9
Untitled by Dabholkar
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Now to continue the story, of how the devotees faced troubles
when they insisted on returning to their destinations without
Baba’s permission.
2.
And also, of the mendicant life style of Baba which he had
adopted and which he practised until the end, for the washing
off of the five sins,1 for the sake of the good of his
devotees.
3.
Beginning from Brahman (the permanent and immovable) and
ending with all immovable objects, Sai himself is manifest
everywhere. Sai, being kind, imprinted (on all minds) that
God exists in all creatures.
4.
Therefore, all you listeners, I appeal to you to listen with
attention. By listening to these holy stories, you will
accomplish your own well-being.
5.
This was a characteristic of the pilgrimage to Shirdi, that
if a devotee would try to return without Baba’s permission,
he would be inviting trouble.
6.
But, once permission is given, it was impossible to stay in
Shirdi even for a moment. If one stayed on, difficulties
would be faced. This was the experience of all.
7.
Those who disobeyed his wishes, suffered on the way. Some
were robbed; and they remembered their experience till the
end of life.
8.
If he asked them to eat a little and then leave, and if still
a person hurriedly2 left without food, he would not catch the
train and would also go hungry. Many devotees experienced
this.
9.
Once Patil, Tatya Kote, was going to Kopergaon where the
weekly bazaar was held. On the way, he came to the Masjid.
10. He asked for the tonga to wait; came and took Baba’s darshan,
bowed at his feet and pretended to ask for permission to
leave.
11. The devotee may try to evade, but Baba was aware of the
propitious moment or otherwise. Seeing that Tatya was in a
hurry, he asked him to wait for a while.
12. “Let the bazaar take place! Don’t leave the village”. But
seeing that Tatya was very keen, he asked him to take Shama
along.
13. ‘What is the point in taking Shama’! Thinking this, he
disregarded his order and went and sat in the tonga and set
off for the bazaar.
14. Out of the two horses, one was very active and restless. It
cost Rs. 300/-. When they neared the well at Sawul, it became
unrestrained.
15. The horse which never needed whipping and would reach the
bazaar within an hour, suddenly got a catch in his back and
began limping.
16. So neither the market nor the shopping! Tatya remembered Sai
Mother and felt that if he had obeyed timely, he would have
avoided the accident. But nothing can be done about things
past.
17. On another occasion, a similar incident took place. Tatya set
out to go to Kolhar village. He harnessed the tonga and came
to seek permission and bowed at Baba’s feet.
18. “I’ll just go and return”, he said. He had not got his
consent, nevertheless Tatya went ahead and left. Listen to
what happened next.
19. The tonga had a horse which ran uncontrollably. The horse
started rearing. He did not pay heed to the hurdles or
obstacles on the way. It was a question of life and death.
20. Be it so. With Sai’s grace that danger was averted. The tonga
dashed against the babul tree. It was fortunate that it broke
there. Further danger was averted.
21. Similarly, an European gentleman, residing in Bombay, came
for Sai’s darshan with some inner motives.
22. He had some influence with Chandorkar, who wrote a letter to
Madhavrao. He asked for a tent and stayed there comfortably.
23. Could anyone dare to climb the steps of the Masjid and return
after taking darshan, at one’s sweet will, against Baba’s
permission? It was known to every one that this was
impossible.
24. He tried thrice to climb the steps of the Masjid but it was
all in vain. The spirits of the guest were dampened.
25. His inner wish was to climb up the steps of the Masjid, bow
down to Baba by falling on his knees and sit down there after
kissing his hands.
26. That was his wish. But Baba did not let him come up to sit
close to him in the Masjid, at that time.
27. He should be down in the courtyard and sit there only, if he
wanted. He could take the darshan from there only. But he
should not come up.
28. Be it so. Later on he thought of leaving. He came into the
courtyard to take leave. Then Baba said he should go next
day. Why is there so much of a hurry?
29. A lot of people told him and requested him, in several ways,
not to go. Those who left without permission had greatly
repented, they said.
30. Nothing can prevent what is fated! He did not follow the
advice and left without permission. He suffered on the way.
31. At first, the carriage went well. Later on, the horses left
the track. When they were beyond the well at Sawul,3 a
bicycle came in the way.
32. The gentleman was seated in the rear of the carriage.
Suddenly the carriage gave a jerk. It lost its balance and
overturned on the road.
33. With great efforts the carriage was controlled. The man got
dragged for some distance. Then he was picked up and put into
the carriage, which then moved forward again.
34. Shirdi was left behind on one side. Bombay was on the other
side. The carriage4 was then taken in the direction of the
hospital, at Kopergaon.
35. So be it. The man stayed there for some days, repentant and
distressed. He was undergoing the punishment due to his
disobedience, as per his destiny.
36. There were many such instances. People began to have fear and
apprehension and began to obey Baba’s wishes. They dared not
disobey.
37. In some cases the wheel5 of the carriage came off; in some
cases the horses got tired; in other cases they missed their
trains, remained hungry and had to survive on puffed rice.
38. On the contrary, those who respected his wishes were able to
catch the trains even at odd times. They had a pleasant
journey and remembered it throughout their life.
39. If people have doubts about why Baba preferred to beg for
alms, for years together, then get the doubts cleared, and
bear in mind the clarification.
40. If we look at Baba’s life-style, it seems that it was the
right thing for him to do to beg alms; because it gave
pleasure to the people, and would do good to them to fulfil
their duties as householders.
41. The one who surrenders body-speech-mind-wealth at Sai’s feet,
such a devotee is deeply loved by Sai.
42. The householder is in charge of whatever food is cooked in
the home. He has to offer the food to a mendicant and a
brahmachari6 in the first place.
43. The householder who partakes of food without giving it to
them has to perform the Chandrayan Vrat,7 which is advocated
by the Shastras as a means of three fold purification8.
44. It is forbidden for the mendicants and the brahmacharis to
cook. If they do they will have to forcibly observe the
Chandrayan Vrat.
45. Therefore the Shastras have placed the onus of taking care of
their needs on the householder. Mendicants never exert
themselves to fulfil their hunger.
46. Baba was never a householder and did not become a
‘Vanaprashthachari’9. He was only a brahmachari from his
youth and also a sanyasi. Therefore, to beg alms was the
rightful thing for him to do.
47. “The whole universe is my home. I am myself Vasudev and all
pervading God. I am myself the Parabrahma”. One who has such
firm conviction,
48. has the fullest right to beg alms. He believed in the
philosophy that the whole world is one family. The others
make a mockery of this philosophy, as can be seen, on all
crossroads.
49. At the outset, one should give up the wish for a son,10 then
lust for wealth and status. One who has given up these three
desires, he only has the right to beg for alms.
50. Otherwise, as Tukaram quotes: “Fie upon that life depending
upon charity and begging”, because it is useless without
understanding the meaning of such a life.
51. The great Sai is a very great Siddha (or yogi). That is known
to all, young and old. But we, who are full of worldly ties,
do not devotedly attach to his divine feet.
52. Without the five sacrifices11, the householder is advised
against eating of food. But Sai would perform these
sacrifices12 and get the food cooked and daily purified the
meals.
53. Everyday he would go to five houses and remind the hosts
about the Attithi Yagna. So the persons were really fortunate
who could sit at home and earn the ‘punya’13.
54. Those people, who after performing the ‘panchmaha yagnas,’
ate the remaining food, were saved from the terrible and
unknown five sins, because the sins were burnt.
55. The well-known five sins are: “kandani” – pestle, “chulli”
– lighting the hearth fire, “udkumbhi” – water pots;
“peshani” – grinding, “marjani” – sweeping.
56. The grains are put in the pot (ukkal) and the pestle strikes
the grain so that the chaff is removed and unknowingly during
this activity lives are destroyed.
57. But the grains are not edible without the above-mentioned
treatment. Therefore, the sin known as “kandani” is counted
first in the list of “Panch soonas”.
58. In the stove, wood is burnt and cooking is done. There also,
without knowing, life is destroyed. This sin is known as
“chulli’, the second sin.
59. Even in a grinding stone or wooden grinding mill, when grains
are ground, unknowingly innumerable lives are destroyed. That
sin is known as “peshani”.
60. When people bring water in the pots from a well, or a lake,
or a tank, or when men and women wash clothes, innumerable
lives are destroyed.
61. While cleaning the pot, scrubbing and rubbing with the hands,
unwittingly life is destroyed. This is the fourth sin of
“udkumbhi”.
62. Similarly, when bathing in lukewarm water or while sprinkling
cow-dung (on the floor), life is destroyed pitiably. This sin
is called “marjani”.
63. In order to be free from these five sins, a householder has
to perform these five ‘maha yagnas’, after which the sins are
destroyed and he attains purity.
64. This is the power of purity of mind. The pure knowledge that
is gained is sinless. After knowledge, liberation is secured.
This is the attainment of the goal of life.
65. So be it. This was Baba’s philosophy of mendicancy, writing
about which has increased the pages of this book. Listen to a
different type of story. Then we will close this chapter.
66. There should be only love in your heart. If any one sent
anything (for him) with someone, and if that person forgot,
Baba would not forget to ask.
67. Whether it was a vegetable or ‘bhakri’ or sweetmeats, the
devotion should be strong. When Sai came across such a
devotee, in whom there was such faith, then his love woul, in whom there was such faith, then his love would
swell.
68. This is the story of a loving devotee, which will be a
pleasure to hear. If anyone forgets the task assigned to him,
Baba himself guides him to the right path.
69. His teaching was so agreeable. He gave necessary and timely
awakening. Fortunate were those who experienced it and their
bliss was inexplicable.
70. For one of his leading devotees, Ramchandra whose father was
Atmaram and whose surname was Tarkhad, Sai was a haven of
refuge.
71. But as he was known as Babasaheb Tarkhad by all, we will use
the same name in this book, as it is not necessary to use the
other name.
72. With overflowing love for Sai, Tarkhad used to be overwhelmed
and, as it were, be annointed by it; and when he described
his experiences listening to them was a pleasure.
73. Oh, how great was his devotion! At every step he would
experience Sai, and each one would be more marvellous than
the other. He would relate these experiences accompanied by
appealing gestures.
74. Babasaheb was an unparalleled devotee. He had a painting of
Sai’s image, at his home in a huge beautiful sandalwood
shrine, which he worshipped thrice a day.
75. Tarkhad was very fortunate in having a son equally devoted to
Sai. He did not even eat his food till he offered
“naivedya” to Sai.
76. Having taken a bath early morning, he would always perform
the puja of the picture with his whole heart, mind, speech
and body and offer “naivedya”, full of devotion.
77. This was his daily routine, which was carried on without
exception. His labour bore fruit. He had excellent
experiences.
78. Even his mother was a great devotee of Sai. She had a desire
to go to Shirdi and the father wished that the son should
accompany her.
79. She wished to go to Shirdi – take darshan of the powerful
Lord – spend some days there – and actually serve at his
feet.
80. Although his father wished it, the son did not wish to go, as
he was worried as to who would perform the puja regularly at
the home.
81. His father was a Prathnasamajist14. Would it be right to ask
him to take the trouble to do image worship15. This was a big
dilemma for the son.
82. Nevertheless, knowing his wishes16, the son got ready to
leave. He entreatingly and lovingly requested his father.
Listen to that wonderful story.
83. “Unless Sai is offered “naivedya”, no one should eat the
food at home. Until this is promised, I won’t be able to go
carefree”.
84. The father already knew the son’s daily ritual; he said,
“Go, I will do the “naivedya” regularly. You may remain
without any anxiety.
85. Before making the offering to Sai, no one will partake of the
food. Take this as my word of honour and do not hesitate. Go
at ease”.
86. Having been thus assured, the boy left for Shirdi. Then from
the next day, Tarkhad himself did the puja.
87. The next day, before starting the puja, Babasaheb Tarkhad
came before the portrait, prostrated himself and prayed.
88. “Baba accept my services in the same way, as my son was
doing the puja. Let it not be just a drill, on my part. Pour
your love into my heart”.
89. Having bathed early morning, Tarkhad began doing the puja
with devotion every day and offering naivedya also.
90. Babasaheb used to offer a piece of rock sugar in the naivedya
regularly. This practice continued uninterruptedly. But one
day it was broken.
91. Once, being pre-occupied with official matters, Tarkhad
forgot and everybody had their meals without naivedya one
day.
92. Tarkhadsaheb was the Chief Officer of a big mill. Therefore,
in the morning he had to go out every day for his work.
93. Then by the time it was afternoon, he returned. As mentioned
earlier about the sugar prasad, when he sat down to his
meals, he partook of it.
94. This was the usual practice. On one occasion he forgot. The
sugar was not put in the naivedya, and he also did not get
the prasad.
95. Every day, the cook would serve the piece of sugar last, when
he started his meals, as if it was the purification of the
food.
96. But on that day, at the time of the puja, there was some
hurry, and the sugar naivedya remained undone. Therefore he
also had no prasad.
97. Immediately, Tarkhad left his meal, and being very repentant,
bowed down to the portrait of Sai and with tears in his eyes
said:98.
“Baba, what illusion have you shown! How did you cause this
confusion of mind? How did you let me just do a drill! First
forgive me.
99. It’s not a mistake but a great sin. I am greatly repentant. A
mistake; but I did not deliberately make the mistake. Please
be merciful to me, Maharaja”.
100.He prostrated himself at the foot of the portrait. He was
full of remorse. He said: “Maharaj, cloud of mercy, have
pity on me”.
101.Saying this he sent a letter to his son, in great humility
and shame. “A great error has been committed by me. Pray
that I may be forgiven.
102.Have mercy on one who has completely surrendered. Pray
entreatingly to Sai in these words. Ask for this humble
servant, his gesture of forgiveness and his assuring words”.
103.This incident took place at Bandra, whereas Shirdi was a
hundred kos away. But the news reached there immediately.
Listen to Baba’s words about it.
104.Now have the proof of Maharaj’s ability, of the knowledge
without distortion, beyond time and place and about the past,
present and future.
105.On that day here, while the son was in Shirdi, at that very
moment what happened when he bowed down at Sai’s feet, the
listeners should hear carefully.
106.The son, full of enthusiasm, came with his mother to pay
homage. Listening to what Sai said to his mother astounded
him.
107.“Oh, mother! What should be done. To-day when I went to
Bandra, as usual, I did not get anything to eat, or drink
rice-water, and had to return hungry.
108.Mark the bonds that we have from the past births! Even if thMark the bonds that we have from the past births! Even if the
doors are closed, I entered at my own sweet will. Who can
obstruct me?
109.The master of the house was not at home. I was ravenously
hungry. I had to return without food, in the heat of the
afternoon sun”.
110.When he heard these words, the son immediately realised that
his father perhaps had forgotten to offer naivedya.
111.The son requested Baba to let him go home. But Baba did not
allow him and got him to do the puja there only.
112.That very day, he sent a detailed letter from Shirdi. On
receiving and reading that letter the father’s heart melted.
113.His letter was also received there (the letters crossed). The
son was also surprised. His eyes also filled with tears,
which rolled down.
114.See the sport of Sai! Would love not gush forth? Who could be
so stone-hearted, who would not melt by this?
115.Now listen to the miracle about Baba’s favour shown to the
loving mother of this very boy, once when she was in Shirdi.
116.When she was in the kitchen and the leaf plates were set for
the meal, in the afternoon, a hungry dog came to the door.
117.A piece of the bhakri, which was in her plate, was about to
be given by her to the dog, when a pig, bespattered with mud,
arrived there, oppressed with hunger. (She fed both).
118.This incident happened in its natural course. She did not
give any importance to this or bear it in her mind. But Sai
on his own opened this topic, when she was present.
119.After the afternoon lunch, when the lady came as per usual
practice, and sat in the Masjid at some distance, Sai said
kindly –
120.“Oh mother! You fed me to-day, because of which I am full
upto my throat. I was overcome with hunger and you satisfied
me.
121.You must act like this always. Truly only this will prove
useful, ultimately. Sitting in the Masjid, I do not ever
speak an untruth. This is the universal truth.
122.Know that this is the kindness which I preach. Give food to
the hungry first and then eat yourself. Remember this clearly
in your mind”.
123.What did Sai Samartha say? The lady could not understanWhat did Sai Samartha say? The lady could not understand
anything. What was the implied meaning of this? His words
were never futile.
124.She said: “How could I have served you? How could it happen
at my hands? I am dependent. I spend and eat whatever I can
get”.
125.Baba answering her said: “Savouring that lovingly given
chappati, I became fully satisfied and I am still belching.
126.When you sat down for your meals, you suddenly saw a dog come
to the door, which was suffering from extreme hunger. I am
one with that dog.
127.Similarly, I am one with that pig bespattered with mud, which
was also hungry and miserable”.
128.When she heard Baba’s words, the lady was very much
surprised. Dogs, pigs, cats which wander – are they one with
Baba?
129.“Sometimes I am a dog, sometimes a pig, sometimes I am a
cow, sometimes a cat, sometimes an ant, a fly or fish. I move
about in different forms.
130.That person who sees me in all the creatures, you must
understand is my beloved one. Give up the belief in the twofold
nature, and worship me in this manner”.
131.These were not just ordinary words, but nectar. She was
overwhelmed with emotions. Her eyes were filled with tears of
happiness and her throat was choked with emotion.
132.Similarly there is another story of this lady, which is
wonderful and depicts love. It shows the oneness of the great
Sai with his devotee; and that the two Atmas are one.
133.Once when Purandare17 with his wife and children set out for
Shirdi, she18 gave him brinjals with affection which she
requested his wife to make “Bharta”, 19
134.with one, for Baba, and “kacharya”, crisp and brown, from
the other, and feed him heartily with them.
135.His wife accepted the brinjals and when she reached Shirdi,
after the Arati, at lunch time, she took the “Bharta”.
136.As was the custom the lady offered “naivedya”, kept the
thali20 and left. Baba collected everybody’s naivedya and sat
down for the meal.
137.When he tasted the “Bharta”, he relished it and shared it
with everyone. He felt like eating “kacharyas” and asked
for them, at that time.
138.AA message was sent to Radhakrishan-ai, that Baba is waiting
to finish his meal and he desires to have “kacharyas”. No
one knew what to do about it.
139.That was not the season for brinjals, so how could that
preparation be made?! Therefore, a search for Purandare’s
wife was made and for the ‘Bharta’.
140.The ‘Bharta’ was in the ‘thali which she had brought.
Therefore, it was possible that she might be having some
spare brinjals.
141.When she was questioned about it, all came to understand
about the significance of the ‘kacharya’ and also about
Baba’s keeness for them.
142.The lady said that out of one brinjal ‘bharta’ was made and
offered in the afternoon; and, had thought that she would
take the ‘kacharya’ later on. Therefore, the second one had
been cut up accordingly.
143.Later on when this episode about the brinjals came to be
known to everbody gradually, everyone was surprised at seeing
Sai’s all-knowing nature.
144.Again, in the month of December 1915, the same lady sent a
‘pedha’21 for Baba, with great love.
145.Since Balaram22 had expired, to perform the last rites, his
son had to go to Shirdi. He had come to take leave23 and ask
if there was any message.
146.The son came to Tarkhad to say that he was leaving. The wife
felt like sending something for Baba with him.
147.Except for the ‘pedha’ there was nothing else to be found in
the house. Moreover, the ‘pedha’ had already been offered in
the naivedya. The son was also in a hurry to leave.
148.Besides, the son was in the mourning period.24 There was only
one ‘pedha’ leftover. She sent that itself with him, as an
offering for Sai to eat.
149.She said she had nothing else. “Take this only. Give this
with love to Sai. Sai will eat it with pleasure”.
150.Govindji took the pedha with him. But when he went to take
the darshan, he forgot it at the place where he stayed. Baba
was yet quite patient.
151.Afterwards, in the late afternoon, when he came into the
durbar hall, like the previous time he forgot and came empty
handed into the Masjid.
152.“What have you brought for me”, Baba casually asked him“What have you brought for me”, Baba casually asked him.
“Nothing at all”, said he, at which Baba tried to hint and
remind him.
153.“Has no one given you anything for me?” On his saying no,
Sai Samartha directly questioned.
154.“Oh, when you left home, did not mother give you a sweet
lovingly?” Then he remembered.
155.He was very much ashamed. How did he forget! With his face
downcast, he asked for forgiveness and bowed down at his
feet.
156.He went running to his place, brought the pedha and gave it
to Baba. As soon as he got it in his palm, he put it in his
mouth and thus gratified the feelings of the mother.
157.Such is the great Sai, Mahanu Bhav (Yogi).25 He reciprocates
the feelings, by giving the experiences, He increases the
prestige of his devotee.
158.The essence of these stories is that one should perceive God
in all living beings. This is also acknowledged by all the
Shashtras. The same is the doctrine of these.
159.Now while listening to the next chapter, you will understand
about Baba’s mode of living – where he used to sleep and at
which place. Listen to that carefully.
160.Hemad surrenders at Sai’s feet. Listeners, think about the
foregoing stories with respect and meditation daily, and you
will be benefitted.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the ninth chapter of
Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee Hemadpant,
impelled by Saints and virtuous people.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Given in detail later.
2.
Once, Tatyasaheb Noolkar and Bhausaheb Dixit were to leave Shirdi,
with their friends. Maharaj said to them: “Go tomorrow morning and
eat at Kopergaon.” They acted accordingly and sent a message to
Kopergaon to keep the food ready. But, when they reached Kopergaon
the food was not ready. As the departure time of the train was
near, they left for the station without eating. There, they
discovered that the train was late by two and a half hours! They
sent the tonga back, and had the food fetched by the Brahmin tonga
driver. All of them ate at the station. After they had finished,
the train came ten minutes later.
Now, see the reverse case. Once Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare had gone
for Maharaj’s darshan with many of his friends. As per his mother’s
desire, he asked for permission to go to Nashik. Maharaj said:
“Go. Stay for two days and then proceed”. The group went to
Nashik, accordingly. That day his younger brother ran high
temperature. Everyone was frightened and desired to go to Bombay
immediately. But Purandare said : “Maharaj has directed us to stay
for two days. Therefore, I will not move from here till two days
are past”. Then the whole group stayed, as they had no other
alternative. The brother’s temperature came down the next day and
on the third day the group returned to Bombay, happily.
3.
This place is about one and a half miles away from Shirdi.
4.
With the gentleman.
5.
This is the experience of the author himself. He prepared to leave
with his family. Maharaj said: “Eat a little bit and leave in the
afternoon”. But unwisely the bullock – cart was set on the road to
the station. Being in a hurry to catch the train, the cart was at
full speed. The left wheel suddenly came off and fell in the
gutter. Praise God that the cart did not break and no one was
injured. But by the time the wheel was properly re-set, the train
was missed. They had to go to an eatery at Kopergaon, eat there and
then take another train to Bombay.
6.
A Brahmin ascetic vowed to celibacy, a monk or a student of the
scriptures.
7.
A religious observance starting from full-moon day and ending
sixteen days later, taking only sixteen mouthfuls on the first day
and then reducing by one every day till he takes nothing on the
last day.
8.
Of speech, body and mind.
9.
Taken to the jungles leaving society.
10.
That is, for spouse and progeny.
11.
Brahma Yagna is reciting of Vedas; Pitru Yagna – offering food by
encircling with water; Dev Yagna – offering food to the deities;
Bhoota Yagna – offering food to all creatures. Attithi Yagna –
offering food to the uninvited guest who may come to the doorstep.
12.
For the sake of his devotees.
13.
Merit of a good deed.
14.
They did no image worship.
15.
Of Baba’s picture.
16.
The father’s wishes.
17.
Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare, who lived at Bandra, Bombay.
18.
Mrs. Tarkhad.
19.
Brinjals smoked, skinned and pulped to which spices and curds are
added.
20.
Platter.
21.
A round sweetmeat, which varied in size and flavour.
22.
Balaram Mankar, who was Baba’s devotee.
23.
Of the Tarkhads.
24.
‘Sutak’ i.e. thirteen days after death when a household is deemed
to be impure and during which no religious rites are performed.
25. Devoted and hungry for devotion.
Ram Chandra Atmaram
alias Babasaheb Tarkhad
Untitled by Dabholkar
I bow down to Sree Ganesh
I bow down to Sree Saraswati
I bow down to the *XU.
I bow down to the Family Deity
I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra
I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
1.
Now to continue the story, of how the devotees faced troubles
when they insisted on returning to their destinations without
Baba’s permission.
2.
And also, of the mendicant life style of Baba which he had
adopted and which he practised until the end, for the washing
off of the five sins,1 for the sake of the good of his
devotees.
3.
Beginning from Brahman (the permanent and immovable) and
ending with all immovable objects, Sai himself is manifest
everywhere. Sai, being kind, imprinted (on all minds) that
God exists in all creatures.
4.
Therefore, all you listeners, I appeal to you to listen with
attention. By listening to these holy stories, you will
accomplish your own well-being.
5.
This was a characteristic of the pilgrimage to Shirdi, that
if a devotee would try to return without Baba’s permission,
he would be inviting trouble.
6.
But, once permission is given, it was impossible to stay in
Shirdi even for a moment. If one stayed on, difficulties
would be faced. This was the experience of all.
7.
Those who disobeyed his wishes, suffered on the way. Some
were robbed; and they remembered their experience till the
end of life.
8.
If he asked them to eat a little and then leave, and if still
a person hurriedly2 left without food, he would not catch the
train and would also go hungry. Many devotees experienced
this.
9.
Once Patil, Tatya Kote, was going to Kopergaon where the
weekly bazaar was held. On the way, he came to the Masjid.
10. He asked for the tonga to wait; came and took Baba’s darshan,
bowed at his feet and pretended to ask for permission to
leave.
11. The devotee may try to evade, but Baba was aware of the
propitious moment or otherwise. Seeing that Tatya was in a
hurry, he asked him to wait for a while.
12. “Let the bazaar take place! Don’t leave the village”. But
seeing that Tatya was very keen, he asked him to take Shama
along.
13. ‘What is the point in taking Shama’! Thinking this, he
disregarded his order and went and sat in the tonga and set
off for the bazaar.
14. Out of the two horses, one was very active and restless. It
cost Rs. 300/-. When they neared the well at Sawul, it became
unrestrained.
15. The horse which never needed whipping and would reach the
bazaar within an hour, suddenly got a catch in his back and
began limping.
16. So neither the market nor the shopping! Tatya remembered Sai
Mother and felt that if he had obeyed timely, he would have
avoided the accident. But nothing can be done about things
past.
17. On another occasion, a similar incident took place. Tatya set
out to go to Kolhar village. He harnessed the tonga and came
to seek permission and bowed at Baba’s feet.
18. “I’ll just go and return”, he said. He had not got his
consent, nevertheless Tatya went ahead and left. Listen to
what happened next.
19. The tonga had a horse which ran uncontrollably. The horse
started rearing. He did not pay heed to the hurdles or
obstacles on the way. It was a question of life and death.
20. Be it so. With Sai’s grace that danger was averted. The tonga
dashed against the babul tree. It was fortunate that it broke
there. Further danger was averted.
21. Similarly, an European gentleman, residing in Bombay, came
for Sai’s darshan with some inner motives.
22. He had some influence with Chandorkar, who wrote a letter to
Madhavrao. He asked for a tent and stayed there comfortably.
23. Could anyone dare to climb the steps of the Masjid and return
after taking darshan, at one’s sweet will, against Baba’s
permission? It was known to every one that this was
impossible.
24. He tried thrice to climb the steps of the Masjid but it was
all in vain. The spirits of the guest were dampened.
25. His inner wish was to climb up the steps of the Masjid, bow
down to Baba by falling on his knees and sit down there after
kissing his hands.
26. That was his wish. But Baba did not let him come up to sit
close to him in the Masjid, at that time.
27. He should be down in the courtyard and sit there only, if he
wanted. He could take the darshan from there only. But he
should not come up.
28. Be it so. Later on he thought of leaving. He came into the
courtyard to take leave. Then Baba said he should go next
day. Why is there so much of a hurry?
29. A lot of people told him and requested him, in several ways,
not to go. Those who left without permission had greatly
repented, they said.
30. Nothing can prevent what is fated! He did not follow the
advice and left without permission. He suffered on the way.
31. At first, the carriage went well. Later on, the horses left
the track. When they were beyond the well at Sawul,3 a
bicycle came in the way.
32. The gentleman was seated in the rear of the carriage.
Suddenly the carriage gave a jerk. It lost its balance and
overturned on the road.
33. With great efforts the carriage was controlled. The man got
dragged for some distance. Then he was picked up and put into
the carriage, which then moved forward again.
34. Shirdi was left behind on one side. Bombay was on the other
side. The carriage4 was then taken in the direction of the
hospital, at Kopergaon.
35. So be it. The man stayed there for some days, repentant and
distressed. He was undergoing the punishment due to his
disobedience, as per his destiny.
36. There were many such instances. People began to have fear and
apprehension and began to obey Baba’s wishes. They dared not
disobey.
37. In some cases the wheel5 of the carriage came off; in some
cases the horses got tired; in other cases they missed their
trains, remained hungry and had to survive on puffed rice.
38. On the contrary, those who respected his wishes were able to
catch the trains even at odd times. They had a pleasant
journey and remembered it throughout their life.
39. If people have doubts about why Baba preferred to beg for
alms, for years together, then get the doubts cleared, and
bear in mind the clarification.
40. If we look at Baba’s life-style, it seems that it was the
right thing for him to do to beg alms; because it gave
pleasure to the people, and would do good to them to fulfil
their duties as householders.
41. The one who surrenders body-speech-mind-wealth at Sai’s feet,
such a devotee is deeply loved by Sai.
42. The householder is in charge of whatever food is cooked in
the home. He has to offer the food to a mendicant and a
brahmachari6 in the first place.
43. The householder who partakes of food without giving it to
them has to perform the Chandrayan Vrat,7 which is advocated
by the Shastras as a means of three fold purification8.
44. It is forbidden for the mendicants and the brahmacharis to
cook. If they do they will have to forcibly observe the
Chandrayan Vrat.
45. Therefore the Shastras have placed the onus of taking care of
their needs on the householder. Mendicants never exert
themselves to fulfil their hunger.
46. Baba was never a householder and did not become a
‘Vanaprashthachari’9. He was only a brahmachari from his
youth and also a sanyasi. Therefore, to beg alms was the
rightful thing for him to do.
47. “The whole universe is my home. I am myself Vasudev and all
pervading God. I am myself the Parabrahma”. One who has such
firm conviction,
48. has the fullest right to beg alms. He believed in the
philosophy that the whole world is one family. The others
make a mockery of this philosophy, as can be seen, on all
crossroads.
49. At the outset, one should give up the wish for a son,10 then
lust for wealth and status. One who has given up these three
desires, he only has the right to beg for alms.
50. Otherwise, as Tukaram quotes: “Fie upon that life depending
upon charity and begging”, because it is useless without
understanding the meaning of such a life.
51. The great Sai is a very great Siddha (or yogi). That is known
to all, young and old. But we, who are full of worldly ties,
do not devotedly attach to his divine feet.
52. Without the five sacrifices11, the householder is advised
against eating of food. But Sai would perform these
sacrifices12 and get the food cooked and daily purified the
meals.
53. Everyday he would go to five houses and remind the hosts
about the Attithi Yagna. So the persons were really fortunate
who could sit at home and earn the ‘punya’13.
54. Those people, who after performing the ‘panchmaha yagnas,’
ate the remaining food, were saved from the terrible and
unknown five sins, because the sins were burnt.
55. The well-known five sins are: “kandani” – pestle, “chulli”
– lighting the hearth fire, “udkumbhi” – water pots;
“peshani” – grinding, “marjani” – sweeping.
56. The grains are put in the pot (ukkal) and the pestle strikes
the grain so that the chaff is removed and unknowingly during
this activity lives are destroyed.
57. But the grains are not edible without the above-mentioned
treatment. Therefore, the sin known as “kandani” is counted
first in the list of “Panch soonas”.
58. In the stove, wood is burnt and cooking is done. There also,
without knowing, life is destroyed. This sin is known as
“chulli’, the second sin.
59. Even in a grinding stone or wooden grinding mill, when grains
are ground, unknowingly innumerable lives are destroyed. That
sin is known as “peshani”.
60. When people bring water in the pots from a well, or a lake,
or a tank, or when men and women wash clothes, innumerable
lives are destroyed.
61. While cleaning the pot, scrubbing and rubbing with the hands,
unwittingly life is destroyed. This is the fourth sin of
“udkumbhi”.
62. Similarly, when bathing in lukewarm water or while sprinkling
cow-dung (on the floor), life is destroyed pitiably. This sin
is called “marjani”.
63. In order to be free from these five sins, a householder has
to perform these five ‘maha yagnas’, after which the sins are
destroyed and he attains purity.
64. This is the power of purity of mind. The pure knowledge that
is gained is sinless. After knowledge, liberation is secured.
This is the attainment of the goal of life.
65. So be it. This was Baba’s philosophy of mendicancy, writing
about which has increased the pages of this book. Listen to a
different type of story. Then we will close this chapter.
66. There should be only love in your heart. If any one sent
anything (for him) with someone, and if that person forgot,
Baba would not forget to ask.
67. Whether it was a vegetable or ‘bhakri’ or sweetmeats, the
devotion should be strong. When Sai came across such a
devotee, in whom there was such faith, then his love woul, in whom there was such faith, then his love would
swell.
68. This is the story of a loving devotee, which will be a
pleasure to hear. If anyone forgets the task assigned to him,
Baba himself guides him to the right path.
69. His teaching was so agreeable. He gave necessary and timely
awakening. Fortunate were those who experienced it and their
bliss was inexplicable.
70. For one of his leading devotees, Ramchandra whose father was
Atmaram and whose surname was Tarkhad, Sai was a haven of
refuge.
71. But as he was known as Babasaheb Tarkhad by all, we will use
the same name in this book, as it is not necessary to use the
other name.
72. With overflowing love for Sai, Tarkhad used to be overwhelmed
and, as it were, be annointed by it; and when he described
his experiences listening to them was a pleasure.
73. Oh, how great was his devotion! At every step he would
experience Sai, and each one would be more marvellous than
the other. He would relate these experiences accompanied by
appealing gestures.
74. Babasaheb was an unparalleled devotee. He had a painting of
Sai’s image, at his home in a huge beautiful sandalwood
shrine, which he worshipped thrice a day.
75. Tarkhad was very fortunate in having a son equally devoted to
Sai. He did not even eat his food till he offered
“naivedya” to Sai.
76. Having taken a bath early morning, he would always perform
the puja of the picture with his whole heart, mind, speech
and body and offer “naivedya”, full of devotion.
77. This was his daily routine, which was carried on without
exception. His labour bore fruit. He had excellent
experiences.
78. Even his mother was a great devotee of Sai. She had a desire
to go to Shirdi and the father wished that the son should
accompany her.
79. She wished to go to Shirdi – take darshan of the powerful
Lord – spend some days there – and actually serve at his
feet.
80. Although his father wished it, the son did not wish to go, as
he was worried as to who would perform the puja regularly at
the home.
81. His father was a Prathnasamajist14. Would it be right to ask
him to take the trouble to do image worship15. This was a big
dilemma for the son.
82. Nevertheless, knowing his wishes16, the son got ready to
leave. He entreatingly and lovingly requested his father.
Listen to that wonderful story.
83. “Unless Sai is offered “naivedya”, no one should eat the
food at home. Until this is promised, I won’t be able to go
carefree”.
84. The father already knew the son’s daily ritual; he said,
“Go, I will do the “naivedya” regularly. You may remain
without any anxiety.
85. Before making the offering to Sai, no one will partake of the
food. Take this as my word of honour and do not hesitate. Go
at ease”.
86. Having been thus assured, the boy left for Shirdi. Then from
the next day, Tarkhad himself did the puja.
87. The next day, before starting the puja, Babasaheb Tarkhad
came before the portrait, prostrated himself and prayed.
88. “Baba accept my services in the same way, as my son was
doing the puja. Let it not be just a drill, on my part. Pour
your love into my heart”.
89. Having bathed early morning, Tarkhad began doing the puja
with devotion every day and offering naivedya also.
90. Babasaheb used to offer a piece of rock sugar in the naivedya
regularly. This practice continued uninterruptedly. But one
day it was broken.
91. Once, being pre-occupied with official matters, Tarkhad
forgot and everybody had their meals without naivedya one
day.
92. Tarkhadsaheb was the Chief Officer of a big mill. Therefore,
in the morning he had to go out every day for his work.
93. Then by the time it was afternoon, he returned. As mentioned
earlier about the sugar prasad, when he sat down to his
meals, he partook of it.
94. This was the usual practice. On one occasion he forgot. The
sugar was not put in the naivedya, and he also did not get
the prasad.
95. Every day, the cook would serve the piece of sugar last, when
he started his meals, as if it was the purification of the
food.
96. But on that day, at the time of the puja, there was some
hurry, and the sugar naivedya remained undone. Therefore he
also had no prasad.
97. Immediately, Tarkhad left his meal, and being very repentant,
bowed down to the portrait of Sai and with tears in his eyes
said:98.
“Baba, what illusion have you shown! How did you cause this
confusion of mind? How did you let me just do a drill! First
forgive me.
99. It’s not a mistake but a great sin. I am greatly repentant. A
mistake; but I did not deliberately make the mistake. Please
be merciful to me, Maharaja”.
100.He prostrated himself at the foot of the portrait. He was
full of remorse. He said: “Maharaj, cloud of mercy, have
pity on me”.
101.Saying this he sent a letter to his son, in great humility
and shame. “A great error has been committed by me. Pray
that I may be forgiven.
102.Have mercy on one who has completely surrendered. Pray
entreatingly to Sai in these words. Ask for this humble
servant, his gesture of forgiveness and his assuring words”.
103.This incident took place at Bandra, whereas Shirdi was a
hundred kos away. But the news reached there immediately.
Listen to Baba’s words about it.
104.Now have the proof of Maharaj’s ability, of the knowledge
without distortion, beyond time and place and about the past,
present and future.
105.On that day here, while the son was in Shirdi, at that very
moment what happened when he bowed down at Sai’s feet, the
listeners should hear carefully.
106.The son, full of enthusiasm, came with his mother to pay
homage. Listening to what Sai said to his mother astounded
him.
107.“Oh, mother! What should be done. To-day when I went to
Bandra, as usual, I did not get anything to eat, or drink
rice-water, and had to return hungry.
108.Mark the bonds that we have from the past births! Even if thMark the bonds that we have from the past births! Even if the
doors are closed, I entered at my own sweet will. Who can
obstruct me?
109.The master of the house was not at home. I was ravenously
hungry. I had to return without food, in the heat of the
afternoon sun”.
110.When he heard these words, the son immediately realised that
his father perhaps had forgotten to offer naivedya.
111.The son requested Baba to let him go home. But Baba did not
allow him and got him to do the puja there only.
112.That very day, he sent a detailed letter from Shirdi. On
receiving and reading that letter the father’s heart melted.
113.His letter was also received there (the letters crossed). The
son was also surprised. His eyes also filled with tears,
which rolled down.
114.See the sport of Sai! Would love not gush forth? Who could be
so stone-hearted, who would not melt by this?
115.Now listen to the miracle about Baba’s favour shown to the
loving mother of this very boy, once when she was in Shirdi.
116.When she was in the kitchen and the leaf plates were set for
the meal, in the afternoon, a hungry dog came to the door.
117.A piece of the bhakri, which was in her plate, was about to
be given by her to the dog, when a pig, bespattered with mud,
arrived there, oppressed with hunger. (She fed both).
118.This incident happened in its natural course. She did not
give any importance to this or bear it in her mind. But Sai
on his own opened this topic, when she was present.
119.After the afternoon lunch, when the lady came as per usual
practice, and sat in the Masjid at some distance, Sai said
kindly –
120.“Oh mother! You fed me to-day, because of which I am full
upto my throat. I was overcome with hunger and you satisfied
me.
121.You must act like this always. Truly only this will prove
useful, ultimately. Sitting in the Masjid, I do not ever
speak an untruth. This is the universal truth.
122.Know that this is the kindness which I preach. Give food to
the hungry first and then eat yourself. Remember this clearly
in your mind”.
123.What did Sai Samartha say? The lady could not understanWhat did Sai Samartha say? The lady could not understand
anything. What was the implied meaning of this? His words
were never futile.
124.She said: “How could I have served you? How could it happen
at my hands? I am dependent. I spend and eat whatever I can
get”.
125.Baba answering her said: “Savouring that lovingly given
chappati, I became fully satisfied and I am still belching.
126.When you sat down for your meals, you suddenly saw a dog come
to the door, which was suffering from extreme hunger. I am
one with that dog.
127.Similarly, I am one with that pig bespattered with mud, which
was also hungry and miserable”.
128.When she heard Baba’s words, the lady was very much
surprised. Dogs, pigs, cats which wander – are they one with
Baba?
129.“Sometimes I am a dog, sometimes a pig, sometimes I am a
cow, sometimes a cat, sometimes an ant, a fly or fish. I move
about in different forms.
130.That person who sees me in all the creatures, you must
understand is my beloved one. Give up the belief in the twofold
nature, and worship me in this manner”.
131.These were not just ordinary words, but nectar. She was
overwhelmed with emotions. Her eyes were filled with tears of
happiness and her throat was choked with emotion.
132.Similarly there is another story of this lady, which is
wonderful and depicts love. It shows the oneness of the great
Sai with his devotee; and that the two Atmas are one.
133.Once when Purandare17 with his wife and children set out for
Shirdi, she18 gave him brinjals with affection which she
requested his wife to make “Bharta”, 19
134.with one, for Baba, and “kacharya”, crisp and brown, from
the other, and feed him heartily with them.
135.His wife accepted the brinjals and when she reached Shirdi,
after the Arati, at lunch time, she took the “Bharta”.
136.As was the custom the lady offered “naivedya”, kept the
thali20 and left. Baba collected everybody’s naivedya and sat
down for the meal.
137.When he tasted the “Bharta”, he relished it and shared it
with everyone. He felt like eating “kacharyas” and asked
for them, at that time.
138.AA message was sent to Radhakrishan-ai, that Baba is waiting
to finish his meal and he desires to have “kacharyas”. No
one knew what to do about it.
139.That was not the season for brinjals, so how could that
preparation be made?! Therefore, a search for Purandare’s
wife was made and for the ‘Bharta’.
140.The ‘Bharta’ was in the ‘thali which she had brought.
Therefore, it was possible that she might be having some
spare brinjals.
141.When she was questioned about it, all came to understand
about the significance of the ‘kacharya’ and also about
Baba’s keeness for them.
142.The lady said that out of one brinjal ‘bharta’ was made and
offered in the afternoon; and, had thought that she would
take the ‘kacharya’ later on. Therefore, the second one had
been cut up accordingly.
143.Later on when this episode about the brinjals came to be
known to everbody gradually, everyone was surprised at seeing
Sai’s all-knowing nature.
144.Again, in the month of December 1915, the same lady sent a
‘pedha’21 for Baba, with great love.
145.Since Balaram22 had expired, to perform the last rites, his
son had to go to Shirdi. He had come to take leave23 and ask
if there was any message.
146.The son came to Tarkhad to say that he was leaving. The wife
felt like sending something for Baba with him.
147.Except for the ‘pedha’ there was nothing else to be found in
the house. Moreover, the ‘pedha’ had already been offered in
the naivedya. The son was also in a hurry to leave.
148.Besides, the son was in the mourning period.24 There was only
one ‘pedha’ leftover. She sent that itself with him, as an
offering for Sai to eat.
149.She said she had nothing else. “Take this only. Give this
with love to Sai. Sai will eat it with pleasure”.
150.Govindji took the pedha with him. But when he went to take
the darshan, he forgot it at the place where he stayed. Baba
was yet quite patient.
151.Afterwards, in the late afternoon, when he came into the
durbar hall, like the previous time he forgot and came empty
handed into the Masjid.
152.“What have you brought for me”, Baba casually asked him“What have you brought for me”, Baba casually asked him.
“Nothing at all”, said he, at which Baba tried to hint and
remind him.
153.“Has no one given you anything for me?” On his saying no,
Sai Samartha directly questioned.
154.“Oh, when you left home, did not mother give you a sweet
lovingly?” Then he remembered.
155.He was very much ashamed. How did he forget! With his face
downcast, he asked for forgiveness and bowed down at his
feet.
156.He went running to his place, brought the pedha and gave it
to Baba. As soon as he got it in his palm, he put it in his
mouth and thus gratified the feelings of the mother.
157.Such is the great Sai, Mahanu Bhav (Yogi).25 He reciprocates
the feelings, by giving the experiences, He increases the
prestige of his devotee.
158.The essence of these stories is that one should perceive God
in all living beings. This is also acknowledged by all the
Shashtras. The same is the doctrine of these.
159.Now while listening to the next chapter, you will understand
about Baba’s mode of living – where he used to sleep and at
which place. Listen to that carefully.
160.Hemad surrenders at Sai’s feet. Listeners, think about the
foregoing stories with respect and meditation daily, and you
will be benefitted.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the ninth chapter of
Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee Hemadpant,
impelled by Saints and virtuous people.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
Given in detail later.
2.
Once, Tatyasaheb Noolkar and Bhausaheb Dixit were to leave Shirdi,
with their friends. Maharaj said to them: “Go tomorrow morning and
eat at Kopergaon.” They acted accordingly and sent a message to
Kopergaon to keep the food ready. But, when they reached Kopergaon
the food was not ready. As the departure time of the train was
near, they left for the station without eating. There, they
discovered that the train was late by two and a half hours! They
sent the tonga back, and had the food fetched by the Brahmin tonga
driver. All of them ate at the station. After they had finished,
the train came ten minutes later.
Now, see the reverse case. Once Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare had gone
for Maharaj’s darshan with many of his friends. As per his mother’s
desire, he asked for permission to go to Nashik. Maharaj said:
“Go. Stay for two days and then proceed”. The group went to
Nashik, accordingly. That day his younger brother ran high
temperature. Everyone was frightened and desired to go to Bombay
immediately. But Purandare said : “Maharaj has directed us to stay
for two days. Therefore, I will not move from here till two days
are past”. Then the whole group stayed, as they had no other
alternative. The brother’s temperature came down the next day and
on the third day the group returned to Bombay, happily.
3.
This place is about one and a half miles away from Shirdi.
4.
With the gentleman.
5.
This is the experience of the author himself. He prepared to leave
with his family. Maharaj said: “Eat a little bit and leave in the
afternoon”. But unwisely the bullock – cart was set on the road to
the station. Being in a hurry to catch the train, the cart was at
full speed. The left wheel suddenly came off and fell in the
gutter. Praise God that the cart did not break and no one was
injured. But by the time the wheel was properly re-set, the train
was missed. They had to go to an eatery at Kopergaon, eat there and
then take another train to Bombay.
6.
A Brahmin ascetic vowed to celibacy, a monk or a student of the
scriptures.
7.
A religious observance starting from full-moon day and ending
sixteen days later, taking only sixteen mouthfuls on the first day
and then reducing by one every day till he takes nothing on the
last day.
8.
Of speech, body and mind.
9.
Taken to the jungles leaving society.
10.
That is, for spouse and progeny.
11.
Brahma Yagna is reciting of Vedas; Pitru Yagna – offering food by
encircling with water; Dev Yagna – offering food to the deities;
Bhoota Yagna – offering food to all creatures. Attithi Yagna –
offering food to the uninvited guest who may come to the doorstep.
12.
For the sake of his devotees.
13.
Merit of a good deed.
14.
They did no image worship.
15.
Of Baba’s picture.
16.
The father’s wishes.
17.
Raghuvir Bhaskar Purandare, who lived at Bandra, Bombay.
18.
Mrs. Tarkhad.
19.
Brinjals smoked, skinned and pulped to which spices and curds are
added.
20.
Platter.
21.
A round sweetmeat, which varied in size and flavour.
22.
Balaram Mankar, who was Baba’s devotee.
23.
Of the Tarkhads.
24.
‘Sutak’ i.e. thirteen days after death when a household is deemed
to be impure and during which no religious rites are performed.
25. Devoted and hungry for devotion.
Ram Chandra Atmaram
alias Babasaheb Tarkhad
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