41
The Bestowal of Sai’s Grace and Favour
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.
This is the greatness of the stories of Sai. However much
one hears them, there is no need for encouragement. The
listeners themselves remember how the earlier story ended
and remain very attentive to listen.
2.
Where is the need of asking the listeners to pay attention
to the story when they are already eager to listen with
concentrated mind?
3.
While singing the greatness of one’s own Guru and listening
about him, the mind will be purified. The repetition of his
name with steady concentration, will result in the
manifestation of the embodiment of bliss.
4.
In the previous chapter was narrated how the ‘udyapan’ of a
vow was completed, according to the rituals; along with the
indication of the reality of the dream (to Hemad).
5.
Similarly, how Sai’s picture arrived unexpectedly through
someone and how it fulfilled my desire at the right time.
Hear the story of that now.
6.
On one Holi festival, Sai gave me a dream stating that he
would come for a meal and how he fulfilled my desire.
7.
I have already told that story in detail. But the marvel of
how that picture came on time – listen to that today with
respect.
8.
The story was told by Alli Mohammed which I felt was greatly
amazing. This was also evidently a ‘leela’ which was very
amusing.
9.
It was he, who on that Holi day, just as we were sitting
down for lunch in the afternoon, who brought it and made me
joyous.
10.
This is the reference to the earlier story. Now, listeners
please hear the further narration attentively of Sai’s holy
story.
11.
This entire story is excellent. The listeners are already
attentive. The narrator is humble at the feet of Sai. Sai’s
story is unfathomable.
12.
He was the very embodiment of benevolence. He wore out his
body for that purpose. His nature was such that he had no
enmity towards anyone and he always engaged in doing good
deeds.
13.
Whatever be the condition, good or bad, the body must do its
duties as destined. But introvert your senses towards the
Guru’s feet with all the love.
14.
Then, with excellent experience, observe how the Guru takes
care of the welfare of his devotee, ceaselessly, with love
for the Guru in your heart.
15.
This state cannot be had for the asking. But what cannot be
attained with great effort can come on its own with the
worship of the Guru and with Guru’s grace, easily.
16.
Those who came to closely observe and with pride, they also
returned leaving behind their ego deriving happiness from
the pleasure of the ‘darshan’.
17.
Sai had all the six great attributes which are the adornment
of God – glory, wealth, munificence, knowledge, peace and
detachment.
18.
How great is our good fortune that Sai, the cloud of pure
consciousness, gives us darshan without worship, puja or
other rituals.
19.
It is said that “God resides where there is devotion”.
There is a lack of devotion within us, but this Sai, the
great Saint has a compassionate nature towards the
miserable.
20.
So, now listen to the story which Alli told with attention.
You will understand the profoundity of Sai’s ‘leela’ and his
powers.
21.
“One day while I was walking along a street in Bombay, I saw
a shopkeeper who had pleasing pictures and portraits.
22.
There were beautiful pictures of all kinds – of Saints,
Mahants and Aulias. Looking at them, I was confused as to
which I should see.
23.
Then seeing one at a time, I liked this picture which was
more pleasing than the others and moreover was of the one
that I worshipped.
24.
I already loved Sai. Seeing his picture in front of me, I
felt like buying it immediately. So I paid cash for it.
25.
Then I brought that picture home and hung it on a wall.
I daily had ‘darshan’ of it with joy, as I loved Baba
greatly.
26.
Three months before I gave it to you, I was not well and had
gone to live with my sister’s husband.
27.
Noor Mohammed Peerbhoy was my brother-in-law. My leg was
swollen and I had been operated upon.
28.
As I was suffering on account of it, I stayed there three
months. There was no one at my home during that period.
29.
But the well-known Baba Abdul Rahiman, Moulana Saheb
Mohammed Hussain, Baba Sai, Tajuddin Baba were in that home.
30.
The pictures of all these and others were hanging on the
wall, beautifying my home. But destiny did not leave them
also.
31.
Here I was in this state and even the pictures were caught
in the bad period of Saturn for seven and a half years! I
think that whatever has been created will face destruction
inevitably.
32.
This being the case, how Sai alone became an exception no
one has been able to explain to me till this day.
33.
When you listen to the whole story about this you will be
amazed. You will understand Sai’s onenes with the movable
and immovable. His powers are inconceivable.
34.
A small picture of Saint Baba Abdul Rahiman was with Mohamed
Hussain, who was known as Thariya.
35.
Many years ago he had given me a copy of it, which I gave to
my brother-in-law, as he was his devotee.
36.
It was lying for about eight years in the drawer of his
table. When he came across it unexpectedly once, he took it
to a photographer’s shop in Bombay.
37.
He enlarged the photograph to match the life-size Baba
Abdul, so that he could take it as a gift for him, so that
he would be filled with love.
38.
He made some more copies and gave them all to friends and
relatives, out of which he gave me one too and I hung it on
the wall.
39.
Then this extremely beautiful picture, Noor Mohamed became
anxious to present it to Abdul Rahiman, when that Saint had
many people assembled around him, with reverence.
40.
Abdul Rahiman, on seeing the picture and realising his
intentions, became extremely angry and got up to beat him.
41.
Abusing him and treating him with indignity, he sent him
away. Because of this, he became very dejected and it
created a lot of anxiety.
42.
He felt humbled, impoverished, sad and dejected. Not only
had he lost a lot of money but also the Guru’s grace. A
difficulty had arisen.
43.
‘Till this day I was endowed with the Guru’s favours. But
the same me has now become the cause of his anger’. Thinking
thus and being in doubts, he began to immerse the pictures.
44.
He said: ‘From now onwards I will not keep the pictures of
Saints in my home. I have lost my Guru’s love because of
them. Why should I do this work without any fulfilment?’
45.
Further he said: ‘If my Guru is annoyed with me because of
this picture, it will get me into difficulties some time or
the other. It is of no use to me.
46.
This is also image worship, which my Guru disapproves. Then
why displease him? What is the purpose of this picture for
me?
47.
A lot of expenditure has been incurred for collecting these
pictures. But there is no alternative than to immerse them’.
48.
Therefore, my brother-in-law thereafter carrying that
picture himself went to the dock to immerse it, refusing to
give it to anyone who asked for it.
49.
He went right upto Appollo Bunder, hired a boat, went as far
as he could in the sea, and finally immersed it.
50.
So be it. He did not stop at that. He did the same thing at
Bandra. He persuaded all friends and relatives to return the
copies of the photo to him.
51.
He said: ‘Abdul Baba is angry. All those who have the
photographs must return them, as they have to be immersed’.
He requested all in this manner.
52.
The one that was given to me too was taken back, also my
brother’s; and my sister’s was also snatched away. In all,
he got back six copies.
53.
Then after taking all the six copies to the seashore at
Bandra, at land’s end, he arrived there with anger.
54.
Calling a fisherman, he entrusted all the pictures to him to
immerse them in the sea waters.
55.
At that time, I was ill and suffering and was at his home.
He gave me the same advice and said : ‘These pictures bring
difficulties.
56.
Therefore, when you collect all of them and immerse them in
the sea, only then will you be freed from your sufferings.
Know that certainly’.
57.
Then I too called my munim (manager), handed over the key
(of the house) to him and got all the pictures of the
Saints; and handed them over to my brother-in-law to do th-in-law to do the
needful.
58.
He called his gardener and asked him to immerse them
immediately in the sea near the temple of Chimbai.
59.
Two months after this, when I felt better and returned to my
home, I was greatly surprised.
60.
On the wall facing the door was hanging in its place the
picture (of Sai) which I gave to you. Seeing it, I was
greatly astonished.
61.
How had the munim left this picture behind when he had
brought all the pictures? So I immediately removed it and
hid it in the cupboard.
62.
I was afraid that if my brother-in-law saw it, he would
immediately take it for an immersion into the sea.
63.
It should not be kept in the house. No sooner than my
brother-in-law would see it he would immerse it, with his
own hands. Nor could I give it, with my mind free from
doubts or suspicion to anyone else, who may not have been a
devotee.
64.
If I gave it to anyone without proper thought and it was not
properly taken care of, I would always regret it and it
would be a life long anxiety for me.
65.
Therefore, I had to find a proper place wherever it would be
safe – someone who would keep it at his home properly. I
should hand it over to such a person.
66.
When I was in this dilemma it seemed that Sai himself gave
me a good idea to go to the Moulana’s durbar. And I told the
problem to Isamusa.
67.
So I immediately went to Pir Maulana’s durbar and told the
whole story to the Mujavar Isamusa with respect, when he was
alone.
68.
We both came to the conclusion that it would be safe with
you. Therefore, that same day both of us decided to act upon
it.
69.
This picture of Samartha Sai should be kept with you only.
We should ourselves hand it over to you and then only it
would be safe.
70.
So, according to our firm decision, we presented the picture
to you with reverence. But seeing that the lunch was about
to be served, I returned hurriedly.
71.
You did not have the time to listen to this long story at
that time. So I decided to narrate it to you at leisure, and
with that intention left.
72.
It got postponed day after day, and nine years passed away!
Today we have both met again unexpectedly”.
73.
With this narration I was reminded about the earlier
background. I related to him the marvel of my dream and the
connection between the two was marvellous! Isn’t this leela
wonderful?
74.
Now listen attentively to another story, about how Sai
lovingly took care of his loving devotees.
75.
Sai is very fond of those who have true love for
spirituality. Removing all their difficulties, he enjoins
them to bliss.
76.
Balasaheb Deo had an interesting experience of this kind in
fulfilling his vow. His wish was fulfilled and he was
enjoined to bhakti.
77.
There was no way out except to do service during the day for
his livelihood. But at night, why should there be
obstruction in his exertions for spirituality?
78.
He had the desire since a long time to regularly read the
Dñyaneshwari. But due to some difficulty or the other, he
was not able to do so.
79.
Just as he read one chapter of the Gita every day he wanted
to read one chapter of the Dñynaneshwari but he could not do
so without interruption.
80.
When he undertook the reading of any other religious book,
he could do so regularly; but as for the Dñyaneshwari which
he greatly loved, it eluded him.
81.
Once Deo took leave for three months to first go to Shirdi
and then to his home at Poud for rest.
82.
What happened there? There also he read other religious
books regularly but his wish for Dñyaneshwari was
unfulfilled as the opportune time did not come.
83.
Whenever he took up the Dñyaneshwari, some doubts arose in
his mind. So his reading became superficial and he could not
create love for it.
84.
What is the point in being distressed when he could not
succeed in his resolution? He could not read even five
stanzas every day.
85.
He made a decision to read five stanzas every day. “I could
not even do that much reading with joy and regularity.
86.
Therefore, I came to the conclusion that only when Sai
created love for it and says ‘read’, that I will undertake
the reading without any problems.
87.
I have faith in Sai. When Sai instructs me to do so, I will
read the Dñyaneshwari then only. So I will wait with this
firm decision”.
88.
So be it. Then, in the month of February 1914, Deo came to
Shirdi with his mother and wife to see the pomp of the
Gurupuja on ‘Mahoday Parva’1.
89.
Jog asked Deo then why he was not reading Dñyaneshwari
regularly. Listen to his reply.
90.
“I have a great love for the Dñyaneshwari, but I am not
successful in reading it. Now, only when Baba tells me to
read it, I will read it then”.
91.
Then Jog told him a stratagem. “Get the Dñyaneshwari pothi
and give it in Sai Baba’s hand. He will give it to you to
read”.
92.
“I need no stratagem. Baba knows my innermost thoughts. Why
can he not fulfil my desire and clearly say ‘READ’?”
93.
When he went for the darshan of the Samartha, he offered him
one rupee. “Why one? Bring twenty!” said Baba to him, then.
94.
He brought twenty rupees and gave them. At night he met
Balakram. He inquired of him how he had secured Baba’s
grace.
95.
“Tomorrow, after the arati I will tell you the whole
story”, Balakram assured him and Deo agreed to that.
96.
Then the next day when Deo went to the Masjid for darshan he
was asked for twenty rupees which he gave with pleasure.
97.
Seeing that it was very crowded there, Deo went aside. Baba
asked: “Where is he hiding in a narrow difficult place?”
98.
Deo replied: “Baba, here, I am here”. Baba then asked him
“Why did you give me only seven rupees?”
99.
Deo replied: “I have given twenty”. Baba asked: “Whose
money is it?” “Baba it is yours,” he replied. Baba said:
“Why are you running away then?
100.Come here, come close. Sit near by with a calm mind”. Deo
followed the instructions, and sat there with a devoted
heart.
101. The arati was done as usual. The assembled people returned
to their homes. Balakram and Deo met again and the earlier
question was again asked.
102. He asked him about his earlier life and Balakram told him
everything from the beginning and how he was instructed in
spirituality.
103.“Have you been told how to meditate? Please satisfy my
desire,” entreated Deo.
104. As Balakram was about to start answering Deo’s question to
satisfy his desire, Baba sent for Deo.
105. How extremely artful was Sai! He sent Chandru2 to call Deo.
Without wasting a moment, Deo came to meet Sree Sai.
106. It was afternoon. Sree Sai was seen, leaning both his hands
on the wall of the Masjid.
107. As soon as he went, Deo bowed to him. Baba then asked him,
“Where, with whom, and what were you talking?”
108. Then Deo replied: “On the upper storey of Kaka’s house, I
was hearing about your glory from Balakram and talking about
it”.
109.BabaBaba ordered Deo: “Bring twenty-five rupees”. Bringing the
money immediately, he tendered them to Baba.
110.“How many did you bring?” Baba asked. Deo replied:
“Twenty-five”. Baba said: “Come, sit down” and Deo went
with Baba to the Masjid.
111. Baba sat near the pillar and there was no one else in the
Masjid. He said: “You have stolen my rags, without my
knowledge”.
112.“I know nothing about any rags”, explained Deo. “Then,
look for them somewhere here”, Sai told him.
113.“Where are there any rags here” Deo asked at that moment.
Baba got up saying: “You search for them. Stealing is a bad
habit.
114.Some brat has taken them! Look! Look! They shoud be here!”
Hearing this, Deo looked again but he did not find any.
115. Then raising his eyebrows, Baba looked here and there. With
eyes fixed on Deo, Sai shouted at him.
116.“You are a liar! Who is here besides you at this time to
steal the rags? I believe you are the thief.
117. Do you come here to steal, in this way? Your hair has turned
from black to white but your bad ways have not gone!
118. I will hit you with an axe. I will cut you to pieces and
kill you. Where will you escape from me? Wherever you are, I
will come and kill you.
119. When you come to Shirdi from home, is it to steal? Take this
back, which is yours. Bring back my rags to me”.
120. Sai became red with anger. He abused him with a string of
words, beginning with the mother and the grand mother. He
became redder with fury.
121. Seeing that Sainath was furious, Deo stood still watching
him with wonder and full of inner amazement.
122. Deo was near him and alone and felt that his turn had come
to receive a beating. Or was this a beautiful vision of God?
Believing this, he was choked with joy.
123. ‘Will he take the satka in his hand now and will he beat me
with anger? I am alone and in his hands now. Let him do what
he wills.
124. But what is this mystery about the rags?’ Deo did not
understand anything. “Go, go away to one place”! When
Sainath said this, he moved towards the steps.
125. I am incapable of understanding this hidden meaning about
the ‘rags’. If I receive Sai’s grace and learn about it, I
will relate it to the listeners.
126. Within a quarter of an hour, Deo again faced Baba, when the
abuses were still continuing. “Have you again come up?” Sai
said.
127.“Go away again to the wada”! As Baba said this, Deo obeyed
the orders, bowed at Sai’s feet and returned to the wada.
128. All that had happened and the manner in which it had taken
place was described from beginning to end by Deo to Jog and
Balakram.
129. Baba’s volley of abuses continued for nearly half an hour.
After quite some time, Baba himself called for the people.
130. Deo also then came and sat in the midst of others. “The old
man must have felt bad”, said Sree Sai later.
131.“What is the value of rags? Even then I have offended him by
using abusive language. But he had committed a theft, so
what was the remedy but to speak out?
132. So be it. God will see to everything and will benefit him.
So, Bhau, will you give some dakshina?”
133.“How much shall I bring?” Deo asked. “Bring twelve rupees
immediately”. When Deo saw he only had a currency note and
no loose coins.
134. Deo told this to Baba. “Never mind I do not want it. In the
morning you gave me twice and forgot about it”. Baba said.
135. Even so, Deo obtained the money and gave them to Baba, and
bowed at Baba’s feet. Hear the words that ensued.
136.“What are you doing?” Baba asked. “Nothing”. When he got
this reply, he said, “Read the Pothi regularly”. This is
what he ordered Deo to do.
137.“Go and sit in the wada. Read it regularly. While reading
explain the portion read to all with love and devotion.
138. I am sitting here ready to give you a whole zari-embroidered
mantle, then why should you steal rags? Have you got in the
habit of stealing?”
139. So be it. ‘The words of Sai to read the Pothi fulfilled my
innermost desire and I was extremely happy.
140. Obeying the order, I then started from that day onwards
reading the Dñyaneshwari regularly and also started
explaining it.
141. Now I had got the desired orders. The worry of my mind in
keeping my vow was removed. From now on, while reading the
Dñyaneshwari there will be regularity in the work.
142. Now with my Guru’s orders, Dñyaneshwari is also propitiated.
Irrespective of whatever has happened in the past, I shall
now be regular.
143. I am confident that with Sai’s orders, and with the power of
his instructions, I will be able to do the ‘parayan’ of the
pothi without any obstacles’.
144.“Baba! I come prostrated before you. I am totally
surrendered to you. Take this child, under your wing. Get
the pothi read by me”.
145. ‘I realised what was meant by ‘rags’. What I had asked
Balakram, constituted ‘rags’ and Sai had not approved of
that and had, therefore, got angry.
146. ‘Baba had not liked my questioning Balakram as to how he
worshipped or how he meditated on Parabrahma.
147. As Baba was ready to answer any questions himself, why ask
questions to one another? Therefore, I had been tremendously
harassed.
148. ‘Harassed’ – that word itself is rude and impudent. He who
was overflowing with love for the devotees did not even
dream of harassing his devotees. Then the word and its use
is wrong.
149. He did not harass but he taught me, that ‘whatever is in
your mind, all that has to be fulfilled by me and whatever
is stolen will never be of any use’.
150. Though Sai appeared outwardly to be angry he was always calm
within. He appeared angry outwardly but he was full of bliss
within.
151. The anger that was shown outwardly was on account of
affection. Within, he was in divine bliss. One must be
fortunate to sing of the grandeur of that Sai’s leela.
152. He who has an intense desire to achieve his objective
believes that the volley of abuses is a shower of flowers
and blessings, keeping one’s mind fixed on one’s own
welfare.
153. Deo was not shaken on hearing the very abusive words which
were offensive to the ears. He was full of love for Baba and
he felt that only a shower of flowers had rained on him.
154.“Only the fortunate can enjoy the milk with which the cow’s
teat is gorged. The cattle louse, though near the teats full
of milk, prefers blood due to its fate.
155. The frog lives in the vicinity of the lotus flowers. The bee
snatches the honey from the lotus, while unfortunately the
frog eats only the filth. There is no limit to the bee’s
good fortune.
156. Similarly, you are fortunate. We are close to one another.
Ask whatever you want and get your doubts clarified”, says
Sai.
157.“Observe my obstinacy about the pothi. I did not open the
Dñyaneshwari to read till the moment he said READ. And Baba
fully fulfilled my desire”.
158. How the darling mother spoils the child! And fulfils his
desires! This is the story of this sweet experience, which
strengthens devotion.
159. Deo said: “He did not stop at merely directing me to read.
Before a year passed, he gave me a dream vision. Listen to
the amazing question, he asked me.
160. On 2nd April 19143, on Thursday morning, I got a boon of a
dream.
161. Sai Samartha appeared in the dream to have come and was
sitting on the first floor. He asked me if I understood the
pothi, to which I replied in the negative.
162. Another question then followed. ‘When will you understand it
then?’ My eyes were filled with tears and hear the answer I
gave.
163. ‘Reading the pothi is mere worry unless you shower your
grace and understanding it is even more difficult. Baba, I
confess this clearly.’
164. Baba said: “While reading the pothi, you make too much
haste. Read it, in my presence, sitting near me”.
165. When Deo asked what he should read, he was told to read
Adhyatma. As Deo went to fetch the book, his eyes opened.
166. Deo awakened then. Listeners can imagine the state of his
mind when he thought of the dream.
167. Who else would care to wait for a year3 and then find out if
the child is obeying the instructions strictly and regularly
reading the pothi? Who would take on such an unnecessary
worry?
168. Has the discipline been followed? Has the lesson been
regularly followed? Where and why is there any failure? Who
else would show this concern?
169. What should the reader pay attention to? What should be
given greater importance? Sai, the loving mother, alone can
emphasise this.
170. The devotees experienced on many occasions such leelas of
Sai Samartha and enjoyed the heavenly bliss. I have seen
that with my own eyes.
171. Now, all you assembled listeners, being humble at the lotus
feet of the Guru, hear the next novel story, at the proper
time.
172. Remembering the feet of Sree Samartha, I come and prostrate
with all true faith, which alone will remove all the sorrows
of this world. Hemad surrenders with devotion.
173. Sai alone is my motivation. Sai alone is the supreme
happiness of spirituality; Sai alone can fulfil me. This is
my firm conviction.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the forty-first
chapter of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the
dvotee Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called
“The Bestowal of Sai’s Grace and Favour”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
A festival of joy. A good action that confers special merit upon
the performance.
2.
A leper devotee, who was near Baba at that time.
3.
Deo got this dream within two months of his trip to Shirdi. The
question of a year did not arise.
While singing the greatness of one’s own Guru and listening about him,
the mind will be purified. The repetition of his name with steady
concentration, will result in the manifestation of the embodiment of
bliss. (Ch. 41, ovi 3)
The Bestowal of Sai’s Grace and Favour
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.
This is the greatness of the stories of Sai. However much
one hears them, there is no need for encouragement. The
listeners themselves remember how the earlier story ended
and remain very attentive to listen.
2.
Where is the need of asking the listeners to pay attention
to the story when they are already eager to listen with
concentrated mind?
3.
While singing the greatness of one’s own Guru and listening
about him, the mind will be purified. The repetition of his
name with steady concentration, will result in the
manifestation of the embodiment of bliss.
4.
In the previous chapter was narrated how the ‘udyapan’ of a
vow was completed, according to the rituals; along with the
indication of the reality of the dream (to Hemad).
5.
Similarly, how Sai’s picture arrived unexpectedly through
someone and how it fulfilled my desire at the right time.
Hear the story of that now.
6.
On one Holi festival, Sai gave me a dream stating that he
would come for a meal and how he fulfilled my desire.
7.
I have already told that story in detail. But the marvel of
how that picture came on time – listen to that today with
respect.
8.
The story was told by Alli Mohammed which I felt was greatly
amazing. This was also evidently a ‘leela’ which was very
amusing.
9.
It was he, who on that Holi day, just as we were sitting
down for lunch in the afternoon, who brought it and made me
joyous.
10.
This is the reference to the earlier story. Now, listeners
please hear the further narration attentively of Sai’s holy
story.
11.
This entire story is excellent. The listeners are already
attentive. The narrator is humble at the feet of Sai. Sai’s
story is unfathomable.
12.
He was the very embodiment of benevolence. He wore out his
body for that purpose. His nature was such that he had no
enmity towards anyone and he always engaged in doing good
deeds.
13.
Whatever be the condition, good or bad, the body must do its
duties as destined. But introvert your senses towards the
Guru’s feet with all the love.
14.
Then, with excellent experience, observe how the Guru takes
care of the welfare of his devotee, ceaselessly, with love
for the Guru in your heart.
15.
This state cannot be had for the asking. But what cannot be
attained with great effort can come on its own with the
worship of the Guru and with Guru’s grace, easily.
16.
Those who came to closely observe and with pride, they also
returned leaving behind their ego deriving happiness from
the pleasure of the ‘darshan’.
17.
Sai had all the six great attributes which are the adornment
of God – glory, wealth, munificence, knowledge, peace and
detachment.
18.
How great is our good fortune that Sai, the cloud of pure
consciousness, gives us darshan without worship, puja or
other rituals.
19.
It is said that “God resides where there is devotion”.
There is a lack of devotion within us, but this Sai, the
great Saint has a compassionate nature towards the
miserable.
20.
So, now listen to the story which Alli told with attention.
You will understand the profoundity of Sai’s ‘leela’ and his
powers.
21.
“One day while I was walking along a street in Bombay, I saw
a shopkeeper who had pleasing pictures and portraits.
22.
There were beautiful pictures of all kinds – of Saints,
Mahants and Aulias. Looking at them, I was confused as to
which I should see.
23.
Then seeing one at a time, I liked this picture which was
more pleasing than the others and moreover was of the one
that I worshipped.
24.
I already loved Sai. Seeing his picture in front of me, I
felt like buying it immediately. So I paid cash for it.
25.
Then I brought that picture home and hung it on a wall.
I daily had ‘darshan’ of it with joy, as I loved Baba
greatly.
26.
Three months before I gave it to you, I was not well and had
gone to live with my sister’s husband.
27.
Noor Mohammed Peerbhoy was my brother-in-law. My leg was
swollen and I had been operated upon.
28.
As I was suffering on account of it, I stayed there three
months. There was no one at my home during that period.
29.
But the well-known Baba Abdul Rahiman, Moulana Saheb
Mohammed Hussain, Baba Sai, Tajuddin Baba were in that home.
30.
The pictures of all these and others were hanging on the
wall, beautifying my home. But destiny did not leave them
also.
31.
Here I was in this state and even the pictures were caught
in the bad period of Saturn for seven and a half years! I
think that whatever has been created will face destruction
inevitably.
32.
This being the case, how Sai alone became an exception no
one has been able to explain to me till this day.
33.
When you listen to the whole story about this you will be
amazed. You will understand Sai’s onenes with the movable
and immovable. His powers are inconceivable.
34.
A small picture of Saint Baba Abdul Rahiman was with Mohamed
Hussain, who was known as Thariya.
35.
Many years ago he had given me a copy of it, which I gave to
my brother-in-law, as he was his devotee.
36.
It was lying for about eight years in the drawer of his
table. When he came across it unexpectedly once, he took it
to a photographer’s shop in Bombay.
37.
He enlarged the photograph to match the life-size Baba
Abdul, so that he could take it as a gift for him, so that
he would be filled with love.
38.
He made some more copies and gave them all to friends and
relatives, out of which he gave me one too and I hung it on
the wall.
39.
Then this extremely beautiful picture, Noor Mohamed became
anxious to present it to Abdul Rahiman, when that Saint had
many people assembled around him, with reverence.
40.
Abdul Rahiman, on seeing the picture and realising his
intentions, became extremely angry and got up to beat him.
41.
Abusing him and treating him with indignity, he sent him
away. Because of this, he became very dejected and it
created a lot of anxiety.
42.
He felt humbled, impoverished, sad and dejected. Not only
had he lost a lot of money but also the Guru’s grace. A
difficulty had arisen.
43.
‘Till this day I was endowed with the Guru’s favours. But
the same me has now become the cause of his anger’. Thinking
thus and being in doubts, he began to immerse the pictures.
44.
He said: ‘From now onwards I will not keep the pictures of
Saints in my home. I have lost my Guru’s love because of
them. Why should I do this work without any fulfilment?’
45.
Further he said: ‘If my Guru is annoyed with me because of
this picture, it will get me into difficulties some time or
the other. It is of no use to me.
46.
This is also image worship, which my Guru disapproves. Then
why displease him? What is the purpose of this picture for
me?
47.
A lot of expenditure has been incurred for collecting these
pictures. But there is no alternative than to immerse them’.
48.
Therefore, my brother-in-law thereafter carrying that
picture himself went to the dock to immerse it, refusing to
give it to anyone who asked for it.
49.
He went right upto Appollo Bunder, hired a boat, went as far
as he could in the sea, and finally immersed it.
50.
So be it. He did not stop at that. He did the same thing at
Bandra. He persuaded all friends and relatives to return the
copies of the photo to him.
51.
He said: ‘Abdul Baba is angry. All those who have the
photographs must return them, as they have to be immersed’.
He requested all in this manner.
52.
The one that was given to me too was taken back, also my
brother’s; and my sister’s was also snatched away. In all,
he got back six copies.
53.
Then after taking all the six copies to the seashore at
Bandra, at land’s end, he arrived there with anger.
54.
Calling a fisherman, he entrusted all the pictures to him to
immerse them in the sea waters.
55.
At that time, I was ill and suffering and was at his home.
He gave me the same advice and said : ‘These pictures bring
difficulties.
56.
Therefore, when you collect all of them and immerse them in
the sea, only then will you be freed from your sufferings.
Know that certainly’.
57.
Then I too called my munim (manager), handed over the key
(of the house) to him and got all the pictures of the
Saints; and handed them over to my brother-in-law to do th-in-law to do the
needful.
58.
He called his gardener and asked him to immerse them
immediately in the sea near the temple of Chimbai.
59.
Two months after this, when I felt better and returned to my
home, I was greatly surprised.
60.
On the wall facing the door was hanging in its place the
picture (of Sai) which I gave to you. Seeing it, I was
greatly astonished.
61.
How had the munim left this picture behind when he had
brought all the pictures? So I immediately removed it and
hid it in the cupboard.
62.
I was afraid that if my brother-in-law saw it, he would
immediately take it for an immersion into the sea.
63.
It should not be kept in the house. No sooner than my
brother-in-law would see it he would immerse it, with his
own hands. Nor could I give it, with my mind free from
doubts or suspicion to anyone else, who may not have been a
devotee.
64.
If I gave it to anyone without proper thought and it was not
properly taken care of, I would always regret it and it
would be a life long anxiety for me.
65.
Therefore, I had to find a proper place wherever it would be
safe – someone who would keep it at his home properly. I
should hand it over to such a person.
66.
When I was in this dilemma it seemed that Sai himself gave
me a good idea to go to the Moulana’s durbar. And I told the
problem to Isamusa.
67.
So I immediately went to Pir Maulana’s durbar and told the
whole story to the Mujavar Isamusa with respect, when he was
alone.
68.
We both came to the conclusion that it would be safe with
you. Therefore, that same day both of us decided to act upon
it.
69.
This picture of Samartha Sai should be kept with you only.
We should ourselves hand it over to you and then only it
would be safe.
70.
So, according to our firm decision, we presented the picture
to you with reverence. But seeing that the lunch was about
to be served, I returned hurriedly.
71.
You did not have the time to listen to this long story at
that time. So I decided to narrate it to you at leisure, and
with that intention left.
72.
It got postponed day after day, and nine years passed away!
Today we have both met again unexpectedly”.
73.
With this narration I was reminded about the earlier
background. I related to him the marvel of my dream and the
connection between the two was marvellous! Isn’t this leela
wonderful?
74.
Now listen attentively to another story, about how Sai
lovingly took care of his loving devotees.
75.
Sai is very fond of those who have true love for
spirituality. Removing all their difficulties, he enjoins
them to bliss.
76.
Balasaheb Deo had an interesting experience of this kind in
fulfilling his vow. His wish was fulfilled and he was
enjoined to bhakti.
77.
There was no way out except to do service during the day for
his livelihood. But at night, why should there be
obstruction in his exertions for spirituality?
78.
He had the desire since a long time to regularly read the
Dñyaneshwari. But due to some difficulty or the other, he
was not able to do so.
79.
Just as he read one chapter of the Gita every day he wanted
to read one chapter of the Dñynaneshwari but he could not do
so without interruption.
80.
When he undertook the reading of any other religious book,
he could do so regularly; but as for the Dñyaneshwari which
he greatly loved, it eluded him.
81.
Once Deo took leave for three months to first go to Shirdi
and then to his home at Poud for rest.
82.
What happened there? There also he read other religious
books regularly but his wish for Dñyaneshwari was
unfulfilled as the opportune time did not come.
83.
Whenever he took up the Dñyaneshwari, some doubts arose in
his mind. So his reading became superficial and he could not
create love for it.
84.
What is the point in being distressed when he could not
succeed in his resolution? He could not read even five
stanzas every day.
85.
He made a decision to read five stanzas every day. “I could
not even do that much reading with joy and regularity.
86.
Therefore, I came to the conclusion that only when Sai
created love for it and says ‘read’, that I will undertake
the reading without any problems.
87.
I have faith in Sai. When Sai instructs me to do so, I will
read the Dñyaneshwari then only. So I will wait with this
firm decision”.
88.
So be it. Then, in the month of February 1914, Deo came to
Shirdi with his mother and wife to see the pomp of the
Gurupuja on ‘Mahoday Parva’1.
89.
Jog asked Deo then why he was not reading Dñyaneshwari
regularly. Listen to his reply.
90.
“I have a great love for the Dñyaneshwari, but I am not
successful in reading it. Now, only when Baba tells me to
read it, I will read it then”.
91.
Then Jog told him a stratagem. “Get the Dñyaneshwari pothi
and give it in Sai Baba’s hand. He will give it to you to
read”.
92.
“I need no stratagem. Baba knows my innermost thoughts. Why
can he not fulfil my desire and clearly say ‘READ’?”
93.
When he went for the darshan of the Samartha, he offered him
one rupee. “Why one? Bring twenty!” said Baba to him, then.
94.
He brought twenty rupees and gave them. At night he met
Balakram. He inquired of him how he had secured Baba’s
grace.
95.
“Tomorrow, after the arati I will tell you the whole
story”, Balakram assured him and Deo agreed to that.
96.
Then the next day when Deo went to the Masjid for darshan he
was asked for twenty rupees which he gave with pleasure.
97.
Seeing that it was very crowded there, Deo went aside. Baba
asked: “Where is he hiding in a narrow difficult place?”
98.
Deo replied: “Baba, here, I am here”. Baba then asked him
“Why did you give me only seven rupees?”
99.
Deo replied: “I have given twenty”. Baba asked: “Whose
money is it?” “Baba it is yours,” he replied. Baba said:
“Why are you running away then?
100.Come here, come close. Sit near by with a calm mind”. Deo
followed the instructions, and sat there with a devoted
heart.
101. The arati was done as usual. The assembled people returned
to their homes. Balakram and Deo met again and the earlier
question was again asked.
102. He asked him about his earlier life and Balakram told him
everything from the beginning and how he was instructed in
spirituality.
103.“Have you been told how to meditate? Please satisfy my
desire,” entreated Deo.
104. As Balakram was about to start answering Deo’s question to
satisfy his desire, Baba sent for Deo.
105. How extremely artful was Sai! He sent Chandru2 to call Deo.
Without wasting a moment, Deo came to meet Sree Sai.
106. It was afternoon. Sree Sai was seen, leaning both his hands
on the wall of the Masjid.
107. As soon as he went, Deo bowed to him. Baba then asked him,
“Where, with whom, and what were you talking?”
108. Then Deo replied: “On the upper storey of Kaka’s house, I
was hearing about your glory from Balakram and talking about
it”.
109.BabaBaba ordered Deo: “Bring twenty-five rupees”. Bringing the
money immediately, he tendered them to Baba.
110.“How many did you bring?” Baba asked. Deo replied:
“Twenty-five”. Baba said: “Come, sit down” and Deo went
with Baba to the Masjid.
111. Baba sat near the pillar and there was no one else in the
Masjid. He said: “You have stolen my rags, without my
knowledge”.
112.“I know nothing about any rags”, explained Deo. “Then,
look for them somewhere here”, Sai told him.
113.“Where are there any rags here” Deo asked at that moment.
Baba got up saying: “You search for them. Stealing is a bad
habit.
114.Some brat has taken them! Look! Look! They shoud be here!”
Hearing this, Deo looked again but he did not find any.
115. Then raising his eyebrows, Baba looked here and there. With
eyes fixed on Deo, Sai shouted at him.
116.“You are a liar! Who is here besides you at this time to
steal the rags? I believe you are the thief.
117. Do you come here to steal, in this way? Your hair has turned
from black to white but your bad ways have not gone!
118. I will hit you with an axe. I will cut you to pieces and
kill you. Where will you escape from me? Wherever you are, I
will come and kill you.
119. When you come to Shirdi from home, is it to steal? Take this
back, which is yours. Bring back my rags to me”.
120. Sai became red with anger. He abused him with a string of
words, beginning with the mother and the grand mother. He
became redder with fury.
121. Seeing that Sainath was furious, Deo stood still watching
him with wonder and full of inner amazement.
122. Deo was near him and alone and felt that his turn had come
to receive a beating. Or was this a beautiful vision of God?
Believing this, he was choked with joy.
123. ‘Will he take the satka in his hand now and will he beat me
with anger? I am alone and in his hands now. Let him do what
he wills.
124. But what is this mystery about the rags?’ Deo did not
understand anything. “Go, go away to one place”! When
Sainath said this, he moved towards the steps.
125. I am incapable of understanding this hidden meaning about
the ‘rags’. If I receive Sai’s grace and learn about it, I
will relate it to the listeners.
126. Within a quarter of an hour, Deo again faced Baba, when the
abuses were still continuing. “Have you again come up?” Sai
said.
127.“Go away again to the wada”! As Baba said this, Deo obeyed
the orders, bowed at Sai’s feet and returned to the wada.
128. All that had happened and the manner in which it had taken
place was described from beginning to end by Deo to Jog and
Balakram.
129. Baba’s volley of abuses continued for nearly half an hour.
After quite some time, Baba himself called for the people.
130. Deo also then came and sat in the midst of others. “The old
man must have felt bad”, said Sree Sai later.
131.“What is the value of rags? Even then I have offended him by
using abusive language. But he had committed a theft, so
what was the remedy but to speak out?
132. So be it. God will see to everything and will benefit him.
So, Bhau, will you give some dakshina?”
133.“How much shall I bring?” Deo asked. “Bring twelve rupees
immediately”. When Deo saw he only had a currency note and
no loose coins.
134. Deo told this to Baba. “Never mind I do not want it. In the
morning you gave me twice and forgot about it”. Baba said.
135. Even so, Deo obtained the money and gave them to Baba, and
bowed at Baba’s feet. Hear the words that ensued.
136.“What are you doing?” Baba asked. “Nothing”. When he got
this reply, he said, “Read the Pothi regularly”. This is
what he ordered Deo to do.
137.“Go and sit in the wada. Read it regularly. While reading
explain the portion read to all with love and devotion.
138. I am sitting here ready to give you a whole zari-embroidered
mantle, then why should you steal rags? Have you got in the
habit of stealing?”
139. So be it. ‘The words of Sai to read the Pothi fulfilled my
innermost desire and I was extremely happy.
140. Obeying the order, I then started from that day onwards
reading the Dñyaneshwari regularly and also started
explaining it.
141. Now I had got the desired orders. The worry of my mind in
keeping my vow was removed. From now on, while reading the
Dñyaneshwari there will be regularity in the work.
142. Now with my Guru’s orders, Dñyaneshwari is also propitiated.
Irrespective of whatever has happened in the past, I shall
now be regular.
143. I am confident that with Sai’s orders, and with the power of
his instructions, I will be able to do the ‘parayan’ of the
pothi without any obstacles’.
144.“Baba! I come prostrated before you. I am totally
surrendered to you. Take this child, under your wing. Get
the pothi read by me”.
145. ‘I realised what was meant by ‘rags’. What I had asked
Balakram, constituted ‘rags’ and Sai had not approved of
that and had, therefore, got angry.
146. ‘Baba had not liked my questioning Balakram as to how he
worshipped or how he meditated on Parabrahma.
147. As Baba was ready to answer any questions himself, why ask
questions to one another? Therefore, I had been tremendously
harassed.
148. ‘Harassed’ – that word itself is rude and impudent. He who
was overflowing with love for the devotees did not even
dream of harassing his devotees. Then the word and its use
is wrong.
149. He did not harass but he taught me, that ‘whatever is in
your mind, all that has to be fulfilled by me and whatever
is stolen will never be of any use’.
150. Though Sai appeared outwardly to be angry he was always calm
within. He appeared angry outwardly but he was full of bliss
within.
151. The anger that was shown outwardly was on account of
affection. Within, he was in divine bliss. One must be
fortunate to sing of the grandeur of that Sai’s leela.
152. He who has an intense desire to achieve his objective
believes that the volley of abuses is a shower of flowers
and blessings, keeping one’s mind fixed on one’s own
welfare.
153. Deo was not shaken on hearing the very abusive words which
were offensive to the ears. He was full of love for Baba and
he felt that only a shower of flowers had rained on him.
154.“Only the fortunate can enjoy the milk with which the cow’s
teat is gorged. The cattle louse, though near the teats full
of milk, prefers blood due to its fate.
155. The frog lives in the vicinity of the lotus flowers. The bee
snatches the honey from the lotus, while unfortunately the
frog eats only the filth. There is no limit to the bee’s
good fortune.
156. Similarly, you are fortunate. We are close to one another.
Ask whatever you want and get your doubts clarified”, says
Sai.
157.“Observe my obstinacy about the pothi. I did not open the
Dñyaneshwari to read till the moment he said READ. And Baba
fully fulfilled my desire”.
158. How the darling mother spoils the child! And fulfils his
desires! This is the story of this sweet experience, which
strengthens devotion.
159. Deo said: “He did not stop at merely directing me to read.
Before a year passed, he gave me a dream vision. Listen to
the amazing question, he asked me.
160. On 2nd April 19143, on Thursday morning, I got a boon of a
dream.
161. Sai Samartha appeared in the dream to have come and was
sitting on the first floor. He asked me if I understood the
pothi, to which I replied in the negative.
162. Another question then followed. ‘When will you understand it
then?’ My eyes were filled with tears and hear the answer I
gave.
163. ‘Reading the pothi is mere worry unless you shower your
grace and understanding it is even more difficult. Baba, I
confess this clearly.’
164. Baba said: “While reading the pothi, you make too much
haste. Read it, in my presence, sitting near me”.
165. When Deo asked what he should read, he was told to read
Adhyatma. As Deo went to fetch the book, his eyes opened.
166. Deo awakened then. Listeners can imagine the state of his
mind when he thought of the dream.
167. Who else would care to wait for a year3 and then find out if
the child is obeying the instructions strictly and regularly
reading the pothi? Who would take on such an unnecessary
worry?
168. Has the discipline been followed? Has the lesson been
regularly followed? Where and why is there any failure? Who
else would show this concern?
169. What should the reader pay attention to? What should be
given greater importance? Sai, the loving mother, alone can
emphasise this.
170. The devotees experienced on many occasions such leelas of
Sai Samartha and enjoyed the heavenly bliss. I have seen
that with my own eyes.
171. Now, all you assembled listeners, being humble at the lotus
feet of the Guru, hear the next novel story, at the proper
time.
172. Remembering the feet of Sree Samartha, I come and prostrate
with all true faith, which alone will remove all the sorrows
of this world. Hemad surrenders with devotion.
173. Sai alone is my motivation. Sai alone is the supreme
happiness of spirituality; Sai alone can fulfil me. This is
my firm conviction.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the forty-first
chapter of the Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the
dvotee Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called
“The Bestowal of Sai’s Grace and Favour”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
A festival of joy. A good action that confers special merit upon
the performance.
2.
A leper devotee, who was near Baba at that time.
3.
Deo got this dream within two months of his trip to Shirdi. The
question of a year did not arise.
While singing the greatness of one’s own Guru and listening about him,
the mind will be purified. The repetition of his name with steady
concentration, will result in the manifestation of the embodiment of
bliss. (Ch. 41, ovi 3)
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