11
The Description of Sree Sai’s Greatness
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.
This is the continuation of the previous narration – Baba’s
sleeping on a narrow plank – his climbing up and descending,
which was inconceivable and difficult to describe.
2.
Whether a Hindu or a Muslim, he behaved equally towards both.
This became the mission of his life. Such was he, the Lord,
who was worshipped in Shirdi.
3.
Now this eleventh chapter, consisting of the delightful story
of the life of the Guru, I have thought of offering at the
feet of Sai, with utmost devotion.
4.
By this you will be able to meditate on the manifested form,
know how he was worshipped1 and his control over the five
elements. Baba’s greatness will thus be understood.
5.
Oh listeners! please pay attention, how Indra, Agni and Varun
obeyed Baba’s commands. I shall now narrate that.
6.
Let us remember him with love. He was the personification of
non-attachment. Such was his manifested form. He was the
refuge of numerous devotees.
7.
Honour the words of the Guru and give him a seat in your
heart with faith. With complete resolution and abandoning all
aspirations let us worship him with only this desire.
8.
Guru-raj is even greater than all the seven – image of God,
sacrificial altar, fire, supreme light, sun, water, Brahmin
(those wearing the sacred thread). Let us single mindedly
worship him.
9.
The devotees of the Guru experience, on resorting to his feet
with full faith, that not only Guru but Parabrahma is moved.
Such is the marvel of Guru Puja!
10. As long as the worshipper has a form, then it is essential
that the Guru also has a bodily form. For the formless,
abstract energy, no bodily form is required. This is what
even the Shastras emphasise.
11. Unless and until one worships the bodily form, true devotion
does not spring forth; and, till there is no such devotion,
full of love, the inner mind does not blossom.
12. Unless that blossoms, only the lotus bud does not have either
the fragrance or the honey. You will see that even the bee
will not pause there for a moment.
13. That which has attributes (satva, rajas and tamas) is with
form; that which has no attributes is without form. Both are
not different from each other. The formless and the one with
the form are one.
14. Though frozen, it is ghee only, and when it melts it is also
called ghee. The concrete and the abstract are one and the
same, and the abstract is spread in the form of the universe.
15. Whosoever one can feast one’s eyes on, on whose feet one can
rest one’s head, on whom one can meditate suitably, love
develops there.
16. In whose company one can chat lovingly, and who can be
worshipped with sandalwood paste and rice, coloured with
turmeric and kumkum, for that a form is a necessity.
17. It is really easy to understand the nature of a bodily form
rather than the formless. Once love for the saguna increases,
it is the awakening for the formless (abstract).
18. Baba would evolve various means to enable the devotees to
experience the abstract. By his authority, he would make them
sit far and forbade darshan for a long time.
19. One would be sent on tour; one would be isolated in Shirdi;
one would be confined to the wada and made to read the
“pothi” regularly.
20. When such a studious training is undergone for a number of
years together, then the craving for the abstract will
develop. While
resting, sleeping and eating, one would then enjoy Baba’s
company mentally.
21. The body is perishable certainly. It is going to come to an
end, at some point of time. Therefore, the devotees should
not feel
distressed but should concentrate on the eternal.
22. This manifold perceivable world is the manifestation of the
unknown (or invisible). It has taken shape or form from the
invisible and will return to the invisible.
23. The universe which has evolved from Brahman, with each part
having the same divine essence as the whole, will also be
assimilated with the invisible from where it has taken birth.
24. Therefore, no being dies. Then how can there be death for
Baba? -Sree Sai is always pure, enlightened, perfect and
untouched by death.
25. Some may call him a devotee of God; some may call him a great
Soul; but for us he is truly the very embodiment of the Lord.
26. The Ganga flows to meet the ocean, and on the way she cools
those who are distressed by the oppressive heat; gives life
to the trees on the banks, and quenches everyone’s thirst.
27. Similar is the manifestation of the Saints. They appear and
disappear. But their behaviour purifies the world.
28. Of an extremely forgiving temperament, soft spoken, gentle,
tolerant, and also incomparably contented,
29. outwardly though possessing a form, yet he is without a form,
without qualities (of passion). He is without attachments and
within him, he is liberated, though he lives an ordinary
life.
30. Krishna who is himself God, says “A Saint is as it were, my
soul, my living image and a Saint is my beloved and is
myself.
31. It is not befitting to call Saints as my images. Saints are
undoubtedly my own Self. Therefore, for their sake, I
shoulder the burdens of the devotees.
32. One who completely surrenders to the Saints, I also bow down
to his feet”. So said Sree Krishna to Uddhava while
describing the greatness of the Saints.
33. One who is the most virtuous amongst the virtuous; the one
without a form amongst the formless, the one who excels
amongst those endowed with excellence, he is the king of
virtuosity amongst the virtuous.
34. One who is completely satisfied by having fulfilled one’s
mission (duties); one who is contented because his desires
are fulfilled, one who is engrossed in the Self and is beyond
pleasures and pain;
35. one who is the glorious form of inner bliss, who can describe
that greatness! It is truly indescribable! He is the
incarnation of Brahman.
36. Or is it this indescribable power which has manifested itself
on this earth – the incarnation of the Sat-Chit-Anand? He is
the treasure of knowledge.
37. One who is absolute Brahman, in every respect; one who is
detached from all mundane existence (samsar) – permanently
non-attached, in a state of oneness with Brahman, and
incarnation of bliss.
38. “Brahman is Bliss”, the Shrutis say. Listeners have heard
this often. The learned read this in the scriptures. The
devotees experience this in Shirdi.
39. This world (samsar) is utterly unique. It has both the
righteous and the wicked elements. Those who do not have the
knowledge of the Self need to be protected from such a world
at every moment.
40. But this is not a problem for those who are Self-realised.
They have a refuge in their Inner Self. They are always
liberated, full of bliss, and engrossed in the Supreme Being.
41. Baba is the abiding abode of all. Why would he need a seat?
That also a silver one? But it is only because of Baba’s
devotees’ desires.
42. For a long time, there was an old seat – which was a piece of
sack cloth. On that, the loving devotees had put a nice
matress for him to sit.
43. Against the wall, behind, on which he rested, the devotees
put a bolster. Baba abided by the devotees’ wishes.
44. Though his residence appeared to be in Shirdi, he was all-
pervasive. This was always experienced by his devotees, by
Sai’s powers.
45. Though immutable, he accepted the worship and honours
(rituals), according to the faith of the devotees. He
accepted (the devotion) in all the different ways.
46. Some waved the whisks – some fanned – some played shehnai or
drums and auspicious musical instruments and some offered
puja.
47. Some would lave his hands and feet (to drink the water as
tirth) – some annointed him with attar and sandalwood paste –
some offered him betel nuts made out of thirteen ingredients2
– some offered mahanaivedya3.
48. Some applied gandh paste, with two fingers, horizontally
across the forehead, as it is done for Shiva linga, without a
break – some applied kasturi mixed with perfume – and also,
applied sandalwood.
49. On one occasion Tatyasaheb Noolkar’s friend, by the name of
Dr. Pandit came to Shirdi only once to take Sai Baba’s
darshan.
50. No sooner than he arrived at Shirdi, he went first to the
Masjid and after doing obeisance to Baba, sat quietly for a
moment.
51. Baba then said to him: “Go to Dada Bhat’s. Go, go this
way”, showing the way with the fingers of his hand.
52. Pandit went to Dada’s. Dada gave him a suitable welcome. Then
when Dada set out for Baba’s worship, he asked him if he
would come along.
53. Pandit accompanied Dada. Dada worshipped Baba. Till then no
one had dared apply fragrant paste (gandh) “tilak”
(circular, auspicious mark on the forehead) to Baba.
54. Whosoever may be the devotee, he would not allow him to apply
the fragrant paste to his forehead. Only Mhalsapati smeared
it on his throat; others applied it to his feet.
55. But this Pandit was simple and full of devotion. He took away
Dada’s “puja thali”, and holding Sree Sai’s head, he
annointed him with the three fingered parallel lines;
(tripundra).
56. Seeing his daring, Dada’s heart began to beat hard. He
thought that Baba would be enraged. What a rash act this was!
57. Thus the impossible had happened! Baba did not utter a word.
On the contrary he seemed quite pleased and did not get angry
with him at all.
58. So be it. He let that moment pass. But Dada felt a
disquietude. Then, that same day’s end he asked Baba about
it.
59. “When we try to apply a small tilak of paste to your
forehead, you do not allow us to touch your forehead – but
what happened this morning?
60. You dislike our tilak. Yet Pandit’s tripundara was found
favourable! Why this unusual behaviour? There seems to be
some inconsistency”.
61. Then very lovingly Sai smiled and spoke to Dada. Listen to
that sweet remark with devotion, all of you.
62. “Dada, his Guru is a Brahmin. I am by caste a Mussalman. But
believing me to be his Guru, he did Guru puja.
63. I am a great, pious Brahmin. He is an unholy Yavan (Muslim).
How should he be worshipped? He had no such doubts.
64. This is how he ensnared me. There I had no alternative. There
was no room to raise any objection. He overwhelmed me”.
65. Though such a reply was heard, Dada took it lightly. But the
essence was realised when Dada returned (home).
66. This inconsistency of Baba greatly hurt Dada. But, while
talking to Pandit, his doubts were immediately clarified.
67. Pandit was enjoined to the feet of Raghunath, a sage from
Dhopeshwar, well known as ‘Kaka Puranik’. The
deep relationship was that of a disciple.
68. He invoked Kaka. He experienced such a feeling
(that Baba was one with Kaka). As per one’s
faith, devotion is rewarded.
69. So be it. He would get all the rituals done if
only he so desired. Otherwise he would throw
away the ‘puja thalis’ and he would become
Raghunath
Dopeshwar alias
Kaka Puranik
‘Narasimhan’ incarnate (display wrath).
70. When he displayed this nature, who would be so courageous as
to withstand it? Everyone would run for their lives when he
was furious.
71. Suddenly, at times, he is furious and full of fire and
brimstone, with his devotees; sometimes, he is softer than
wax – the image of peace and forgiveness.
72. At times, he resembles an erupted volcano (fire at the time
of destruction), and would keep the devotees at the razor’s
edge (hold them in mortal fear); at times he is softer than
butter, and shines with bliss.
73. Even if he trembles with rage and rolls his eyes, round and
round, but within his heart there is a spring of kindness
like a mother’s towards her child.
74. Within a moment when he resumes his normal behaviour (after
his anger subsides) he would call his devotees by name and
say: “When I get angry with anyone, I am not aware of it.
75. If a mother kicks her child, or the ocean rolls back the
water of the rivers, then only would I scornfully neglect you
and would harm you.
76. I am under my devotees’ obligations. I am always beside them
(standing close). I am always hungry for love. I am at their
beck and call”.
77. In the course of writing this part of the narration, I am
reminded of an apt story, which is exemplary. Listen to it
with respect.
78. Once a Muslim, resident of Kalyan, by the name of Siddique
Falke, after a pilgrimage to Mecca – Medina, arrived at
Shirdi.
79. That old Haji stayed in the Chavadi4 facing the north. For
the first nine months Baba was displeased with him and was
not ready to meet him.
80. The auspicious hour did not come for him. His wearisome trips
were futile (i.e. between the north Chavadi and the Masjid).
He tried different ways and means but could never exchange
glances (with Baba).
81. The Masjid was always open to everyone. No one was debarred
or prohibited. But that Falke had no permission to mount the
steps of the Masjid.
82. Falke became internally dejected. ‘What kind of karmas have
been instrumental that my steps cannot enter the masjid. What
sins have I committed?
83. By what turn of events, will Baba be propitious towards me
and come forward towards me’ – that was the sole thought, day
and night, in Falke’s mind, like the throbbing of his own
heart.
84. In the meanwhile, somebody advised him not to be dejected
like this ‘Take Madhavrao’s help and your heart’s desire will
be fulfilled’.
85. Before taking Nandi’s darshan, can Shankar become propitious?
He approved of following this method and liked the idea of
using this means.
86. On the face of it, the listeners will think this to be an
exaggeration. But, this was the experience, in Shirdi, at the
time of darshan.
87. Whoever desired to be with Baba, without any disturbance, to
have a dialogue, he was required to go with Madhavrao, at the
outset.
88. Who has come, from where, and wherefore? – for the purpose of
telling all this in a sweet and suitable manner and to
introduce (Madhavrao was required). Then Samartha became
willing to talk.
89. The Haji heard all this and persuaded Madhavrao. He said:
“Once, at least, dispel my turmoil. Help me to attain the
unattainable”.
90. With this pressure on Madhavrao to find a suitable
opportunity, he made a firm decision. Whether the task was
difficult or not, he would make an effort.
91. He plucked up courage and went to the Masjid. He broached the
subject very delicately. “Baba, that old man is greatly
distressed. Please oblige him.
92. That Haji has come to Shirdi for your darshan after doing the
Mecca – Medina pilgrimage. How can you not be merciful to
him? And not allow him to come into the Masjid?
93. Innumerable persons come, freely enter the Masjid, take
darhsan and leave quickly. Why is only this one languoring in
vain?
94. Be merciful towards him, just once. Meet him in the Masjid.
Then, he will also leave quickly, after asking the question
in his heart”.
95. “Shama, the infant’s spume has not yet even dried on your
lips. If Allah’s grace is not with him, what can I do for
him?
96. If he does not have an indebtedness of Allahmiya, can anyone
climb (the steps of) the Masjid! The Fakir’s actions are
beyond understanding. And I have no control over them.
97. So be it. There is a narrow foot path beyond the Barvi well.
Go and ask him clearly if he will walk and come there
correctly”.
98. The Haji said: “However difficult it may be, I will walk
correctly. But grant me a personal meeting, and let me sit
near his feet”.
99. Listening to the answer from Shama, Baba said, “Ask him
further: Four times forty thousand rupees, will you give to
me?”
100.When Madhavrao gave him this message, the Haji said: “What
are you asking? If he asks, I will give forty lakhs! Where
lies the question of thousands!”
101.Listening to this answer, Baba said: “Ask him. To-day we
have a desire to slaughter a goat in our Masjid. What part of
the meat, do you wish.
102.Would he like bones with flesh, haunch or testicles? Go and
ask that old man, what he definitely wants”.
103.Madhavrao related in detail to the Haji whatever Baba had
said. Haji emphatically said: “I need nothing of all that.
104.Give me whatever he wishes. But I have only one desire. If I
only get a morsel from the kolamba5 I will have attained my
object and my well-being”.
105.Madhavrao returned with this response from the Haji. While hMadhavrao returned with this response from the Haji. While he
was presenting this statement, Baba became wild with anger
immediately.
106.Picking up the kolamba and the water pot in his own hands he
threw them out of the door. Biting his hand noisily, he came
near the Haji.
107.Holding his kafni with both hands and lifting it up, he stood
in front of the Haji and said: “What do you think yourself
to be? Are you boasting in front of me?
108.You are giving yourself airs because of your age! Is that the
way you recite the Koran! You are vain because you have done
the pilgrimage to Mecca! But you do not realise who I am!”
109.In this manner he was reproached! Using unspeakable words!
The Haji was dumbfounded. Baba then turned back.
110.While entering the courtyard of the Masjid, he saw the
gardener’s wife selling mangoes. He purchased all the baskets
and sent them immediately to the Haji.
111.In the same way, he turned back immediately, and went again
towards that Haji. He took out Rs. 55/-from the pocket and
counted them on his (Haji’s) hands.
112.Thereafter, there developed affection. The Haji was invited
to eat and both of them forgot all the past. The Haji was
delightfully blissful.
113.Then he left and frequently came again. He took full pleasure
in Baba’s affection. Then Baba gave him gifts of monies, from
time to time.
114.May that be whatsoever. Once I was astounded to see Sai
Samartha exercise his authority over the clouds and saw him
praying to Indra6.
115.It was a very frightful time. The entire sky was black and
overcast. Birds and beasts were frightened. A hurricane-like
wind began to blow.
116.The sun set and it was evening. Suddenly the whirlwind arose.
Strong gusty winds blew. There was an irrestible commotion,
117.accompanied by peals of thunder, crackling of lightening,
shrieking winds and torrential rains.
118.It rained cats and dogs, hailstones noisily descended, the
village folk and the cattle had a fearful anticipation and
cried and bellowed, creating a loud commotion.
119.Destitute beggars came for shelter under the eaves of thDestitute beggars came for shelter under the eaves of the
Masjid and were joined by the cattle and the calves. The
Masjid was crowded.
120.There was water in all the quarters. The hay was completely
washed away. The harvest was totally wet in the threshing
ground. People were struck aghast.
121.The whole village was frightened and worried. They came in
and filled the courtyard of the Masjid and some stayed under
the eaves. They put forth their grievance to Baba.
122.Shirdi abounded in temples of Jogai, Jakhai, Mariai, Shani,
Shankar, Ambabai, Maruti, Khandoba, Mhalsai.
123.Yet, at any critical juncture, no one was of any service to
the villagers except the one and only, prompt and quick Sai,
who helped in all difficulties.
124.He did not need sacrifices of goats and cocks, nor offerings
of money. All that he desired was true devotion to sweep away
all difficulties.
125.Maharaj was greatly moved by seeing the panic of the people.
He left his seat and came forward and stood near the plinth
of the Masjid.
126.The sky was reverberating with the sound of thunder and the
crackling lightening set the sky ablaze with light. In the
midst of all this stood Sai Maharaj, shouting at the top of
his voice.
127.Gods love their devotees and their Saints and Sages more than
themselves. Gods heed their words and take human birth for
their sake.
128.Gods have to espouse the cause of the devotees on hearing
their appeals. They uphold all requests as soon as they are
made, recalling the faith of the devotees.
129.Loud bawls followed one after another, resounding in the sky.
The Masjid seemed to shake. Everyone was deafened.
130.The Masjid and the temples resounded with that earth-shaking
voice. Then the clouds stopped their own thunder and even the
rains stopped pouring.
131.Baba’s loud bawling was so profuse that the whole courtyard
full of people got rooted to the spot, whispering amongst
itself.
132.Baba’s skill and powers were inconceivable. It had an effect
on the rains. The wind also was immediately controlled and
the darkness caused by the fog was dissipated.
133.Slowly, slowly the rain decreased. The wind also lessenedSlowly, slowly the rain decreased. The wind also lessened.
The
constellations became visible. The darkness was dispelled by
that time.
134.Later the
quietened.
cheered.
rains
The mocoon
mpletely
appeared
stopin
ped.
the
The
sky.
galing
Everyone
winds
was
135.Indra melted at the plight and upheld the words of the Saint.
The clouds were dispersed in all directions. The whirlwind
calmed down.
136.The rains totally abated. The wind blew gently. The sound of
thunder subsided. The birds and beasts regained their
courage.
137.Leaving the shelter of the eaves, the cattle and calves came
out and roamed again without fear. The birds also flew into
the sky.
138.Having earlier experienced the terryfying incident, all the
people returned to their homes after expressing their
gratitude to Baba. The cattle also peacefully dispersed.
139.Such was Sai, the embodiment of mercy! He had great love for
the devotees. His concern was like that of a mother for the
children. How can I describe that loving nature!
140.Similarly, he had control over the fire. Listeners. Please
listen with respect to a short story, as an example. You will
realise the unexcelled power.
141.One afternoon the dhuni blazed uncontrollably. The flames
billowed. Who could stay near it?
142.The flames of the fire increased fiercely and reached the
roof of wooden beams. It appeared that the Masjid would
quickly be
reduced to ashes, as at the burning of Holi.
143.Nevertheless, Baba was composed while all the people became
apprehensive. All the people were amazed at the ruination
Baba was facing.
144.One asked: “Shall we bring some water?” Another said: “Who
will pour it? Who will go near there to receive the blow of
the satka on the head?”
145.Though everybody was restless, none had the courage to ask.
At that moment, Baba made a movement and placed his hand on
the satka.
146.Seeing the blazing flames, he took the satka in his hand and
started forcefully striking, blow after blow, saying “Get
back”.
147.An arm’s length from the dhuni, he was forcefully strikinAn arm’s length from the dhuni, he was forcefully striking
the
pillar, while looking at the flames and saying: “Calm down,
calm down”.
148.With every stroke, the flames lessened and subsided. The
dhuni
became calm and the fear disappeared completely.
149.Such was Sai, the doyen of the Saints, God incarnate! On
placing your head at his feet, he will lay the boon-giving
hand on your head.
150.Whosoever reads this chapter regularly, with
devotion, all the problems will be resolved
completion of the reading with concentration.
faith
after
and
the
151.What more can I say! After purifying the mind, scrupulously
do the Sai ‘pãrãyan’! You will attain eternal Brahman.
152.Attain the unattainable! Ultimately become desireless! Attain
the difficult four-fold mukti and uninterrupted peace.
153.So be it. Those devotees who desire to enjoy the bliss of
‘parmartha’ and perfect knowledge should read this chapter
repeatedly, with great respect.
154.The minds will be purified. Savouring the stories will
develop an attitude of spiritual inclinations. They will
attain whatever is desired and whatever is not auspicious or
desirable will be destroyed. Personally experience Baba.
155.Hemadpant surrenders to Sai. The next chapter is very sacred
about the relationship of the Guru and the disciple, darshan
of Gholap by the Guru putra.
156.No matter what the circumstances, the disciple should never
abandon his own gurudev. Sai gave specific experiences of
this and increased the firm faith.
157.Those devotees, who came and surrendered, each had the unique
darshan in different forms (of deities and/or Gurus) and
their faith was confirmed.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the eleventh chapter,
of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “The
Description of Sree Sai’s Greatness”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
With Hymns offered to Rudra, eleven times.
2.
Supari, White Kat, Cloves, Nutmeg, Saffron, Dry coconut,
Camphor, Kankol, Jaipatri, Cardamom, Almond, Kasturi,
Lime.
3.
Wide variety of delicious foods, which could be as many
as sixty items.
4.
There are two Chavadi in Shirdi – one faces the north
and one faces the south. They face one another.
5.
The mud pot into which all offerings of naivedya were
placed and also the food which Baba begged as alms.
6.
King of the Gods.
Seeing the blazing flames, he took the satka in his hand and started forcefully
striking, blow after blow, saying “Get back”. (Ch.11, ovi 146)
The Description of Sree Sai’s Greatness
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.
This is the continuation of the previous narration – Baba’s
sleeping on a narrow plank – his climbing up and descending,
which was inconceivable and difficult to describe.
2.
Whether a Hindu or a Muslim, he behaved equally towards both.
This became the mission of his life. Such was he, the Lord,
who was worshipped in Shirdi.
3.
Now this eleventh chapter, consisting of the delightful story
of the life of the Guru, I have thought of offering at the
feet of Sai, with utmost devotion.
4.
By this you will be able to meditate on the manifested form,
know how he was worshipped1 and his control over the five
elements. Baba’s greatness will thus be understood.
5.
Oh listeners! please pay attention, how Indra, Agni and Varun
obeyed Baba’s commands. I shall now narrate that.
6.
Let us remember him with love. He was the personification of
non-attachment. Such was his manifested form. He was the
refuge of numerous devotees.
7.
Honour the words of the Guru and give him a seat in your
heart with faith. With complete resolution and abandoning all
aspirations let us worship him with only this desire.
8.
Guru-raj is even greater than all the seven – image of God,
sacrificial altar, fire, supreme light, sun, water, Brahmin
(those wearing the sacred thread). Let us single mindedly
worship him.
9.
The devotees of the Guru experience, on resorting to his feet
with full faith, that not only Guru but Parabrahma is moved.
Such is the marvel of Guru Puja!
10. As long as the worshipper has a form, then it is essential
that the Guru also has a bodily form. For the formless,
abstract energy, no bodily form is required. This is what
even the Shastras emphasise.
11. Unless and until one worships the bodily form, true devotion
does not spring forth; and, till there is no such devotion,
full of love, the inner mind does not blossom.
12. Unless that blossoms, only the lotus bud does not have either
the fragrance or the honey. You will see that even the bee
will not pause there for a moment.
13. That which has attributes (satva, rajas and tamas) is with
form; that which has no attributes is without form. Both are
not different from each other. The formless and the one with
the form are one.
14. Though frozen, it is ghee only, and when it melts it is also
called ghee. The concrete and the abstract are one and the
same, and the abstract is spread in the form of the universe.
15. Whosoever one can feast one’s eyes on, on whose feet one can
rest one’s head, on whom one can meditate suitably, love
develops there.
16. In whose company one can chat lovingly, and who can be
worshipped with sandalwood paste and rice, coloured with
turmeric and kumkum, for that a form is a necessity.
17. It is really easy to understand the nature of a bodily form
rather than the formless. Once love for the saguna increases,
it is the awakening for the formless (abstract).
18. Baba would evolve various means to enable the devotees to
experience the abstract. By his authority, he would make them
sit far and forbade darshan for a long time.
19. One would be sent on tour; one would be isolated in Shirdi;
one would be confined to the wada and made to read the
“pothi” regularly.
20. When such a studious training is undergone for a number of
years together, then the craving for the abstract will
develop. While
resting, sleeping and eating, one would then enjoy Baba’s
company mentally.
21. The body is perishable certainly. It is going to come to an
end, at some point of time. Therefore, the devotees should
not feel
distressed but should concentrate on the eternal.
22. This manifold perceivable world is the manifestation of the
unknown (or invisible). It has taken shape or form from the
invisible and will return to the invisible.
23. The universe which has evolved from Brahman, with each part
having the same divine essence as the whole, will also be
assimilated with the invisible from where it has taken birth.
24. Therefore, no being dies. Then how can there be death for
Baba? -Sree Sai is always pure, enlightened, perfect and
untouched by death.
25. Some may call him a devotee of God; some may call him a great
Soul; but for us he is truly the very embodiment of the Lord.
26. The Ganga flows to meet the ocean, and on the way she cools
those who are distressed by the oppressive heat; gives life
to the trees on the banks, and quenches everyone’s thirst.
27. Similar is the manifestation of the Saints. They appear and
disappear. But their behaviour purifies the world.
28. Of an extremely forgiving temperament, soft spoken, gentle,
tolerant, and also incomparably contented,
29. outwardly though possessing a form, yet he is without a form,
without qualities (of passion). He is without attachments and
within him, he is liberated, though he lives an ordinary
life.
30. Krishna who is himself God, says “A Saint is as it were, my
soul, my living image and a Saint is my beloved and is
myself.
31. It is not befitting to call Saints as my images. Saints are
undoubtedly my own Self. Therefore, for their sake, I
shoulder the burdens of the devotees.
32. One who completely surrenders to the Saints, I also bow down
to his feet”. So said Sree Krishna to Uddhava while
describing the greatness of the Saints.
33. One who is the most virtuous amongst the virtuous; the one
without a form amongst the formless, the one who excels
amongst those endowed with excellence, he is the king of
virtuosity amongst the virtuous.
34. One who is completely satisfied by having fulfilled one’s
mission (duties); one who is contented because his desires
are fulfilled, one who is engrossed in the Self and is beyond
pleasures and pain;
35. one who is the glorious form of inner bliss, who can describe
that greatness! It is truly indescribable! He is the
incarnation of Brahman.
36. Or is it this indescribable power which has manifested itself
on this earth – the incarnation of the Sat-Chit-Anand? He is
the treasure of knowledge.
37. One who is absolute Brahman, in every respect; one who is
detached from all mundane existence (samsar) – permanently
non-attached, in a state of oneness with Brahman, and
incarnation of bliss.
38. “Brahman is Bliss”, the Shrutis say. Listeners have heard
this often. The learned read this in the scriptures. The
devotees experience this in Shirdi.
39. This world (samsar) is utterly unique. It has both the
righteous and the wicked elements. Those who do not have the
knowledge of the Self need to be protected from such a world
at every moment.
40. But this is not a problem for those who are Self-realised.
They have a refuge in their Inner Self. They are always
liberated, full of bliss, and engrossed in the Supreme Being.
41. Baba is the abiding abode of all. Why would he need a seat?
That also a silver one? But it is only because of Baba’s
devotees’ desires.
42. For a long time, there was an old seat – which was a piece of
sack cloth. On that, the loving devotees had put a nice
matress for him to sit.
43. Against the wall, behind, on which he rested, the devotees
put a bolster. Baba abided by the devotees’ wishes.
44. Though his residence appeared to be in Shirdi, he was all-
pervasive. This was always experienced by his devotees, by
Sai’s powers.
45. Though immutable, he accepted the worship and honours
(rituals), according to the faith of the devotees. He
accepted (the devotion) in all the different ways.
46. Some waved the whisks – some fanned – some played shehnai or
drums and auspicious musical instruments and some offered
puja.
47. Some would lave his hands and feet (to drink the water as
tirth) – some annointed him with attar and sandalwood paste –
some offered him betel nuts made out of thirteen ingredients2
– some offered mahanaivedya3.
48. Some applied gandh paste, with two fingers, horizontally
across the forehead, as it is done for Shiva linga, without a
break – some applied kasturi mixed with perfume – and also,
applied sandalwood.
49. On one occasion Tatyasaheb Noolkar’s friend, by the name of
Dr. Pandit came to Shirdi only once to take Sai Baba’s
darshan.
50. No sooner than he arrived at Shirdi, he went first to the
Masjid and after doing obeisance to Baba, sat quietly for a
moment.
51. Baba then said to him: “Go to Dada Bhat’s. Go, go this
way”, showing the way with the fingers of his hand.
52. Pandit went to Dada’s. Dada gave him a suitable welcome. Then
when Dada set out for Baba’s worship, he asked him if he
would come along.
53. Pandit accompanied Dada. Dada worshipped Baba. Till then no
one had dared apply fragrant paste (gandh) “tilak”
(circular, auspicious mark on the forehead) to Baba.
54. Whosoever may be the devotee, he would not allow him to apply
the fragrant paste to his forehead. Only Mhalsapati smeared
it on his throat; others applied it to his feet.
55. But this Pandit was simple and full of devotion. He took away
Dada’s “puja thali”, and holding Sree Sai’s head, he
annointed him with the three fingered parallel lines;
(tripundra).
56. Seeing his daring, Dada’s heart began to beat hard. He
thought that Baba would be enraged. What a rash act this was!
57. Thus the impossible had happened! Baba did not utter a word.
On the contrary he seemed quite pleased and did not get angry
with him at all.
58. So be it. He let that moment pass. But Dada felt a
disquietude. Then, that same day’s end he asked Baba about
it.
59. “When we try to apply a small tilak of paste to your
forehead, you do not allow us to touch your forehead – but
what happened this morning?
60. You dislike our tilak. Yet Pandit’s tripundara was found
favourable! Why this unusual behaviour? There seems to be
some inconsistency”.
61. Then very lovingly Sai smiled and spoke to Dada. Listen to
that sweet remark with devotion, all of you.
62. “Dada, his Guru is a Brahmin. I am by caste a Mussalman. But
believing me to be his Guru, he did Guru puja.
63. I am a great, pious Brahmin. He is an unholy Yavan (Muslim).
How should he be worshipped? He had no such doubts.
64. This is how he ensnared me. There I had no alternative. There
was no room to raise any objection. He overwhelmed me”.
65. Though such a reply was heard, Dada took it lightly. But the
essence was realised when Dada returned (home).
66. This inconsistency of Baba greatly hurt Dada. But, while
talking to Pandit, his doubts were immediately clarified.
67. Pandit was enjoined to the feet of Raghunath, a sage from
Dhopeshwar, well known as ‘Kaka Puranik’. The
deep relationship was that of a disciple.
68. He invoked Kaka. He experienced such a feeling
(that Baba was one with Kaka). As per one’s
faith, devotion is rewarded.
69. So be it. He would get all the rituals done if
only he so desired. Otherwise he would throw
away the ‘puja thalis’ and he would become
Raghunath
Dopeshwar alias
Kaka Puranik
‘Narasimhan’ incarnate (display wrath).
70. When he displayed this nature, who would be so courageous as
to withstand it? Everyone would run for their lives when he
was furious.
71. Suddenly, at times, he is furious and full of fire and
brimstone, with his devotees; sometimes, he is softer than
wax – the image of peace and forgiveness.
72. At times, he resembles an erupted volcano (fire at the time
of destruction), and would keep the devotees at the razor’s
edge (hold them in mortal fear); at times he is softer than
butter, and shines with bliss.
73. Even if he trembles with rage and rolls his eyes, round and
round, but within his heart there is a spring of kindness
like a mother’s towards her child.
74. Within a moment when he resumes his normal behaviour (after
his anger subsides) he would call his devotees by name and
say: “When I get angry with anyone, I am not aware of it.
75. If a mother kicks her child, or the ocean rolls back the
water of the rivers, then only would I scornfully neglect you
and would harm you.
76. I am under my devotees’ obligations. I am always beside them
(standing close). I am always hungry for love. I am at their
beck and call”.
77. In the course of writing this part of the narration, I am
reminded of an apt story, which is exemplary. Listen to it
with respect.
78. Once a Muslim, resident of Kalyan, by the name of Siddique
Falke, after a pilgrimage to Mecca – Medina, arrived at
Shirdi.
79. That old Haji stayed in the Chavadi4 facing the north. For
the first nine months Baba was displeased with him and was
not ready to meet him.
80. The auspicious hour did not come for him. His wearisome trips
were futile (i.e. between the north Chavadi and the Masjid).
He tried different ways and means but could never exchange
glances (with Baba).
81. The Masjid was always open to everyone. No one was debarred
or prohibited. But that Falke had no permission to mount the
steps of the Masjid.
82. Falke became internally dejected. ‘What kind of karmas have
been instrumental that my steps cannot enter the masjid. What
sins have I committed?
83. By what turn of events, will Baba be propitious towards me
and come forward towards me’ – that was the sole thought, day
and night, in Falke’s mind, like the throbbing of his own
heart.
84. In the meanwhile, somebody advised him not to be dejected
like this ‘Take Madhavrao’s help and your heart’s desire will
be fulfilled’.
85. Before taking Nandi’s darshan, can Shankar become propitious?
He approved of following this method and liked the idea of
using this means.
86. On the face of it, the listeners will think this to be an
exaggeration. But, this was the experience, in Shirdi, at the
time of darshan.
87. Whoever desired to be with Baba, without any disturbance, to
have a dialogue, he was required to go with Madhavrao, at the
outset.
88. Who has come, from where, and wherefore? – for the purpose of
telling all this in a sweet and suitable manner and to
introduce (Madhavrao was required). Then Samartha became
willing to talk.
89. The Haji heard all this and persuaded Madhavrao. He said:
“Once, at least, dispel my turmoil. Help me to attain the
unattainable”.
90. With this pressure on Madhavrao to find a suitable
opportunity, he made a firm decision. Whether the task was
difficult or not, he would make an effort.
91. He plucked up courage and went to the Masjid. He broached the
subject very delicately. “Baba, that old man is greatly
distressed. Please oblige him.
92. That Haji has come to Shirdi for your darshan after doing the
Mecca – Medina pilgrimage. How can you not be merciful to
him? And not allow him to come into the Masjid?
93. Innumerable persons come, freely enter the Masjid, take
darhsan and leave quickly. Why is only this one languoring in
vain?
94. Be merciful towards him, just once. Meet him in the Masjid.
Then, he will also leave quickly, after asking the question
in his heart”.
95. “Shama, the infant’s spume has not yet even dried on your
lips. If Allah’s grace is not with him, what can I do for
him?
96. If he does not have an indebtedness of Allahmiya, can anyone
climb (the steps of) the Masjid! The Fakir’s actions are
beyond understanding. And I have no control over them.
97. So be it. There is a narrow foot path beyond the Barvi well.
Go and ask him clearly if he will walk and come there
correctly”.
98. The Haji said: “However difficult it may be, I will walk
correctly. But grant me a personal meeting, and let me sit
near his feet”.
99. Listening to the answer from Shama, Baba said, “Ask him
further: Four times forty thousand rupees, will you give to
me?”
100.When Madhavrao gave him this message, the Haji said: “What
are you asking? If he asks, I will give forty lakhs! Where
lies the question of thousands!”
101.Listening to this answer, Baba said: “Ask him. To-day we
have a desire to slaughter a goat in our Masjid. What part of
the meat, do you wish.
102.Would he like bones with flesh, haunch or testicles? Go and
ask that old man, what he definitely wants”.
103.Madhavrao related in detail to the Haji whatever Baba had
said. Haji emphatically said: “I need nothing of all that.
104.Give me whatever he wishes. But I have only one desire. If I
only get a morsel from the kolamba5 I will have attained my
object and my well-being”.
105.Madhavrao returned with this response from the Haji. While hMadhavrao returned with this response from the Haji. While he
was presenting this statement, Baba became wild with anger
immediately.
106.Picking up the kolamba and the water pot in his own hands he
threw them out of the door. Biting his hand noisily, he came
near the Haji.
107.Holding his kafni with both hands and lifting it up, he stood
in front of the Haji and said: “What do you think yourself
to be? Are you boasting in front of me?
108.You are giving yourself airs because of your age! Is that the
way you recite the Koran! You are vain because you have done
the pilgrimage to Mecca! But you do not realise who I am!”
109.In this manner he was reproached! Using unspeakable words!
The Haji was dumbfounded. Baba then turned back.
110.While entering the courtyard of the Masjid, he saw the
gardener’s wife selling mangoes. He purchased all the baskets
and sent them immediately to the Haji.
111.In the same way, he turned back immediately, and went again
towards that Haji. He took out Rs. 55/-from the pocket and
counted them on his (Haji’s) hands.
112.Thereafter, there developed affection. The Haji was invited
to eat and both of them forgot all the past. The Haji was
delightfully blissful.
113.Then he left and frequently came again. He took full pleasure
in Baba’s affection. Then Baba gave him gifts of monies, from
time to time.
114.May that be whatsoever. Once I was astounded to see Sai
Samartha exercise his authority over the clouds and saw him
praying to Indra6.
115.It was a very frightful time. The entire sky was black and
overcast. Birds and beasts were frightened. A hurricane-like
wind began to blow.
116.The sun set and it was evening. Suddenly the whirlwind arose.
Strong gusty winds blew. There was an irrestible commotion,
117.accompanied by peals of thunder, crackling of lightening,
shrieking winds and torrential rains.
118.It rained cats and dogs, hailstones noisily descended, the
village folk and the cattle had a fearful anticipation and
cried and bellowed, creating a loud commotion.
119.Destitute beggars came for shelter under the eaves of thDestitute beggars came for shelter under the eaves of the
Masjid and were joined by the cattle and the calves. The
Masjid was crowded.
120.There was water in all the quarters. The hay was completely
washed away. The harvest was totally wet in the threshing
ground. People were struck aghast.
121.The whole village was frightened and worried. They came in
and filled the courtyard of the Masjid and some stayed under
the eaves. They put forth their grievance to Baba.
122.Shirdi abounded in temples of Jogai, Jakhai, Mariai, Shani,
Shankar, Ambabai, Maruti, Khandoba, Mhalsai.
123.Yet, at any critical juncture, no one was of any service to
the villagers except the one and only, prompt and quick Sai,
who helped in all difficulties.
124.He did not need sacrifices of goats and cocks, nor offerings
of money. All that he desired was true devotion to sweep away
all difficulties.
125.Maharaj was greatly moved by seeing the panic of the people.
He left his seat and came forward and stood near the plinth
of the Masjid.
126.The sky was reverberating with the sound of thunder and the
crackling lightening set the sky ablaze with light. In the
midst of all this stood Sai Maharaj, shouting at the top of
his voice.
127.Gods love their devotees and their Saints and Sages more than
themselves. Gods heed their words and take human birth for
their sake.
128.Gods have to espouse the cause of the devotees on hearing
their appeals. They uphold all requests as soon as they are
made, recalling the faith of the devotees.
129.Loud bawls followed one after another, resounding in the sky.
The Masjid seemed to shake. Everyone was deafened.
130.The Masjid and the temples resounded with that earth-shaking
voice. Then the clouds stopped their own thunder and even the
rains stopped pouring.
131.Baba’s loud bawling was so profuse that the whole courtyard
full of people got rooted to the spot, whispering amongst
itself.
132.Baba’s skill and powers were inconceivable. It had an effect
on the rains. The wind also was immediately controlled and
the darkness caused by the fog was dissipated.
133.Slowly, slowly the rain decreased. The wind also lessenedSlowly, slowly the rain decreased. The wind also lessened.
The
constellations became visible. The darkness was dispelled by
that time.
134.Later the
quietened.
cheered.
rains
The mocoon
mpletely
appeared
stopin
ped.
the
The
sky.
galing
Everyone
winds
was
135.Indra melted at the plight and upheld the words of the Saint.
The clouds were dispersed in all directions. The whirlwind
calmed down.
136.The rains totally abated. The wind blew gently. The sound of
thunder subsided. The birds and beasts regained their
courage.
137.Leaving the shelter of the eaves, the cattle and calves came
out and roamed again without fear. The birds also flew into
the sky.
138.Having earlier experienced the terryfying incident, all the
people returned to their homes after expressing their
gratitude to Baba. The cattle also peacefully dispersed.
139.Such was Sai, the embodiment of mercy! He had great love for
the devotees. His concern was like that of a mother for the
children. How can I describe that loving nature!
140.Similarly, he had control over the fire. Listeners. Please
listen with respect to a short story, as an example. You will
realise the unexcelled power.
141.One afternoon the dhuni blazed uncontrollably. The flames
billowed. Who could stay near it?
142.The flames of the fire increased fiercely and reached the
roof of wooden beams. It appeared that the Masjid would
quickly be
reduced to ashes, as at the burning of Holi.
143.Nevertheless, Baba was composed while all the people became
apprehensive. All the people were amazed at the ruination
Baba was facing.
144.One asked: “Shall we bring some water?” Another said: “Who
will pour it? Who will go near there to receive the blow of
the satka on the head?”
145.Though everybody was restless, none had the courage to ask.
At that moment, Baba made a movement and placed his hand on
the satka.
146.Seeing the blazing flames, he took the satka in his hand and
started forcefully striking, blow after blow, saying “Get
back”.
147.An arm’s length from the dhuni, he was forcefully strikinAn arm’s length from the dhuni, he was forcefully striking
the
pillar, while looking at the flames and saying: “Calm down,
calm down”.
148.With every stroke, the flames lessened and subsided. The
dhuni
became calm and the fear disappeared completely.
149.Such was Sai, the doyen of the Saints, God incarnate! On
placing your head at his feet, he will lay the boon-giving
hand on your head.
150.Whosoever reads this chapter regularly, with
devotion, all the problems will be resolved
completion of the reading with concentration.
faith
after
and
the
151.What more can I say! After purifying the mind, scrupulously
do the Sai ‘pãrãyan’! You will attain eternal Brahman.
152.Attain the unattainable! Ultimately become desireless! Attain
the difficult four-fold mukti and uninterrupted peace.
153.So be it. Those devotees who desire to enjoy the bliss of
‘parmartha’ and perfect knowledge should read this chapter
repeatedly, with great respect.
154.The minds will be purified. Savouring the stories will
develop an attitude of spiritual inclinations. They will
attain whatever is desired and whatever is not auspicious or
desirable will be destroyed. Personally experience Baba.
155.Hemadpant surrenders to Sai. The next chapter is very sacred
about the relationship of the Guru and the disciple, darshan
of Gholap by the Guru putra.
156.No matter what the circumstances, the disciple should never
abandon his own gurudev. Sai gave specific experiences of
this and increased the firm faith.
157.Those devotees, who came and surrendered, each had the unique
darshan in different forms (of deities and/or Gurus) and
their faith was confirmed.
May there be well-being. This is the end of the eleventh chapter,
of Sree Sai Samartha Satcharita, written by the devotee
Hemadpant, impelled by Saints and virtuous people, called “The
Description of Sree Sai’s Greatness”.
This is offered to Sree Sadguru Sainath.
May there be auspiciousness!
Notes :
1.
With Hymns offered to Rudra, eleven times.
2.
Supari, White Kat, Cloves, Nutmeg, Saffron, Dry coconut,
Camphor, Kankol, Jaipatri, Cardamom, Almond, Kasturi,
Lime.
3.
Wide variety of delicious foods, which could be as many
as sixty items.
4.
There are two Chavadi in Shirdi – one faces the north
and one faces the south. They face one another.
5.
The mud pot into which all offerings of naivedya were
placed and also the food which Baba begged as alms.
6.
King of the Gods.
Seeing the blazing flames, he took the satka in his hand and started forcefully
striking, blow after blow, saying “Get back”. (Ch.11, ovi 146)
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