52
An overall view, which summarises the Book
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, let us do a review; and thereby conclude the book with
a table of contents1, and an overall view, which summarises
the book.
2.
The experiences that Baba’s devotees had when he was in body
have been published in “Sai Leela”. Baba got this book
written so that they could recollect them.
3.
“Sai Leela” is supremely pure and holy. In it, the
‘Satcharita’ has been published in a serial form, chapter
after chapter. Read this as the biography of your own Guru
(Gurucharitra). It will awaken you and give you advice
relating to this and the other world.
4.
There is a multitude of stories about Baba. Yet, this
Hemadpant, ignorant of intimate knowledge of scriptures or
even knowledge in general, was made to write his biography,
by holding his hand in his own.
5.
In the case of some gurus, they narrate their own fame to
their disciples. After they leave their bodies, an
inspiration arises to write a book about them.
6.
When Sai narrated stories of different kinds, they were deep
and profound. The listeners became deeply engrossed and
forgot their hunger and thirst.
7.
Those who have seen Sai with their own eyes have had their
three-fold miseries destroyed. He, whose power was such, how
can he be described in detail?
8.
Such a Sai, who was famous for his magnanimity, got this
biography of his fame written down for the upliftment of
those who were devoted to him.
9.
After bathing in the holy Godavari and taking darshan of
Baba’s samadhi, listen to this Satcharita. The three-fold
afflictions will be quelled.
10.
Just casually telling the stories about him leads one to
unknowingly embrace spirituality. But when you glance at
this book, a multitude of sins will be destroyed.
11.
Those who desire to end the cycle of birth and death, this
wearisome coming and going, should enjoin themselves to the
Guru’s feet and constantly remember and chant his name with
devotion.
12.
Inadvertence is the cause of illusory knowledge. Inattention
to the form of the Atman leads to the endless cycle of birth
and death, and is the root cause for ultimate destruction.
13.
Greed means illusory knowledge. What is not Atman such as
the body, mind, senses and to have pride in that, is called
death by the wise, after due consideration.
14.
If the ocean of Sai stories is churned, then the narration
of Sai’s stories will be sweet and newer nuances will always
surface. The downfall of the listeners will be averted.
15.
If one concentrates deeply on Sai’s attributes, which are
like a gigantic overflowing vessel, the form of the Atman,
which is subtlest, will manifest after the disappearance of
the physical form.
16.
Unless one gets absorbed in the physical, virtuous form with
attributes, one cannot understand or realise the lustre of
the Atman. Parabrahman without the attributes, is difficult
to understand completely or is beyond comprehension.
17.
Sai pulled his own loving devotees, who had faith with his
might, by giving darshan of his feet and while they were
still in body made them forget that body. They were put on
the spiritual path without their knowing it.
18.
When the river embraces the sea it forgets its identity.
Similarly, when a devotee surrenders, Sai ensures that the
devotee no longer has a feeling of duality or separateness.
19.
When two flames of a lamp embrace one another and become one
the dual state is immediately lost and they become one lamp
with oneness.
20.
Can the camphor and its fragrance, the sun and its light,
gold and its lustre be truly separate?
21.
Just as the river on entering the sea becomes the sea itself
truly, and the salt when put into the sea merges into the
sea immediately,
22.
similarly when the devotees surrender to Sai; their
separateness no longer remains. The devotees will become one
with Sai, leaving aside their egos.
23.
Whether waking, dreaming or sleeping, in any of these
states, if one is replete with the thoughts of Sai, then
what else is it except a release from the worldly existence.
24.
So be it. Now, prostrating myself I ask for this boon at
your feet — do not let my desires attract me to any other
place, suddenly.
25.
One who fills the space and the manifestation from Brahman
to a pillar, from a small vessel to a house, like the sky
within and without, and knows not the slightest
differentiation,
26.
to whom all devotees are equal, to whom praise nor insult
mattered, who found nothing pleasant or unpleasant, and who
had not an iota of inequality,
27.
I surrender to that Sai Samartha, remembering whom results
in every thing being achieved. I place my head at his feet
for all times so that I may be fulfilled.
28.
Now I offer my salutations to the virtuous listeners, who
are devout. You have been good friends. I request you truly
to listen to what I say now.
29.
Every month, you have set aside time to listen to the
stories uptil now. Do not forget him whose stories you
heard, even for a moment.
30.
As long as you listen to the stories of Sai with love, till
that time, for me who is the narrator, Sai gives enthusiasm
or zeal!
31.
If the listeners are not completely attentive, the narrator
can never be happy. Without mutual joy, futile is the
trouble of listening.
32.
This ocean of existence is very difficult to cross, where
innumerable waves of attachment arise and dash against the
banks of bad thoughts, toppling down even trees of
fortitude.
33.
Winds of egotism blow forcibly and make the ocean turbid and
agitated. Huge crocodiles, in the form of anger and hatred
etc., move there fearlessly.
34.
Innumerable eddies in the form of pride of “I and mine”,
cravings and suspicions whirl there. A multitude of marine
creatures such as hatred, jealousy, disdain and such abound
there.
35.
Even though this ocean is fierce and terrible, the Sadguru
is its Agasti2’ and will demolish it. Those who are slaves of
the dust of his feet, have no fear of it at all.
36.
Therefore, Sai Samartha Sadguru by becoming the ship for
crossing the ocean of existence will take us all, who have
taken refuge in him, to the other bank.
37.
This ocean of existence is extremely insurmountable. Make
Sai’s feet your boat which will take us across to the other
bank, without fear. Observe the miracle of faith.
38.
By observing such a vow, one does not experience the acute
pain of worldly existence. There is no other gain better
than this. This itself is the strength that stands us in
good stead.
39.
May the devotees attain such a state that they have a deep
devotion at Sai’s feet and they keep Sai’s form so firmly
fixed before their eyes that they see only Sai in all
creatures.
40.
By becoming self-willed in my previous birth, I have
slipped. At least now, I should achieve absolution by
becoming free from desires.
41.
Blessed are those devotees of Sai, who have this firm
belief, and are without fear, that Sree Samartha is their
protector and nothing can touch them.
42.
So be it. Now it occurs to me to ask a boon from him, by
holding on to his feet on behalf of all the devotees.
43.
I pray that this book reaches every home and is read and
recited regularly; that it is lovingly repeated ritually;
and that it removes their difficulties.
44.
Whosoever reads this book within seven consecutive days,
with love and faith, after proper ablutions, his calamities
will be removed.
45.
This book is woven with the threads of spirituality; it is
full of stories of Krishna and the Brahman; it abounds with
the essence or nectar of the unity of Brahman and Atman and
it overflows with the unparalleled joy of non-duality.
46.
This is Eknath’s poetry which is as pleasing as the garden
of India. It is the Vrindavan of thirty-two parts
(chapters). The wise and the ignorant savour this sweet and
pleasing dish made from milk3.
47.
Listening to this Satcharita or reciting it regularly will
result in the feet of Sai Samartha removing all the
difficulties without any delay.
48.
Those desiring wealth will get it; those who are upright in
their conduct and dealings will have complete renown. The
results will depend upon their faith. Without devotion, you
will not have the experience.
49.
Reading the book with reverence, Sai Samartha is
propitiated. He destroys ignorance and poverty and grants
knowledge and untold prosperity.
50.
This book was written due to an indication by Sai; and it
was his secret desire. Blessed is that devotee who is
attached to his feet.
51.
One should make it a practice to read at least one chapter
of this Satcharita every day, with a calm and concentrated
mind. It will bring immeasurable joy and happiness.
52.
One who desires his own welfare should really read this
book. He will be obliged by Sai, through all the cycles of
life and he will remember Sai with overwhelming joy in birth
after birth.
53. The book should definitely be read at one’s own home at
Sai’s festivals, such as Gurupurnima, Gokul Astami,
Punyatithi and Ramnavmi.
54.
One’s status in the next birth is determined by the desires
of the mind in this one. The Shastras also support the
belief that one is born again according to one’s tendencies
at the time of death.
55.
Sree Sai is the support of his devotees. Without him the
impediments in our way are not destroyed. What is the wonder
in finding that the mother has tender feelings for her
children?
56.
How can I narrate stories beyond this? The words fail me. It
seems that it would be better to be silent. This would be
the best way to praise him.
57.
Yet, if one has an acute desire for liberation, then perform
only virtuous deeds always. Practise the nine forms of
devotion, including listening to his stories etc. and one
will be purified from within.
58.
This is not possible without the grace of the Guru. Without
him there is no knowledge of the Supreme Being. One who
always remembers that “I am Brahman” has firm faith and
inclination towards the Guru.
59.
The relationship is like that of a father and son, between
the Guru and the disciple. The word Guru is only used as an
honorific. The father makes one worthy of worldly happiness
but the Guru grants happiness in this world as well as the
other.
60.
The father gives transient wealth but the Guru grants that
which is boundless. He will make you experience the
imperishable and place it in your hands without your
knowledge.
61.
The mother keeps one inside the womb for nine months and
then brings one out after birth. The Guru is the opposite of
the mother. He takes you in from the outer self.
62.
Ultimately, remembering the Guru, constantly, at the time of
leaving the body, the disciple will be absorbed in Brahman,
undoubtedly goaded by the Guru.
63.
The impact of the hand of the teacher, when striking, will
lead to the uprooting of birth and death and if the teacher
brings about the fall of the raiment (body) then who indeed
is more fortunate than the disciple.
64.
It will be necessary (for the Guru) to take in the hand a
sword, a mace, a battle-axe or a pike or some other
instrument. On being struck, the disciple will have Real
Consciousness and the corporal form of the great preceptor
will be seen.
65.
Howsoever much one cares for the body, at some point of
time, it is going to perish. Therefore if it is struck by
the Guru’s hand he will be relieved of the next birth.
66.
Strike me so much, as to kill me; and cut off my pride from
its roots whereby there will be no rebirth. Strike me in
such a way that it is difficult for me to endure.
67.
Burn my deeds, good and evil. End my righteous or
unrighteous behaviour, whereby I will become supremely
happy. Tear and drive away, in this manner, my delusion on
account of desires.
68.
Drive away my doubts and desires, and make me unchanging of
purpose. I do not want meritorious deeds nor do I want sins.
I do not want the trouble of another birth.
69.
On surrendering to you, you are there on all the four sides,
to the east and the west and in all directions, above in the
sky and below in the nether regions.
70.
You dwell every where and even within me. What more can I
say? I am troubled by the thought of the difference between
you and me.
71.
Therefore Hemad surrenders whole-heartedly. He holds the
feet of the Sadguru firmly. By avoiding the cycle of birth
and death, he gets himself uplifted.
72.
By making Hemad the instrument he wrote his own life story
for the upliftment of his innumerable devotees. Is this not
an unparalleled deed?
73.
It was incredible that this Sree Sai Samartha’s Charita
should have been written at my hands! If it had not been for
Sai’s Grace, it would have been impossible for an
insignificant person like me.
74.
My association with him was not of long standing. I had not
the experience to know saints nor the discerning capacity.
Moreover, I was always doubting and an unbeliever.
75.
I had never worshipped anyone exclusively and with singular
devotion; I had never sat even for a moment to do ‘bhajans’.
By getting his life story written at the hands of such a
person, he demonstrated what he could do to the people.
76.
In order to fulfil his own words, Sai himself reminds me
about the incidents for this book and accomplishes his own
aims. ‘Hemad’ is used only for name’s sake.
77.
Can a mosquito lift the Meru mountain? Or can a lapwing
empty out the ocean? But when the Sadguru’s support is
there, the miraculous can happen.
78.
So be it. Now, listeners, I do obeisance to you. This book
is now complete. I offer to Sai what is Sai’s.
79.
I prostrate before the whole group of listeners, young and
old. In your company, this series of Saicharita has been
completed.
80.
Who am I to complete it? This is useless pride, for when Sai
is the holder of the reins (or strings, like a puppeteer),
then who am I to say I have done it?
81.
Therefore, abandoning pride which is the root cause of all
miseries, let us sing the praises of one’s own Guru, who
knows the inner tendencies, and is enlightening. I now
complete this ‘yagna’ of words (speech).
82.
This book is complete. My desire has been fulfilled. The
work undertaken for Sai is complete. I have accomplished the
object of my existence.
83.
All one’s desires will be fulfilled by reading such a book
from beginning to end; and by holding the feet of the
Sadguru close to the heart one will cross the ocean of
worldly existence.
84.
The sick will become healthy; the impoverished will become
rich; quietude of mind will be gained by people suffering
from indecision; and even the destitute will become
generous.
85.
Repeated reading of the book will exorcise demons and cure
epilepsy. Listening to it will be beneficial for the dumb,
blind, handicapped and the deaf.
86.
Even those who have forgotten the almighty Lord, lured by
ignorance, will be uplifted.
87.
Even those will be uplifted who, though human behave like
demons and waste their bodies in vain, believing this
worldly existence to be a mine of happiness.
88.
Incredible are the deeds of Sainath! Hemad was established
at his feet eternally. By channeling him into his own
service, he got this task accomplished.
89.
In the end, to the Sadguru who is the Controller of the
Universe, the Inspirer of Self-realisation, I offer my opus
and my head at his feet forever4.
Notes :
1. Unfortunately, Hemadpant passed away and the table of contents was
not found in his papers. It was therefore composed by an able and
worthy devotee of Sai Baba, Mr. B.V. Deo, the Retd. Mamlatdar. The
notes of this chapter were found on slips of paper, in some
disarray, incomplete and unintelligible in some places. It appears
that Hemadpant planned to end the book with this chapter, so that
it would have only fifty-two chapters like “Sree Guru Charitra”.
It may be noted that Hemadpant took seven years to write this book.
2.
Agastya Muni, in order to kill the demon Kaliya hidden in the
ocean, is credited to have drunk the waters on the request of the
Deities.
3.
Both the ovis, numbers 45 and 46, seem discordant here.
4.
In the hand-written manuscript, the concluding ovi, as in the case
of other chapters, was not found.
Baba in divine ecstasy
An overall view, which summarises the Book
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, let us do a review; and thereby conclude the book with
a table of contents1, and an overall view, which summarises
the book.
2.
The experiences that Baba’s devotees had when he was in body
have been published in “Sai Leela”. Baba got this book
written so that they could recollect them.
3.
“Sai Leela” is supremely pure and holy. In it, the
‘Satcharita’ has been published in a serial form, chapter
after chapter. Read this as the biography of your own Guru
(Gurucharitra). It will awaken you and give you advice
relating to this and the other world.
4.
There is a multitude of stories about Baba. Yet, this
Hemadpant, ignorant of intimate knowledge of scriptures or
even knowledge in general, was made to write his biography,
by holding his hand in his own.
5.
In the case of some gurus, they narrate their own fame to
their disciples. After they leave their bodies, an
inspiration arises to write a book about them.
6.
When Sai narrated stories of different kinds, they were deep
and profound. The listeners became deeply engrossed and
forgot their hunger and thirst.
7.
Those who have seen Sai with their own eyes have had their
three-fold miseries destroyed. He, whose power was such, how
can he be described in detail?
8.
Such a Sai, who was famous for his magnanimity, got this
biography of his fame written down for the upliftment of
those who were devoted to him.
9.
After bathing in the holy Godavari and taking darshan of
Baba’s samadhi, listen to this Satcharita. The three-fold
afflictions will be quelled.
10.
Just casually telling the stories about him leads one to
unknowingly embrace spirituality. But when you glance at
this book, a multitude of sins will be destroyed.
11.
Those who desire to end the cycle of birth and death, this
wearisome coming and going, should enjoin themselves to the
Guru’s feet and constantly remember and chant his name with
devotion.
12.
Inadvertence is the cause of illusory knowledge. Inattention
to the form of the Atman leads to the endless cycle of birth
and death, and is the root cause for ultimate destruction.
13.
Greed means illusory knowledge. What is not Atman such as
the body, mind, senses and to have pride in that, is called
death by the wise, after due consideration.
14.
If the ocean of Sai stories is churned, then the narration
of Sai’s stories will be sweet and newer nuances will always
surface. The downfall of the listeners will be averted.
15.
If one concentrates deeply on Sai’s attributes, which are
like a gigantic overflowing vessel, the form of the Atman,
which is subtlest, will manifest after the disappearance of
the physical form.
16.
Unless one gets absorbed in the physical, virtuous form with
attributes, one cannot understand or realise the lustre of
the Atman. Parabrahman without the attributes, is difficult
to understand completely or is beyond comprehension.
17.
Sai pulled his own loving devotees, who had faith with his
might, by giving darshan of his feet and while they were
still in body made them forget that body. They were put on
the spiritual path without their knowing it.
18.
When the river embraces the sea it forgets its identity.
Similarly, when a devotee surrenders, Sai ensures that the
devotee no longer has a feeling of duality or separateness.
19.
When two flames of a lamp embrace one another and become one
the dual state is immediately lost and they become one lamp
with oneness.
20.
Can the camphor and its fragrance, the sun and its light,
gold and its lustre be truly separate?
21.
Just as the river on entering the sea becomes the sea itself
truly, and the salt when put into the sea merges into the
sea immediately,
22.
similarly when the devotees surrender to Sai; their
separateness no longer remains. The devotees will become one
with Sai, leaving aside their egos.
23.
Whether waking, dreaming or sleeping, in any of these
states, if one is replete with the thoughts of Sai, then
what else is it except a release from the worldly existence.
24.
So be it. Now, prostrating myself I ask for this boon at
your feet — do not let my desires attract me to any other
place, suddenly.
25.
One who fills the space and the manifestation from Brahman
to a pillar, from a small vessel to a house, like the sky
within and without, and knows not the slightest
differentiation,
26.
to whom all devotees are equal, to whom praise nor insult
mattered, who found nothing pleasant or unpleasant, and who
had not an iota of inequality,
27.
I surrender to that Sai Samartha, remembering whom results
in every thing being achieved. I place my head at his feet
for all times so that I may be fulfilled.
28.
Now I offer my salutations to the virtuous listeners, who
are devout. You have been good friends. I request you truly
to listen to what I say now.
29.
Every month, you have set aside time to listen to the
stories uptil now. Do not forget him whose stories you
heard, even for a moment.
30.
As long as you listen to the stories of Sai with love, till
that time, for me who is the narrator, Sai gives enthusiasm
or zeal!
31.
If the listeners are not completely attentive, the narrator
can never be happy. Without mutual joy, futile is the
trouble of listening.
32.
This ocean of existence is very difficult to cross, where
innumerable waves of attachment arise and dash against the
banks of bad thoughts, toppling down even trees of
fortitude.
33.
Winds of egotism blow forcibly and make the ocean turbid and
agitated. Huge crocodiles, in the form of anger and hatred
etc., move there fearlessly.
34.
Innumerable eddies in the form of pride of “I and mine”,
cravings and suspicions whirl there. A multitude of marine
creatures such as hatred, jealousy, disdain and such abound
there.
35.
Even though this ocean is fierce and terrible, the Sadguru
is its Agasti2’ and will demolish it. Those who are slaves of
the dust of his feet, have no fear of it at all.
36.
Therefore, Sai Samartha Sadguru by becoming the ship for
crossing the ocean of existence will take us all, who have
taken refuge in him, to the other bank.
37.
This ocean of existence is extremely insurmountable. Make
Sai’s feet your boat which will take us across to the other
bank, without fear. Observe the miracle of faith.
38.
By observing such a vow, one does not experience the acute
pain of worldly existence. There is no other gain better
than this. This itself is the strength that stands us in
good stead.
39.
May the devotees attain such a state that they have a deep
devotion at Sai’s feet and they keep Sai’s form so firmly
fixed before their eyes that they see only Sai in all
creatures.
40.
By becoming self-willed in my previous birth, I have
slipped. At least now, I should achieve absolution by
becoming free from desires.
41.
Blessed are those devotees of Sai, who have this firm
belief, and are without fear, that Sree Samartha is their
protector and nothing can touch them.
42.
So be it. Now it occurs to me to ask a boon from him, by
holding on to his feet on behalf of all the devotees.
43.
I pray that this book reaches every home and is read and
recited regularly; that it is lovingly repeated ritually;
and that it removes their difficulties.
44.
Whosoever reads this book within seven consecutive days,
with love and faith, after proper ablutions, his calamities
will be removed.
45.
This book is woven with the threads of spirituality; it is
full of stories of Krishna and the Brahman; it abounds with
the essence or nectar of the unity of Brahman and Atman and
it overflows with the unparalleled joy of non-duality.
46.
This is Eknath’s poetry which is as pleasing as the garden
of India. It is the Vrindavan of thirty-two parts
(chapters). The wise and the ignorant savour this sweet and
pleasing dish made from milk3.
47.
Listening to this Satcharita or reciting it regularly will
result in the feet of Sai Samartha removing all the
difficulties without any delay.
48.
Those desiring wealth will get it; those who are upright in
their conduct and dealings will have complete renown. The
results will depend upon their faith. Without devotion, you
will not have the experience.
49.
Reading the book with reverence, Sai Samartha is
propitiated. He destroys ignorance and poverty and grants
knowledge and untold prosperity.
50.
This book was written due to an indication by Sai; and it
was his secret desire. Blessed is that devotee who is
attached to his feet.
51.
One should make it a practice to read at least one chapter
of this Satcharita every day, with a calm and concentrated
mind. It will bring immeasurable joy and happiness.
52.
One who desires his own welfare should really read this
book. He will be obliged by Sai, through all the cycles of
life and he will remember Sai with overwhelming joy in birth
after birth.
53. The book should definitely be read at one’s own home at
Sai’s festivals, such as Gurupurnima, Gokul Astami,
Punyatithi and Ramnavmi.
54.
One’s status in the next birth is determined by the desires
of the mind in this one. The Shastras also support the
belief that one is born again according to one’s tendencies
at the time of death.
55.
Sree Sai is the support of his devotees. Without him the
impediments in our way are not destroyed. What is the wonder
in finding that the mother has tender feelings for her
children?
56.
How can I narrate stories beyond this? The words fail me. It
seems that it would be better to be silent. This would be
the best way to praise him.
57.
Yet, if one has an acute desire for liberation, then perform
only virtuous deeds always. Practise the nine forms of
devotion, including listening to his stories etc. and one
will be purified from within.
58.
This is not possible without the grace of the Guru. Without
him there is no knowledge of the Supreme Being. One who
always remembers that “I am Brahman” has firm faith and
inclination towards the Guru.
59.
The relationship is like that of a father and son, between
the Guru and the disciple. The word Guru is only used as an
honorific. The father makes one worthy of worldly happiness
but the Guru grants happiness in this world as well as the
other.
60.
The father gives transient wealth but the Guru grants that
which is boundless. He will make you experience the
imperishable and place it in your hands without your
knowledge.
61.
The mother keeps one inside the womb for nine months and
then brings one out after birth. The Guru is the opposite of
the mother. He takes you in from the outer self.
62.
Ultimately, remembering the Guru, constantly, at the time of
leaving the body, the disciple will be absorbed in Brahman,
undoubtedly goaded by the Guru.
63.
The impact of the hand of the teacher, when striking, will
lead to the uprooting of birth and death and if the teacher
brings about the fall of the raiment (body) then who indeed
is more fortunate than the disciple.
64.
It will be necessary (for the Guru) to take in the hand a
sword, a mace, a battle-axe or a pike or some other
instrument. On being struck, the disciple will have Real
Consciousness and the corporal form of the great preceptor
will be seen.
65.
Howsoever much one cares for the body, at some point of
time, it is going to perish. Therefore if it is struck by
the Guru’s hand he will be relieved of the next birth.
66.
Strike me so much, as to kill me; and cut off my pride from
its roots whereby there will be no rebirth. Strike me in
such a way that it is difficult for me to endure.
67.
Burn my deeds, good and evil. End my righteous or
unrighteous behaviour, whereby I will become supremely
happy. Tear and drive away, in this manner, my delusion on
account of desires.
68.
Drive away my doubts and desires, and make me unchanging of
purpose. I do not want meritorious deeds nor do I want sins.
I do not want the trouble of another birth.
69.
On surrendering to you, you are there on all the four sides,
to the east and the west and in all directions, above in the
sky and below in the nether regions.
70.
You dwell every where and even within me. What more can I
say? I am troubled by the thought of the difference between
you and me.
71.
Therefore Hemad surrenders whole-heartedly. He holds the
feet of the Sadguru firmly. By avoiding the cycle of birth
and death, he gets himself uplifted.
72.
By making Hemad the instrument he wrote his own life story
for the upliftment of his innumerable devotees. Is this not
an unparalleled deed?
73.
It was incredible that this Sree Sai Samartha’s Charita
should have been written at my hands! If it had not been for
Sai’s Grace, it would have been impossible for an
insignificant person like me.
74.
My association with him was not of long standing. I had not
the experience to know saints nor the discerning capacity.
Moreover, I was always doubting and an unbeliever.
75.
I had never worshipped anyone exclusively and with singular
devotion; I had never sat even for a moment to do ‘bhajans’.
By getting his life story written at the hands of such a
person, he demonstrated what he could do to the people.
76.
In order to fulfil his own words, Sai himself reminds me
about the incidents for this book and accomplishes his own
aims. ‘Hemad’ is used only for name’s sake.
77.
Can a mosquito lift the Meru mountain? Or can a lapwing
empty out the ocean? But when the Sadguru’s support is
there, the miraculous can happen.
78.
So be it. Now, listeners, I do obeisance to you. This book
is now complete. I offer to Sai what is Sai’s.
79.
I prostrate before the whole group of listeners, young and
old. In your company, this series of Saicharita has been
completed.
80.
Who am I to complete it? This is useless pride, for when Sai
is the holder of the reins (or strings, like a puppeteer),
then who am I to say I have done it?
81.
Therefore, abandoning pride which is the root cause of all
miseries, let us sing the praises of one’s own Guru, who
knows the inner tendencies, and is enlightening. I now
complete this ‘yagna’ of words (speech).
82.
This book is complete. My desire has been fulfilled. The
work undertaken for Sai is complete. I have accomplished the
object of my existence.
83.
All one’s desires will be fulfilled by reading such a book
from beginning to end; and by holding the feet of the
Sadguru close to the heart one will cross the ocean of
worldly existence.
84.
The sick will become healthy; the impoverished will become
rich; quietude of mind will be gained by people suffering
from indecision; and even the destitute will become
generous.
85.
Repeated reading of the book will exorcise demons and cure
epilepsy. Listening to it will be beneficial for the dumb,
blind, handicapped and the deaf.
86.
Even those who have forgotten the almighty Lord, lured by
ignorance, will be uplifted.
87.
Even those will be uplifted who, though human behave like
demons and waste their bodies in vain, believing this
worldly existence to be a mine of happiness.
88.
Incredible are the deeds of Sainath! Hemad was established
at his feet eternally. By channeling him into his own
service, he got this task accomplished.
89.
In the end, to the Sadguru who is the Controller of the
Universe, the Inspirer of Self-realisation, I offer my opus
and my head at his feet forever4.
Notes :
1. Unfortunately, Hemadpant passed away and the table of contents was
not found in his papers. It was therefore composed by an able and
worthy devotee of Sai Baba, Mr. B.V. Deo, the Retd. Mamlatdar. The
notes of this chapter were found on slips of paper, in some
disarray, incomplete and unintelligible in some places. It appears
that Hemadpant planned to end the book with this chapter, so that
it would have only fifty-two chapters like “Sree Guru Charitra”.
It may be noted that Hemadpant took seven years to write this book.
2.
Agastya Muni, in order to kill the demon Kaliya hidden in the
ocean, is credited to have drunk the waters on the request of the
Deities.
3.
Both the ovis, numbers 45 and 46, seem discordant here.
4.
In the hand-written manuscript, the concluding ovi, as in the case
of other chapters, was not found.
Baba in divine ecstasy
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