to describe it fully. I am truly aware that I have no
qualifications.
6.
Enough of the ego of the narrator! Sai, the Sagacious, can
find anyone to describe his attributes so that his devotees
can hear them.
7.
He indeed is the Swan in the Lake in the form of the
Highest. He is the Swan, looking at the world in him, or
within him and finding himself in that world, remaining
truly indifferent, but rejoicing in the food of pearls in
the form of Brahman and enjoying the spirit of great
adventure.
8.
One who has no name or place of his own, but has
incomparable glory, he can make a pauper into a wealthy man,
instantly, by merely raising an eyebrow.
9.
He, who is Absolute Knowledge Incarnate, shows the true form
of God, remaining uninvolved except as a witness, by
creating innumerable circumstances.
10.
He gives darshan in different forms to those on whom he
showers his grace by creating inconceivable occurrences.
Listen to the glory of that Great Soul.
11.
Those who meditate upon him with unswerving concentration or
sing loving bhajans (praising and worshipping him), they
will never lack anything because he takes care of them
completely.
12.
He enjoys his stories being told and, therefore, reminds me
constantly by being instrumental in creating a speaker and
listeners, to fulfil the wishes of the devotees.
13.
He who has enjoined himself to Vishnu (Chakrapani), and is
fully engrossed in the spiritual attainment by leaving aside
the worldly ties, has uplifted many beings.
14.
He who is worshipped within the country and abroad and he
for whom the flag of devotion flies high, he invites the
meek and the poor and fulfils the desires of all.
15.
Be that whatsoever. Now listen with reverence to this story
of Sai which is supremely holy. The ears of the listeners
and the tongue of the speaker will be purified.
16.
Two gentlemen from Goa came for Sai’s darshan. Both of them
humbled themselves at Sai’s feet and were pleased with the
darshan.
17.
Though both came together, Sai asked for dakshina from one
only. “Give me fifteen rupees”, he said, which that
gentleman gave happily.
18.
He asked nothing from the second person. But on his own he
gave thirty five rupees. Sai immediately refused to take
them. He was greatly surprised.
19.
Madhavrao was there at that time. Seeing this
discrimination, he asked Sai about it. Listen to it.
20.
“Baba, why do you do this? Both friends have come together.
You asked dakshina from one and returned what was
voluntarily offered by the other.
21.
Why should there be any discrimination by a saint? On your
own, you asked from one and returned what was given by the
other, by his own wish. You disappointed the latter.
22.
You seem pleased with the smaller offering and refused the
larger sum. If I had been in your place, I would not have
behaved like this.”
23.
“Shamya, you do not know anything. I do not take anything
from anybody. It is the Masjid Mai (presiding deity of the
Masjid) who asks for what is owing to her. The giver is then
free from debts.
24.
Do I have a home? Or do I have a family, that I should need
money? I am free in all respects.
25.
But debt, enmity and murder have to be atoned for, as there
is no escape. People take vows to some deity at a time of
need. But it is a problem for me, who is trying to uplift
them.
26.
You do not worry about that. You implore me only at that
particular moment. I am always pleased with those devotees
of mine who have no debt.
27.
Initially, he was poor. He took a vow to give his first pay
to God, which was fifteen rupees. But later he forgot.
28.
Thereafter, from Rupees 15/-it increased to Rupees 30/-;
then from Rupees 30/-it rose to Rupees 60/-; to Rupees
100/-. Though the salary doubled or even increased four –
fold, he totally forgot about the vow.
29.
In this way, his salary increased to Rupees 700/-. By his
good fortune he came here. Then I asked for my Rupees 15/-,
being that amount, in the guise of dakshina”.
30.
“Now listen to another story. Once when I was wandering on
the sea shore, I came across a huge mansion and I sat down
on its verandah.
31.
The owner of the mansion was a Brahmin, cultured and very
rich. He welcomed me with affection and fed me sumptuously.
32.
There, in a nice, clean, selected place, with a sliding
shutter, he gave me a place to sleep and I fell asleep.
33.
Seeing that I was sound asleep, someone removed the stone
and broke the wall and cut my pocket without my knowledge.
He stripped me of all that I had.
34.
When I woke up and realised what had happened, I was in
tears, as I had been robbed of Rs. 30,000/-. I was
devastated.
35.
The money was in bank notes. When I had this sudden loss, I
was shocked. The Brahmin tried to console me.
36.
I was too grief stricken to even eat or drink. For fifteen
days, I sat at the same place on the verandah.
37.
After the fifteenth day, a wandering fakir, singing couplets
in the Urdu language on a metaphysical theme, appeared
suddenly and saw me crying.
38.
Upon his asking me the reason for my grief, I told him the
whole tale. He told me that my difficulty would be solved
provided, I acted as he told me.
39.
He said that he would give me the name of a fakir and his
whereabouts. If I surrendered to him, he would get back my
money.
40.
But he asked me to observe a vow until I recovered what I
desired by abstaining from my favourite food, whereupon my
goal would be attained.
41.
I acted upon the fakir’s advice, got my money back. Then I
left the Wada and went back to the sea-shore.
42.
While thus walking, I saw a steamer but I could not get in
as it was crowded. Then a good-natured peon interceded for
me and got me a place in the steamer.
43.
By good fortune, the steamer reached the other shore. When I
caught the train and came back home, I saw the Masjidmai”.
44. Here Baba’s story ended. Later Shama was instructed to take
the guests home and to feed them there.
45.
May it be whatsoever. Later, food was served on the leaf
plates. Madhavrao was curious and asked the guests if they
understood the story.
46.
“In reality, Sai Baba has lived here continuously. There is
no sea, nor steamer, nor captain. He is fully aware of this.
47.
Which was the Brahmin? And which was the huge mansion? He
has spent his whole life under a tree. From where could he
get such a large sum of money that could later be stolen by
a thief?
48.
He began relating this story only after your arrival; and in
this way he told you something connected in your past”.
49.
Then, the guests replied in voices choking with tears: “Sai
is omniscient. He is the Parabrahma Avatar, without any
duality. He is infinite and All-Pervading.
50.
Whatever he has said now is word to word our own story. As
soon as this delicious repast is over we will tell you
everything in detail.
51.
Whatever Baba said has actually taken place in every detail.
How did he come to know without even knowing us? Therefore,
it is beyond our comprehension”.
52.
So be it. After the meal, when they were chewing betel-nut
leaf, with Madhavrao present, they started telling the
stories.
53.
One of the two gentlemen said: “The Ghats are my native
place but I was destined to earn my livelihood from a place
near the sea.
54.
Therefore, I went to Goa and thought of getting a job there.
For that purpose, I began worshipping and propitiating Lord
Dutta and took a vow to him with great reverence.
55.
I said: “O Lord, I need a job for the maintenance of the
family. Therefore, be merciful and give me one. I prostrate
at your feet.
56.
Within a short time, if you keep your word, I will offer to
you my entire earnings of the first month’.
57.
By good fortune, Lord Dutta was propitious and, in a short
time, the object of my vow was fulfilled. I began to get
Rupees 15/-per month, as salary in the beginning.
58.
Later, as Sai Baba described, my promotions came but I
totally forgot about the vow and Baba reminded me in this
manner.
59.
It may be considered that ‘dakshina’ was taken. But it was
not ‘dakshina’ but a repayment of a debt. He reminded me, by
this pretext, of a very old vow”.
60.
Actually, Sai did not ask for money nor allowed his devotees
to ask for the same. He considered wealth to be the cause of
all evil and did not let his devotees have any greed for it.
61.
A devotee like Mhalsapati, who was always attached at Sai’s
feet, and could hardly make both ends meet, even he was not
allowed to make any money.
62.
Sai himself distributed to people, many times, the monies
that had come as ‘dakshina’; but he did not give a farthing
to him who was always in difficulties.
63.
Mhalsapati too was a man of self respect. Though Sai was so
generous, he never extended his hand to ask him for it.
64.
Though his financial situation was dire, but he was very,
very detached. He bore the difficulties of poverty always
content with the little he had.
65.
Once a very kind businessman, who was called ‘Hansraj’ felt
like giving something to Mhalsapati.
66.
Knowing his poverty stricken condition, he naturally got the
good idea of helping him to the extent that he could, to
give him some relief.
67.
Though such was his condition, if anyone tried to give him
something, Sainatha did not approve, as he preferred
indifference to money.
68.
So, observe what that businessman did! Being melted with
pity towards that devotee, when both were present in the Sai
Durbar, he pushed some money in his hands.
69.
With all humility, Mhalsapati returned it and said: “Without
Sai’s permission, I cannot accept it”.
70.
He was not a worshipper of money. He only yearned for
spirituality. He had surrendered to Sai with body and mind,
unselfishly and with a loving heart.
71.
Hansraj entreated Sai but Sai did not touch a farthing and
said: “Even my devotees are not lured by money and you will
not find them fall prey to the pomp and show of money”.
72.
Now, the second visitor said: “Now I also have realised the
whole matter. Listen, I will tell the whole story. You will
enjoy listening to it.
73.
My cook who had served me for thirty-five years, who was
completely honest and faithful, on account of his misfortune
was misled and he stole all my savings.
74.
A cupboard had been fixed in the wall of my house. After
stealthily pushing aside a stone, he made a hole in it,
without any one’s knowledge.
75.
The cupboard to which Baba referred earlier he made a hole
in that, for which he removed the stones from the wall, when
every one was asleep.
76.
And as Baba said furthermore, he took all my money, which
was in bank notes. All that is the truth.
77.
It was exactly thirty thousand! I do not know how Baba
mentioned that amount. It was all my hard earned money. I
was crying day and night.
78.
My inquiries came to nothing. I did not know what to do. For
a fortnight I was in a whirlpool of anxiety. I was at my
wits end.
79.
One day as I was sitting on the verandah, very depressed and
morose, a fakir was passing by singing metaphysical
couplets.
80.
Seeing me sad and dejected, the fakir asked me the cause of
my depression. Then I narrated to him the story in detail
and he told me how to overcome the problem.
81.
“In Kopergaon Taluka, in a village called Shirdi, there
lives an Aulia called Sai. Take a vow to him.
82.
Foreswear eating something you relish and tell him mentally
and truly ‘I have given up eating this food till I have your
darshan’”.
83.
When the fakir said this to me. I immediately forsook eating
rice and said: “Baba till my property is recovered and I
have your darshan, I will not partake of it”.
84.
Barely had a fortnight passed and I do not know what came in
the cook’s mind, but of his own accord he came and returned
all my money.
85.
He said: “I lost my mind and thereby acted in this manner. I
now put my head at your feet. Please say ‘I forgive you’”.
86.
May that be whatsoever. Later on everything went well. I had
an intense desire to have Sai’s darshan, which has been
fulfilled to-day. Blessed is this good fortune!.
87.
The one who came to console me when I was seated on the
verandah, sad, depressed and in great misfortune, was not
seen again.
88.
I never met again the one who had such loving concern for me
and who told me about Sai and directed me to Shirdi.
89. The one whom I met by chance, singing metaphysical couplets,
and who made me take the vow – him I never met again.
90.
I feel that, that fakir was truly this Sai Aulia of yours.
To give me the benefit of taking his darshan, he himself
became anxious.
91.
Whatever may be the enticement held out by anyone, I had no
desire to have this darshan. The fakir created this desire
in me, at the outset, so that I could recover my money.
92.
It would never be possible for him to covet Rupees 35/-from
me, who gave me back my whole wealth only by making a vow to
him and without any other effort.
93.
On the contrary, we are ignorant people. To bring us on the
path of spirituality and to ensure our well-being he makes
efforts and brings us to the path under these pretexts.
94.
This is the purpose of this Avatar. Otherwise, how would we,
who are devoid of devotion and insignificant, cross the
ocean of worldly existence. Think of that calmly.
95.
So be it. After recovering the stolen property I was
overjoyed. And, as a result, I forgot all about my vow. The
greed for money is dangerous.
96.
Then observe that one day when I was near Kulaba1, I saw Sai
in my dream and immediately left for Shirdi.
97.
Sai Samartha has described my travels. I was refused a place
on the steamer, but a peon interceded for me and helped me
to overcome my problem.
98.
When I came to the steamer, these were my difficulties. And
truly a peon, who was a stranger, interceded on my behalf.
99.
Only then did the captain, who was initially rude, give me a
place on the steamer and obliged me.
100. Though the peon was a total stranger, he said that I was
known to him. Therefore, I was allowed in and got a good
seat.
101. Just as the story about the steamer, so was the story about
the peon, which actually occurred in my case. Sai said it as
if it had happened to him.
102. Having this marvellous experience my intellect is baffled.
I feel that this Sai is omnipresent.
103. There is not an atom which is not pervaded by him. He will
grant similar experiences to others as he has given to me.
104. Who am I? And where do I come from? How fortunate I am that
he has dragged me with all these efforts and placed me on
the spiritual path.
105. What made me take the vow? What caused my savings to be
stolen? What a marvel it is about the fulfilment of the vow!
And the return of the savings without efforts!
106. How inconceivably fortunate am I! He whose darshan I had not
taken earlier, nor had I thought of, nor heard of, he was
taking care of me!
107. Then how much more fortunate are those devotees who have
lived with him for many years, humbled at his feet, and
served him day and night!
108. Greatly fortunate are all those with whom Sai has played,
laughed, sat, talked, walked, eaten, slept, and even got
angry with.
109. He has shown such loving concern for me who has done nothing
for him. Blessed is your state that you are so close to him!
110. It seems that your store of earlier merits has caused this
human form and brought this personage to Shirdi. You are
infinitely blessed!
111. By my immense good fortune I have attained to Shirdi. I feel
that for Sree Sai’s ‘darshan yatra’ I would sacrifice
everything.
112. Sai, the Pure and Benevolent, is the great Vaishnav. He is
truly the sprout of the Tree of Knowledge which shines like
the sun in the Sea of Consciousness.
113. So be it. I also must have some merit to have met this
Mashidai (Dwarakamayi), who made me fulfil my vow and gave
me his darshan.
114. He is my Lord Dutta. He ordered me to take this vow. He made
me get a seat in the steamer and brought me to Shirdi for
the darshan.
115. In this way, Sai showed his all-pervasive nature and how he
resided in the hearts of all, bearing witness to all that
happens everywhere.
116. Seeing Sai’s smiling visage I felt extremely happy, and
though being worldly forgot all about the pains of the
worldly existence. My blissful joy cannot be contained.
117. Let everything happen as per destiny; and my mind certainly
attain to that state. May my love be eternal at Sai’s feet
and may he dwell always in my heart and eyes.
118. Sai Leelas are inconceivable and infathomable! There is no
limit to his obligations. O Compassionate One, I feel like
wearing out my body and mind in your service”.
119. So be it. Now a story which is a digression. Listen now to
the words of Sai by being attentive for a while as they are
like the writing of Brahma.
120. The wife of Sakharam Aurangabadkar, who lived in Sholapur
city was anxious about a child, and therefore, came to
Shirdi.
121. Hearing about the inconceivable story of Sai Baba, the holy
saint, she came for his holy darshan, bringing along her
stepson.
122. Though she had been married for twenty seven years, she had
not conceived2. She had got exhausted making vows to gods and
goddesses. She had lost all hope.
123. So be it. Thus this married woman came for Baba’s darshan
with a purpose. She thus came to Shirdi, when she had an
idea.
124.“Baba is always surrounded by devotees. How will I find him
alone? How will I be able to tell him what is in my heart?”
Therefore, she became intensely anxious.
125. The Masjid was open and so was the courtyard. There were
always devotees hovering around Baba. How would she get a
quiet moment to describe to him the earnest desire?
126. She and her stepson, Vishvanath, stayed on for two months,
rendering service to Baba.
127. Listen to what this woman, with a desire, entreated
Madhavrao seeing that neither Vishvanath nor anyone else was
near Baba.
128.“You, at least, find an opportunity to tell Baba my heart’s
longing when Baba is in a good mood.
129. That too when he is alone and not surrounded by his family
of devotees. Tell him that at the earliest opportunity so
that no one can hear”.
130. Madhavrao replied: “The Masjid is never without people.
Someone or the other keeps continuously coming for darshan.
131. This Durbar of Sai is open. No one is forbidden to enter it.
But I am suggesting something. Keep it in your mind
carefully.
132. To make efforts is my duty. He is the giver of success and
the abode of auspiciousness. Finally, he will give you peace
and relieve you of your worries.
133. You should merely wait with a coconut and incense sticks in
the courtyard, on the stone, when Baba sits down for his
meal.
134. Then after the meal is over, if I find him in a good mood, I
will beckon you and you should come up only then”.
135. So be it. After some time, when the destined moment came,
one day after Sai’s meal was over, he got an unexpected
opportunity.
136. Sai having washed his hands, Madhavrao was drying them with
a cloth. Observe what Sai did while he was in a joyful mood!
137. In a burst of affection, Baba then pinched Madhavrao’s
cheek. Listen then to the loving conversation between god
and his devotee at that opportune time.
138. Though Madhavrao was full of humility, he feigned anger and
jokingly said to Baba: “Is this behaviour good?
139. We do not want such a mischievous god who pinches our cheek
with such force! Are we so awed by you? Is this the fruit of
intimacy?”
140. Then Baba replied: “Have I ever touched you in all the
seventy-two generations? Do you ever remember such an
occasion?”
141. To which Madhavrao said: “We want such a god who always
gives us wonderful and novel sweets to eat when we are
hungry.
142. We do not want your respect nor a divine vehicle to attain
the heavens. Give me only the boon of having faith at your
feet”.
143. Then Baba started to speak: “Yes, indeed, I have come for
that and that is why I started giving you food and got
fondly attached to you”.
144. By this time, they were near the bannister. When Baba sat
down on his own ‘asan’, Madhavrao signalled to the lady, who
was sitting alert for her purpose.
145. No sooner than the signal was made, she got up immediately
and hurriedly climbed the steps of the Masjid. She came in
front of Baba and bowed with humility.
146. She immediately offered the coconut at his feet and bowed at
the lotus feet. Baba then struck the coconut with his own
hand on the bannister forcefully.
147. He Said: “Shama, what does this say? The coconut is rattling
a lot”. Shama then took the opportunity. Hear what he said
to Baba.
148.“The lady wishes that a child may be similarly rolling in
her womb. Grant her that. May she be enjoined to your feet
always! And let her problem be solved!
149. Cast a merciful glance on her. Place the coconut in her
‘oti’3. May she have sons and daughters with your
blessings”.
150. Then Baba told him ; “Can the coconut give any issue? How
can there be such foolish belief? I think the people have
lost their mind”.
151. Shama said: “I know the marvel of your words. Your words are
so valuable that she will have a series of children,
spontaneously.
152. But these days you are making a distinction. You are not
giving her real blessings. You are only wrangling. Give her
the coconut as ‘prasad’”.
153.“Break the coconut”, Baba said. Shama said: “Place it in
her ‘oti’”. The higgling went on for quite a while, when
Baba ultimately yielded.
154.He said: “Go, she will have a child,” Shama said: “When?
Give a reply”. Baba said: “After twelve months”. The
coconut was forcefully broken.
155. Half of it was eaten by both i.e. by Baba and Shama. The
remaining half was given to the lady. Madhavrao said to the
lady: “You are a witness to my words.
156. Lady, if from today before twelve months are complete you do
not have a child, listen to what I will do.
157. I will break such a coconut against this god’s head and
drive him out of the Masjid. If I fail in this, I will not
call myself Madhav.
158. I will not allow such a god to live in the Masjid. I say
this certainly. In course of time, you will realise the
truth of these words. Believe this surely and firmly”.
159. Being thus assured, the lady was very happy. Prostrating at
Baba’s feet, she returned to her home.
160. Knowing that Shama was invariably obedient, Sai fulfilled
the devotee’s wish pulled by the strings of love and did not
at all take offence at his words.
161. Sai, the Compassionate One, the Cloud of Mercy, the
Protector of those who have surrendered to him, to ensure
that the words of the devotees came true, fondly fulfilled
them.
162. Shama was his favourite devotee; and the saint fulfilled the
devotee’s wish, which was asked for in ignorance and
fondness, whether it was proper or not. This was his own
vow.
163. So be it. Before the twelve months were completed, Baba
fulfilled his promise. Within three months of the
conversation, the lady conceived.
164. Fortunately, she became the mother of a son. She came to
Shirdi with her husband and five month old child for
darshan.
165. The husband too happily paid obeisance at Sai’s feet and
offering five hundred rupees expressed his unspoken
gratitude.
166. The monies were later utilised to build the walls of the
stable for Baba’s horse Shyamakaran, at the existing site
where he used to be tethered.
167. Therefore, think of this Sai, remember Sai and meditate upon
Sai. This is Hemad’s own refuge who did not run helterskelter
anywhere.
168. Why roam hither and thither when the ‘kasturi’4 is in one’s
own navel? Always being humble at Sai’s feet, Hemad enjoys
incomparable bliss.
169. The next chapter is more interesting than this about how the
devotees took Baba in procession from the Masjid to the
Chavadi, with great joy.
170. Also the story about Baba’s cooking vessel and the giving of
‘prasad’ with humour. Listen to that in the next chapter
which will increase the enthusiasm.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the thirty-sixth
chapter, of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the
devotee Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called
“The All-Pervasiveness of Sai and the Fulfilment of His
Blessings”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes:
1. On the west coast of the present Raigad district in Maharashtra.
2. Though she was regularly undergoing the menstrual flux.
3. Portion of her sari touching her lap.
4. Musk.
Mhalsapati alias Bhagat Mhalsapati alias Bhagat
He was not a worshipper of money. He only yearned for spirituality. He had surrendered
to Sai with body and mind, unselfishly and with a loving heart. (Ch. 36 ovi 70)
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