Welcome to https://ShirdiSaiBaba.InterNational

Thanks SSS Trust, Shirdi

"I draw to Me, My man from far off or even across the seven Seas to Shirdi, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet"-Shirdi Sai Baba, Indian Spiritual Guru-God

Start directly at

Sai Baba
Sai Baba Temples
Beginner Guide
Living in Materialistic World
Live spiritually
NEWS
Recently Posted
Featured Posts
Recently viewed by Others

First time to Shirdi? View

First time to Sai Baba Temple? View

Blog

  • Baba’s indifference to wealth

    Baba’s indifference to wealth

    Baba’s sayings about His indifference to Wealth

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About indifference to Wealth

    250. Baba, to Balakrishna G. “Upasani sastri: Will you give me dakshina?”

    BGU: I have no money.

    Baba: What is that in your pocket? Give it.

    BGU: This is a silver watch. Take it, Baba.?

    Baba: Do you think you are losing by giving this.

    BGU: Nothing given to you is a loss.

    Then Baba received the watch and at once gave it away to some one present. BGU went on to Poona and there a rich friend, learning that he had given away his watch to Baba, compelled him to accept a gold watch (without knowing the above words of Baba). So, BGU was a gainer and not a loser by giving away his silver watch.

    1. H S Dixit once came with a trunkful of silver rupees, which he had earned by working for a Native State, and placed it before Baba.

    HDS: All this is yours.

    Baba: Is that so?

    Then Baba opened the lid and with both hands drew out all the contents and poured the same to all and sundry. In a few minutes, the trunk was empty.

    Mr. Garde, Sub-Judge of Nagpur and a friend of HSD., watched the latter’s face. HSD had not the slightest regret or sorrow or concern at the disappearance of his hard earned fees. it was evidently to test and strengthen his vairagya that Baba scattered his money thus.

    1. When a silver palanquin was brought and presented to Baba Boba: “Take it away, I do not want it.”

    But the devotees insisted that it was needed for processions, when Baba’s portrait would be placed in it. The Palki was left in the open and on the first night some silver appurtenances were stolen,

    Devotee: “Baba, the silver trappings are stolen”

    Baba: Why was not the whole palki stolen?

    1. Damodar Rasane wanted to start a business and wrote for Baba’s approval. Baba disapproved of it. Then Damia came and proposed to give Baba a share in the profits.

    Baba: Hallo, Damia, I am not to be entangled in anything i.e., in pecuniary concerns.

    (Baba declined to form a mutt or Ashram or to be the head or proprietor of any institution, estate or property, or even recognise any one as his disciple, chela-to succeed to his position. He left no estate to succeed to.)

    1. Baba- “Once I was at Puntamba. There was a struggle there between two parties. I wondered why they fought. I found near them a potful of coins. That was the bone of contention between them. Then I quietly moved up and carried it away. They found their wealth was gone and began to mourn and lament- I was saying to myself: “Who am I? What is this wealth? Whose is it? What confusion and struggle for this? The pot is mine and I am the pot’s.”
    1. Two (Deccani) Brahmins came to Baba,

    Baba- “Syama, ask Rs.15/- of that man (pointing to one).

    That man gave the Rs.15/- readily and Baba received it and kept it. The other unasked paid Rs.35/- Baba counted it and returned it to the donor.

    Syama: Deva, what is this discrimination? I have never seen anything like this. You ask for a smaller sum and receive it. The larger sum is voluntarily paid and you return it.

    (What follows is already mentioned in 103)

    B: Syama, you a child and you understand nothing. I do nothing. I receive nothing. Datta called for his own. He has called for Rs.15, his due and given it to Masudi Ayi? So the money has been received (by me). But this Rs.35 is not ours and so it has been returned.

    At first he was poor and he made a vow that he would pay his first month’s salary which proved to be Rs.15/-. But he forgot that vow, as time went on. His salary went on increasing from Rs.15/- to Rs.30/-, Rs.60/-, Rs.100/-, Rs.200/, Rs.400/- and ultimately Rs.700. Then his Karma drove him here and so I asked him to give me my Rs.15/- under the name Dakshina.

    Then there is another incident. I wandered by the sea-shore and came to a huge and beautiful house owned by a rich Brahmin of good family. I was welcomed there heartily. The Brahmin fed me sumptuously and showed me a clean and nice place near a cup-board to sleep. When I was sound asleep there, the man pulled off a stone slab from the wall and scissored off an entire packet of currency notes from my pocket. They were 30 notes of Rs. 1,000 each.

    When I woke, I found they were gone. I was quite upset and was weeping and moaning. I thought the Brahmin had stolen it. I lost all interest in food and drink and stayed there 15 days on his verandah. On the 15th day a passing fakir saw me crying and made kind enquiries. I told him everything. He said, “you will get relief, if you act as I bid you. I will tell you of a fakir and give his address. Seek refuge at his feet. He will restore the property to you. You had better also take a vow. Give up eating what you like best, until you recover your money. That vow will help you to attain success”.

    Following the fakir’s advice, I abstained from eating my best beloved dish and sought refuge at the fakir’s feet. Then I got my money. I left that house there after. Again I went by the sea-shore. There was a steamer by which I should go, but I could not get in. Then a peon interceded and got me into it, luckily. That brought me to the train. Thus I came to Masudi Mayi. While Baba was narrating this, the visitors were greatly moved but Syama could make nothing out of Baba’s words.

    B: Syama. take these visitors, and give them dinner.

    At dinner, Syama asked them if they understood what Baba said. Baba is always staying here and has not seen sea or sea-shore and had never Rs.30,000/- of wealth for anyone to steal.

    One of the guests begin to narrate with great feeling the following:

    My birth place is a ghat hillside facing the sea. I went out to Goa to earn my living. I vowed to Datta -that if I earn anything, my first month’s salary should be His. By Datta’s grace I first got employed on Rs.15/-and it increased steadily just as Baba described it. I forgot all about paying Rs.15/- to Datta till Baba spoke of it here. Baba’s kindly taking Rs.15/- has enabled me to fulfil the vow at last.

    The second guest began his tale. For 35 years my Brahmin cook was faithfully serving me. By a stroke of misfortune, his mind turned and robbed me of my accumulated wealth. There is a slab in my house in the wall of the cupboard. The cook removed the slab, came through the hole and carried away my entire store. There was a roll of notes amounting to Rs.30,000/- which were my savings after a life of long effort and toil. I do not know how Baba knew the exact amount. Day and night I bewailed my loss. “How to recover the property”, that question staggered my mind. I gave a complaint to the Police, but it was no good. I spent 15 days in great anxiety. As I sat on the verandah with a long face, a passing fakir noted my affliction and inquired for the cause and I told him the whole story.

    Said he: “An Avalia there is named ‘Sai’ at Shirdi in Kopergaon Taluq. Make a vow to him (i.e. to go to him in case you get back your wealth). Give up what you like best to eat, with the vow that you will not eat it, till you see Sai”. I made such vows and I gave up eating boiled rice in any shape, saying, “I will take it only when I get back my money and I come to you”.

    Fifteen days more passed after that. I do not know what occurred to the Brahmin. But he then came of his own accord, returned my money, and apologised saying, “My brain was spoiled and I acted thus. Now I fall at your feet. Pray excuse me”.

    I gave him Rs.2000/- out of the Rs.30,000/. One night I was at Colaba and saw Sai in my dream. That was evidently to remind me of my promised visit to Shirdi.

    I went to Goa and from there wanted to start for Shirdi by taking steamer to Bombay; but when I came to the harbour, the ship was full and there was no space. So said the Captain. But, on board, there was a peon, who though a total stranger to me, said to the Captain that I was his man, i.e., belonged to his group. Then I was allowed to get into the steamer, which brought me to Bombay, whence by train, I came here. Surely Sai is all pervasive. What are we? Where is our home? How great is our good fortune that Baba has drawn us to himself? How wonderful was the recovery of the stolen money (cf 230)

    Marwadis stack
    1. Baba: “This Marwadi Bagchand whose stack caught fire begged for help to avoid loss. Gain and loss, birth and death are in the hands of God. But how blindly do these people forget God! If profit comes, they rejoice. If loss comes, they weep. Why? Why say? “This is mine”? what does it mean?

    The stack is not the Marwadi. It is only hay and not his body. It grew from seeds on the earth, and was fed by rains from the clouds and by sun light. Earth, Clouds and the Sun are its owners. This fellow’s claim is ungrounded. Fire is in all these three and it consumed the stack. We are not the owners. God gives with one hand and takes away with the other. Sait, go home. You will make up for this loss in some other transaction.”

    1. Baba- ” This cow of (H.S.Dikshit) Kaka, belonged to the Jalna man, and earlier to the Aurangabad man and before that to Mahlsapathy. God knows whose it is.”

    None who has firm faith in God is left in want for anything.

    1. Baba- ” What God gives is never exhausted. What man gives never lasts. “
    2. Baba (to NGC): “Nana, the only things that can be called mine are a rag, a langoti (rag), a kupni (toga), a potsherd and a (tin) tumbler. See, how inexcusably people trouble me, pester me and coerce me. What should be said of this?“
    ILL – fated Property

    260. S.R.V Jayakar lent Rs.4,000/- to a Moslem purdah lady without issue.

    The money was not returned. S.R.V. Jayakar to

    “Shall I go for the money, Baba?

    Baba:   “Let  us  have  nothing  to  do  with  such  ill-fated wealth.”

    She lost all her wealth in 2 or 3 years and Jayakar recovered nothing.

    Poverty

    261. Baba: Poverty is highest riches and is a thousand times superior to a lord’s position. God is the brother of the poor. Fakir is the real emperor. Fakirship does not perish, but empire is soon lost.

    Providence

    262. Baba- ” People must put full faith in the Lord’s Providence. They should not worry about food and clothing. Do not waste your life on these.

    In the abode of my devotees, there will be no dearth of food and clothing. “

    Gospel, St. Mathews, ch.VI25. “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

  • WEALTH

    WEALTH

    Baba’s sayings about Greed of Wealth and Asking Donation

    Para Number in the Book & About Greed Managing

    1. R.B.P. A devotee: “Why are you asking for so much money?”

    Baba- ” I am not asking of every one. I ask only from the man whom the fakir (God) points out. But in exchange, I have to give that man ten times the amount, which I have taken. I do not take the money for my own use. I have no family.”

    Every morning Baba would be a poor fakir owning zero and during the day dakshinas would accumulate; and by evening or night the whole accumulation will be disbursed. When Baba passed away, after receiving a Governor’s income from dakshina for about ten years, he had only Rs.16 in his possession.

    1. A man living with a mistress and suffering from venereal complaints came to Baba and said: “Baba, take this Rs.500″. Baba (angrily):” I want none of your money. You are keeping someone in your house; is it not? Give it to her.”

    The man was mortified at this exposure and went away.

    1. Some persons were on their way to Shirdi mosque of Baba.

    Baba (angrily): “Rascals, (pouring plenty of abuse) committing such and such vile crimes and sins (naming their sins, vices etc.,)! What help can they get! (as he finished this tirade, the parties entered with rich gifts.)

    Baba: “This is just what I have been saying” (and he refused to accept gifts or give help)

    Dakshina, a means of denuding a devotee of even thing

    [Which means I take away everything, when I wish to show my favour.] 

    236. S.R.V. Jayakar who has painted Baba’s portrait kept in Dwarka Mayee at Shirdi was staying before Baba with Rs.2-8-0 in his pocket.   One Varde of Bombay came to Baba. 

    V. I have no money to perform Satyanarayana Pooja.

    B.: How much do you want? 

    V Rs.2-8-0.

    B.: This man (pointing to Jayakar) has got it    Borrow from him.

    So varde applied and Jayakar had to part with the entire Rs.2-8-0 he had in his pocket.

    237. P.R. Avaste, a Judicial Officer of Indore and a devotee of Baba came during summer vacation with his wife and son to Shirdi. He was on his way to perform his son’s marriage and kept with his son Rs.400/- and Rs.300/- with his wife. He was to get a good bridegroom (karini) for his son’s marriage. When he came to Baba,

    Baba to P.R. Avaste: Will you give me Dakshina?

    P.R. Avaste: How much?

    Baba: Rs. 30/-

    Baba to P.R. Avaste’s son: Will you give me Rs.40/-

    Thus again and again Baba took away the whole fund with Mrs. PRA and her son – except Rs.30/-

    Baba to P.R. Avaste: Will you give me Rs.30/-

    P.R. Avaste: Shall I give it, Baba?

    Baba: Yes.

    Then with great pain at heart, Mr. Avaste took the last remaining Rs.30/- from his wife and paid to Baba.

    Baba asked for nothing more.

    As P.R. Avaste was dolefully returning from Baba, Bapu Saheb Jog exultingly patted him on the back.

    Jog: I say I congratulate you. Baba has taken frequent Dakshina from you. You are lucky. Baba never takes except to give back tenfold.

    P.R. Avaste: I do not know about that. I know that I have not got a pie remaining for going to the place of marriage.

    Jog: How much do you want?

    P.R. Avaste: Rs.100/-

    Jog: Here it is. Baba has got a present of Rs. 6000/- from a Mumbai merchant who vowed he would pay 25% of his profits, if the news of loss of his goods proved false. Of that 6000, Baba has already spent 3000 in three days. If I tell him I gave you Rs.100/-, he will neither object nor call for the Rs.100/-, but as he has taken Rs.600 odd from you, I assure you that you will have a promotion by Rs.50/- per mensem now.

    P.R. Avaste: I have no godfather to get me promotion.

    But as stated by Jog, the promotion of Rs.50/- was given to Mr. P.R. Avaste, as he learnt after the vacation ended.

    Dakshina asked for taking away first fruits on indicating coming of the amount asked

    238. Baba to S.B.Dhumal: “Bhav give me Rs.50/-.”

    S.B.D. I have not got the money.

    B.: Then ask Saheb (H.V.S.)

    S.B.D. went and asked H.V.S. for Rs.50/- H.V.S. gladly gave it. This was an indication to H.V.S. that his claim, then pending before Govt for an extra sum of Rs.50/- as part of his pension was to be allowed.

    Later the order allowing it came. And the date of the order was the date of Baba’s demand of Rs.50/-.

    239. Somanaih S.D.Nimonkar, a Police Sub-Inspector, was before Baba in 1912. 

    Baba- “Give me Rs.10/-.

    S. paid the amount of Rs. 10/-.

    Six months later S got an order raising his pay byRs.10/- from the date of his above payment.

    Dakshina as Prophecy or control

    240. R.S.Dev was before Baba, intending to get Baba’s sanction for building five suites of rooms.

    Baba (drawing 25 lines on the floor). “One rupee for each line, i.e., each suite of rooms. Give Rs.25/-.”

    R.S.Dev paid the sum. Though he intended to build only five, he went on adding till the number happened to be 25 suites of rooms and there are only 25 even now.

    241. Baba to S.B.Nachne and Sankar Rao: “Give me Rs.64/-.”

    S.B.: We have no money,

    Subsequently when Baba was ill, they collected funds for poor feeding and sent it up. That collection was exactly Rs.64/-.

    Dakshina as claim of first fruits

    242. Daji Hait Lele, Deputy Inspector of Land Records at Nasik was going to Shirdi and on the way at Kopergaon saw the Gazette and found that he had been promoted from Rs.125/- to Rs.150/-.

    Then he came and bowed to Baba at Shirdi.

    Baba- “Bring me Rs.15/-.”

    L.: I have no money.

    Baba- “It is only yesterday I gave you Rs.25. Go and bring the money.”

    Lele borrowed the money and paid it.    (See H.V. Sathe’s Experiences).

    Dakshina to deprive a man of money which he should not have taken or kept

    243. S.B. Dhumal was directed to file a criminal appeal on behalf of Baba’s chamatkar. Judgement of acquittal was immediately pronounced, as soon as he presented the appeal. He was given Rs.300 by the appellants and when he came with the money to Shirdi.

    Baba- ” Bhau, will you give me dakshina? “

    S.B.D.: Yes, Baba.

    In this way he repeatedly collected just the Rs.300 and did not ask for anything more.

    Dakshina asked for giving effect to intention

    244. M. W.Pradhan, when starting to see Baba for the first time intended to give him Rs.20 in silver, and for that purpose got a Rs.50 note changed.

    When he actually came to Baba and dakshina was asked, he changed his mind and wanted to give gold. So he gave a sovereign.

    Baba- ” What is this?”

    Noolkar: This is a guinea.

    B.. What is it worth?

    N.: Rs.15.

    B… I do not want this.    Give me Rs.15, and keep this.

    And Pradhan carefully treasured up the coin touched by Baba and gave him 15 silver rupees.

    Baba, (counting it over and over): Here is only Rs. 10. Give me Rs.5. more:

    M.W.P.: Here are Rs.5 more.

    Thus, under colour of wrong calculation and putting to test also M.W.P.’s combativeness in dealing with his own guru, Baba gave effect to his intention to pay Rs.20.

    After receiving the Rs.20, he did not ask for anything more.

    Secondary meaning of Dakshina

    245. Baba to B.V.Dev.: “Bhau. give me dakshina. 

    B.V.Dev gave one guinea. 

    B.: Give me more.

    Baba after getting four said.- “Though four were given by you, Baba has got only one.”

    Dev.: “Baba, I have given four.”

    B.’. Yes, but I have only one.    You will know.

    The obvious interpretation is, though the devotee surrenders his fourfold Antahkarana (of Manas, Buddhi Ahankara, Chitta) Baba receives only the Jiva; and all multiplicity, when it reaches God-Baba becomes one. So the mind must surrender multiplicity unto the God Guru to attain unity’.

    Dakshina

    246. Baba (to G.G.Narke): Give me Rs.I5 dakshina.

    G.G.N’.: Baba, you know I have not got a pie. Why do you often ask me for Rs.15/-?

    Baba- ” I know you have no money. But you are reading Yoga Vasishta. Get me Rs. 15 dakshina from that.”

    Getting dakshina here means deriving lessons from Y.Vasishta and lodging them in. the heart where Baba resides.(S.C.I 86.)

    1. Baba to R.B.Purandhare: “Give me Rs.2 dakshina.” R.B.P.:  Baba, why do you constantly ask me for Rs.2 when you know that I am a poor clerk.

    B.: “It is not these coins that I want. I want (1) Nishta (faith) and (2) Saburi (patient endurance and waiting courageously). Give me these.” R.B.P.: I have given you these. Please get these done by me.

    1. Baba to Mrs. T.: Give me Rs.6 dakshina.

    Mrs. T. (to her husband). We have no money. It is so painful to be asked when we have nothing.

    Mr. T.: Baba wants only your six inner enemies (Lust, anger etc.) to be surrendered to him.

    Baba, again to Mrs.T:. Will you give me Rs.6? Mrs. T: Baba, I have given them. B.: See that you do not wander off.

    Dakshina asked for teaching lessons

    1. Judge (MB Rege) in 1912, went to see Baba with Rs.100/- in his pocket.

    Baba: Give me dakshana Rs. 40/- That was given.

    Again Baba: Give me dakshana Rs.40/- That was given.

    Again Baba: Give me Rs. 20/-

    That also was given by the judge, who noted that Baba was reducing him to zero condition.

    Later, Baba to Judge: Give me Rs.40/- dakshina.

    Judge: I have nothing to give.

    Baba: Then go and get the money and give.

    Judge: To whom am I to go.

    Baba: Shyama.

    Then Judge went to Shyama and told him.

    Shyama: You have not understood Baba. He cares a rap for you rupees. What he wants is your mind and heart, your time and soul to be devoted to him. That is his meaning.

    The Judge went back and reported to Baba.

    Baba, smiling: Go to Dixit and ask him.

    The Judge went and told Dixit.

    Dixit: Baba’s directions to you must be understood in the circumstances as a lesson to you and that you should not feel absence of money or the begging for money or for anything else to be a humiliation and that you should not consider yourself to be above begging.

    Judge went and reported to Baba. Baba, smiling: Go to Nana (N.G. Chandorkar) Judge went and reported to Nana.

    NGC: I know how delicate it is, when baba asks for Dakshina and there is nothing to be given. You must learn my plans and ways.

    Whenever I go to Shirdi, I start with a certain sum and leave half of it at Kopergaon, e.g., on this occasion I came with Rs.200/= and left half of it at Kopergaon and came to Shirdi with Rs.100/- only. I go on giving dakshana out of the stock in hand to Baba and when it is exhausted, I send for the reserve at Kopergaon. You must adopt this plan.

    Judge went and reported this to Baba.

    Baba then sent for Nana and Nana came.

    Baba: Nana, give me Rs.40/- And Nana paid it and went away.

    Again he was sent for.

    Baba: Nana, give me Rs.40/- more.

    Again Baba sent for Nana and collected Rs.20/-. Then Nana sent someone to Kopergaon for the reserve fund, but before it came, Baba wanted more from Nana and Nana felt humiliated.

    The lesson taught by these demands for dakshana was that it was a presumption on the part of anyone to think that he himself was the great Providence supplying Baba or that anyone could supply all that Baba might ask for.

    DAKSHINA:

                    See elsewhere for the meaning of Baba’s demanding Rs.5,11,16, cf 135, 136, 186, 255

    (Chakra Narayan noted that Baba never showed anger or displeasure if any did not pay dakshina, and never gave (or sold) special favour for donors of dakshina. His unbought grace was given free to all. The moneys received by Baba did not stick to his palm, but were quickly passed out. Baba did not lead a luxurious life, but lived on simple begged food, except for the addition of Naivedya presented.)

  • Lobha or Greed

    Baba’s sayings about Greed

    Para Number in the Book & About greed

    1. Baba- ” Never accept gratis the labour (or, of course property) of others. This should be the rule of your life.”

    Baba said this, as he paid Rs.2/- to a man who brought him a ladder to get down from the top of a house.

    1. Baba (to N.G.C.)- “This man has left a box with us and wants it back. It is not proper to refuse. We must give him back what is his. “
    2. Baha (to Jayagvdi Bala Nev. jaskar): “Return the lands to the children (i.e., the lessors).. Why trouble them?”

    This was said to Bala Newaskar who was a lessee of Kshirasagar’s lands, the proceeds of which were given to Bala, but Bala refused to return the lands.

    229. Baba (to Attai): “It is Anna (your father) that eats your property. Let him eat. Do not sue him. God will give you plenty.

    230. Baba (to Jog): “Do not go to the debtor’s village to ask for your money. The debtor himself will come here.

    Jog: Will he himself come? How will he? The time for recovery of the debt is nearly over.

    Baba: Wait.

    Jog waited beyond limitation time and the debtor himself came and paid the debts, viz., Rs.I,400/- the principal without interest (cf 255.)

    Sadu chose the Better Part and not Bade Baba

    231. Sadu Bhayya (Sadashiv Dundiraj) who was at Harda on 15-2-1915 was walking with some friends at 4 pm. Suddenly Baba appeared to be coming from the opposite direction and he passed his hand into Sadu Bhayya’s, and leaving a toothpick in the latter’s hand and disappeared.

    A sceptic Friend: What is that has happened now?

    S.Bhayya: One thing is certain. When we were coming on, I had no toothpick in hand. Now I have got a toothpick here. Baba has given me this.

    Sceptic Friend: Why not write to Shirdi and verify? Sadhu Bhayya wrote ro Shama and on Shama’s invitation went to Shirdi and narrated all facts in Baba’s presence.

    Baba: “Sadu, go and tell this to bade Baba.”

    Sadhu Bhayya went and narrated it before Bade Baba, Dr. Pillai and others. Bade Baba very much excited began to think and came weeping to Baba.

    Bade Baba: “What Baba, you have been giving me large sums of money but money only; but to Sadhu Bhayya you have given Sakshatkar.”

    So saying he wept.

    Baba: “What is to be done? Each gets what he chooses”

    Bade baba who had plenty of money and paid income tax on them, subsequently lost all fortune and died.

    232. N R Sahasrabuddhe found Baba was distributing prasad to devotees. The quantity in baba’s hand being but little, NRS feared that nothing would remain for him.

    Baba (giving him a bit) said, with a smile, “There is nothing for you” and thus rebuked him for his anxiety and attachment to earthly goods. 

  • JEALOUSY

    Baba’s sayings about Jealousy

    Para Number in the Book-BCS, & About jealousy

    Baba to NGC: ‘Among the six Viharas; Jealousy is the easiest to conquer.’

    225. “In this Vihara, there is no question of (actual) gain or loss,  to ourselves.

    Jealousy (Matsara) is the inability to endure another’s profit and prosperity. If another gets fortune or power, we cannot put up with it, we scandalise him. When he meets with loss, we rejoice. But is it good? When that man attains prosperity , what loss have we really suffered? But people do not consider this point of view.

    If he attains good let us rejoice (with him) (or let us consider ourselves also as lucky or benefited); or let us attain or strive to attain equal good. That should be our desire and determination. What has he taken away of ours? Nothing. He received the prosperity that is the result of his Karma.

    How then should we feel aggrieved at it? So, Nana, conquer jealousy first.”

  • PRIDE

    Baba’s sayings about Pride

    Para Number in the Book & About pride

    Baba puts down the Pride of a Haji

    219. A Haji (one who had made a pilgrimage to Mecca) came to Shirdi mosque. Baba: “Do not get into the mosque.” The Haji went back and was for some months, prevented from getting into the mosque. Then when he asked Syama to intercede for him, Baba thus put him to the test and put down his pride.

    Baba, to Syama:” Go to the Chavadi and ask the man, if he will walk straight in the middle of the narrow foot-path amidst babul bushes near Barve well.”

    Syama went and returned with an affirmative answer.

    Again Baba to Syama: Go and ask him if he will pay me Rs.40,000/- in four instalments. Syama went and returned with the answer that he was prepared to pay Rs.40 lakhs.

    Again for the third time Baba: Syama, ask him whether he would like to have mutton or haunch with bone or the testicles of the goat? Syama returned with answer that the Haji would be quite happy to receive a small crumb of bread from Baba’s mudpot (Kolamba). Then Baba straightway advanced to the Chavadi himself and pouring a shower of vile abuse on Haji’s head added

    “What do you think is here (showing his body)? You vainly brag and fancy youself great. Does the Koran teach you to do so? You are conceited about your pilgrimage to Mecca etc. But you do not know me.”

    The Haji was flabbergasted. Baba went back to the mosque, purchased a basket of fruits and sent them to the Haji and later gave him Rs.50/- and allowed him to come thereafter into the mosque whenever he liked.

    220. Baba, to H.V. Sathe: “Why do you go there (to lay the foundation stone)? What have we to do with all this? The masons and other workmen will do it.”

    221. Baba to Das Ganu: “Why do you go, dressed like a bridegroom to perform Kirtan? Doff all that above the waist (including lace Pagadi etc.).” Narada inaugurated the Keertan Paddati. Hence Narada’s dress should be adopted, viz.. bare above the waist, dress below the waist, chipla and Tambur in hand.

    CASTE-PRIDE

    222. Mamlatdar says to a Brahmin Doctor from South Africa.-“Come, we shall go to see Sai Baba.”

    D.: I am a Rama Upasaka and will not bow to any others.

    M: Never mind, come on.   You need not bow.

    The Doctor, at the mosque, while standing at a distance from the Arati proceedings suddenly darted inside and fell at Baba’s feet.

    M.: (later}.: Why did you change your mind and bow?

    D.: Sai Baba showed himself to me as the beautiful dark Rama and so I bowed. This Sai is a Yoga Sampoorna Avatar. (Baba showed himself as Rama to Madrasi Ramdasis, also.)

    The Doctor resolved upon satyagraha, fasted three days and absented himself from the mosque resolving not to go there, until Baba should send for him and give him Brahmananda- God Realisation. But on the fourth day, a long absent chum of his turned up and accompanying him came to the mosque. Then,

    B.: “Did anyone invite you to come here?”

    Doctor was abashed and prayed mentally for experience of Paramananda. He had it that night at Shirdi and at his own town, (cf 112, cf. G.S.Khaparde on Baba’s yogic glance, and Mrs. Manager, also).

    223. When the caste-proud Mule Sastri of Nasik came to Shirdi. Baba-. ” (to someone) Get me some Gerua (a colour) ochre to colour my cloth.”

    Baba did not wear ochre-coloured cloth that day or any other day.

    Later Baba (to Buty).: “Go and get Dakshina for me from the newly arrived Nasik Brahmin.”

    The Nasik Brahmin Mule came and stood at a distance lest, he be polluted by entry into a mosque.

    Mule Sastri suddently saw his guru in the place of Baba and running into the mosque, cried “Jay Guru, Jay Dholap Guru Maharaj” and fell at Baba’s feet.

    Baba- “Give me dakshina.”

    Mule Sastri found that the Gerua robed Brahmin Guru of his, viz., Dholap Guru had suddenly disappeared and Baba was seated in his stead. He gave Baba dakshina.

    pride of physical strength

    224. Bayyaji Appaji Patel boasted of having Bhima’s strength and occasionally lifted Baba up in his arms after massage to place him before the fire. One day he tried to lift Baba, but could not. Baba looked at him and laughed. That laughter was a homily against pride, (cf, Kena Upanishad. –Vayu trying to lift up a straw in vain.)

    Pride of Learning

    Baba put down N.G.C.’s pride of learning in Sanskrit especially about Gita Bashya – See No. 182.

  • ANGER

    Baba’s sayings about Anger

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About anger

    1. Baba (to Ramadasi)- “You are reading pothi. Adhyatma Ramayana, unceasingly. Yet your heart is not pure. You repeat Sahasranama and yet your troubles are not gone. You call yourself a Ramadasi. If you are one, you must be indifferent to all objects. You ought not to have Mamata, attachment, but must have Samata, viewing everything with equal eye. You behave like a boy and fight for your book. Books can be had by the ton for money but not men, i.e. friendship.”
    2. Baba: If any one is angry with another, he wounds me to the quick. If any one abuses another, I feel the pain. If anyone bravely endures the abuse, I feel highly pleased. (cf. 289.)

    209. Baba to Jog- “Give me dakshina. “

    Jog (flaring up): You know I have not got a single pie. How can I give, Baba’?

    Baba- “Do not give, but why do you lose your temper?”

    210: Baba to R B Purandhare- “If anybody comes and abuses you or punishes you, do not quarrel with him. If you cannot endure it, speak a simple word or two, or else leave the place. But, do not battle with him and give tit for tat. I feel sick and disgusted when you quarrel with others”

    211 Baba to Mrs. MW Pradhan- “If anyone talks ten words at us, let us answer with one word, if we reply at all. Do not battle with anyone”.

    Baba’s Control of Anger

    1. When Baba was in a towering rage, Uddhavesa Bua came, prostrated and asked for leave; Baba, cooling down, spoke tenderly to him.-“Are you going? When will you come? You need not come again and again every fifteen days. I am with you. Well, go.”
    2. When Baba was in towering passion, Samant, Police Sub-Inspector stood at a distance and thought that unless Baba gave him leave immediately, he would, be too late for his train and have to meet official trouble.

    Baba, at once- “Tell all those who want to go, to come at once and take their Udhi.”

    1. When pleader Joshi of Thana and another sent by Kata Dopeshwar arrived at the Shirdi mosque, Baba was in towering rage. Baba saw them. Baba- “Bring those people here.”

    And when they came, he was perfectly cool and asked, “You have killed that old man and come here” (meaning that Kaka Dopeshwar died after telling them to go to Baba). (s.c. 411.)

    Baba’s Anger
    1. Baba- “I get angry with none. Will a mother harm her little ones? Will the ocean send back the water of the streams? I love devotion. I am the bond slave of my devotee, (s.c.15).
    2. Baba- “Nana, I am not angry with you. You, my children, have a right to be angry with me. If Venkusa were here, I could be angry with him. (s.c.179).
    3. Baba to Mrs. Pradhan (who feared that Baba would get angry:) “See, I did not get angry with anyone to-day.”

    218. Baba, when in a towering rage “Let blessings be to all”

    218.A(226)  HATERED. Baba to Das Ganu (who complained that he had not been invited to a feast where Sira (Semolina pudding) was distributed, on account of the host being his enemy)- “Who gives, what to whom? What is this Sira? Who eats it? Do not say anyone that he is your enemy. Who is whose enemy? Do not entertain any ill-feelings towards any one. All are one and the same.”

  • LUST

    LUST

    Baba’s sayings about moral teaching on lust

    Para Number in the Book & About correcting lust

    204. Sai Baba to Devasad (an ascetic)

    1. Adhere to Vairagya

    2. Women are the greatest danger to ascetic

    3. Avoid the Upadhis-Moha (Delusion) and pomp

    4. Think of God and Kill out that ego

    A person that has not overcome lust cannot see God, i.e., get God-realisation.

    205. LUST conquest – NGC

    Two Moslem ladies wearing veils came to take darshan of Baba at the mosque and NG Chandorkar was sitting by him. NGC tried to get up and go away.

    Baba- “You had better remain. If they wish to take darshan, let them come. “

    The ladies came. The older removed her veil and took darshan. Next, as the younger removed her veil, took darshan and resumed her veil, Nana, smitten with her beauty, thought to himself “Shall I have one more opportunity to see that angelic face?”, but he said nothing. Baba struck him on the thigh. Then the ladies left.

    Baba- “Nana, do you know why I struck you?”

    Nana: How can I hide anything from the omniscience of my guru? But I do not understand how such low thoughts should sway my mind, when I am in your immediate presence.

    Baba- “You are a man after all. Are you not? The body is full of desires, which spring up as soon as a sense object approaches. But are temples with lovely and well coloured exterior scarce in the world?

    When we go there, is it to admire the exterior or see the God within? When you are seeing the God in the shrine, do you care for the outside beauty of the building or for that of the image or Paramatama within? Does God remain only in temples? Is he not found in every object in the world as in temples? We are not to bother ourselves about the beauty or ugliness of the exterior, but to concentrate soley on the form taken by and revealing God.

    Of course there is nothing in looking at the exterior, but as one looks at it, he must think how clever and powerful is the God that produced such a beautiful abode, how he resides therein and how nicely ornamented he is. Nana, if you had directed your thoughts to this way, you would not have had the desire to get one more look at the Moslem beauty’s face. Keep this always in mind. “

    206 H V Sathe, a Settlement Officer and devotee of baba was staying at his place, Sathe wada. Out of curiosity, he wished to visit a lady devotee of Baba, whose reputation was not good. Earlier in the day, he called upon Baba.

    Baba: Saheb, have you been to “Sala (School)”?

    HVS: What Baba! Have you made me a Deputy collector without taking me to School?

    Baba found HVS ignorant of local names and dropped the matter. Later on, HVS visited the lady who lived in a place locally known as the School.

    There, in the course of talking with her, sexual thoughts were assailing him and he was in danger of a fall. Suddenly the outer door was thrown open. Baba standing at the door made gestures which evidently meant –“What ! You have come so far to your guru! And are you now descending to Hell! What excellent course!” Then Baba disappeared. HVS was saved in time by this proctor Baba. He left the Sala/School at once and never again visited that lady.

  • Music

    Baba’s sayings about worship through Music

    Para Number in the Book & About Music

    1. Laya is knowledge of God.
    2. (a) “I know not if, save in this, such gifts be allowed to man, That out of three sounds he framed, not a fourth sound, but a star”.

    (b) ” God has a few of us whom He whispers in the ear:

    The rest may reason and welcome; it is we musicians know

    Browning’s Abt Vogier

    Baba and Music

    201. Baba sending for a devotee, M.B.Rege, who was a musical amateur; “Go on: sing.”

    The devotee sang. Baba corrected errors and gave hints for the singing of some tunes.

    Baba, himself sang frequently at nights at the Takia in his earliest days at Shirdi, and rarely after 1890.

    202.   Baba, to Abdul Rahim, Rangari: 

    “if you had come yesterday, it would have been better.”

    Abdul. why?

    Baba: There was music. I wept all night. They abused me.

    Abdul: Why did they- abuse you?

    Baba: When I say “abused’ people do not understand; but you will understand,

    Abdul: One who loves God, would weep, laugh, or dance as the songs in praise of God go on.

    Baba: Just so. You are right. Have you your own Guru? 

    Abdul: Yes. Babee Baleeshah Chishti Nizami. 

    Baba: That is why you understand.

    N.B.-This Chishti Guru was accompanied by music whenever he travelled. The Chishti sect use music as an aid for attaining trance

  • SIGHTS OF NATURE

    Baba’s sayings about worshipping nature

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About Praying, Nature

    200. Baba’s approbation of Mystic Experience
    • Baba occasionally gazed at the setting sun. He once admired the beauty and large size of a group of parrots.
    • K.G. Bhishma and Mr. Balwant Khaparde went out in the morning at Shirdi, when dew was falling and the Sun was just rising. Bhishma turned back, i.e., towards the west and found his shadow a very long one starting from his feet and proceeding endlessly on to the west. At the western horizon the shadow was crowned with or surrounded by a glorious circular rainbow. The sight filled him with joy. It was evidently his reflection becoming endless and glorious.
    • The finite was proceeding into the infinite. The Jiva was lost in the Paramatma. And for a moment he was lost in ineffable joy.
    • Balwant also saw the same thing about himself and had the same experience. When the two returned home, G.S. Khaparde said that Baba had granted them a glimple of the Atman. Then they went to Baba and Baba gave them a smile of approval.

    cf. Effect of viewing the conjunction of Indus with the ocean at Narayana saras. (Sri Bh. VI(5)3-5)

     SSHDHANAS V and VI

    And  none can truly worship but who  have 

    The earnest of their glory from on high, 

    God’s  nature in them.     It is the love of God.

    The ecstatic sense of oneness with all things.

    And special worship towards himself that thrills 

    through  life’s   self conscious  chord,  vibrant   in  him, 

    Harmonious with the  universe, which makes 

    Our sole fit claim  to  being immortal;  that 

    Wanting, nor  willing,  the world cannot  worship.

    Festus, by Philip James Bailey

  • Worship Baba as God in all

    Baba’s sayings about worshipping HIM

    Para Number in the Book & About seeing Baba

    199. Baba: Nana, I would like Pooran Poli. Prepare it for Naivedya and bring it. 

    NGC: It is late. There is no cook.

    Baba: Never mind.

    Then NGC got eight Pooran Polies and side dishes and placed them before Baba.

    NGC: Baba. Taste.

    Baba waited a while. Then ants and flies settled on the poli.

    Baba: Good. Take away the plates.

    NGC: How is it you ask me to take the plates, without touching them? If you were not to eat anything, why ask me to prepare this? Unless you take something, I will not take away the plates nor eat food.

    Baba: I have eaten the poli, take the plates away and have your meal.

    Nana: You took the poli! When? What was brought on the plates remains just as it was. Unless you eat, I will not remove these.

    NGC left the Dwaraka Mayi and lay down at the chavadi with hunger.

    (Baba unable to endure the sympathetic suffering he underwent, sent for Nana.)

    Baba: “Nana, at some time, I took your poli. Do not be obstinate. Take the plates away and eat”

    NGC again went back in a huff to the chavadi. Baba again sent for him.

    Baba: “What, Nana, you have been with me 18 years. Is this all that you have learnt? Is this your appraisal of me? Does Baba mean to you, only this visible body of 3 ½ cubits height? Is that all? 

    Hallo! I eat in the form of the ant. I eat in the fly that eats. I take what form I choose and eat in the form. I have taken your poli long ago. Do not continue inexcusably obstinate. “

    Nana: Though you said, I understand (realise) nothing. What am I to do? If you make me understand it, I will then take the plates away and eat my food.

    Then Baba made a gesture revealing his knowledge of some secrets hid by nana deep in his heart and unknown to anyone else. Nana was thereby convinced that Baba was his innermost soul (Antaryami) and therefore Sarvantaryami of all, including ants and flies, etc.,

    NGC: I will take away the plates.

    Baba: “Nana, as you see this sign that I make, you will see that I can take food (in those forms).”