"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

Thanks SSS Trust, Shirdi

People from different Religious, Geographical, Economic, and Social backgrounds are brought together here. Their prayers are delivered and successfully resolved with the grace of the Indian spiritual SadGuru-God, Shirdi Sai Baba.

Category: Art of living

Ia Good standard of Living in this Materialistic World

  • OTHER POWERS I

    6–10 minutes

    Baba’s other powers

    Para Number in the Book & About HIS Powers

    BABA AND BLACK MAGIC

    449. Theosophical Lady: (thinks whether Baba’s extraordinary powers are cases of black magic).

    [Baba’s powers were not acquired one after another by dint of repeating mantras and going through rites intended for such acquisition. His powers were part of his nature, as developed by the Guru’s grace, after a course of prolonged and intense love and devotion to the Guru-God. 

    (cf. Srimad Bhagavata, V(5) 35, where the saint Rishabha in proceeding with his blissful God realization, i.e., realization of Vasudeva, as God external to himself and as his self, developed, siddhis such as (1) Duragrahana – seeing things happening at any distance, (2) Antardhana – sudden appearance and disappearances, (cf. 352, 532) (3) Manojava – quick flash of thoughts, achieving all feats of intellect or reason-intuition intensified, (see 406) (4) Parakayapravesa – entering other bodies living or dead, (see 321) (5) Vaihayasa – travelling with a physical body through air, despite obstructions like walls etc.,(see 75 to 87)]

    Baba: Black! This is a Brahmin, a pure Brahmin, a white Brahmin. He will lead thousands on to the Subbra Marga, i.e., white or pure path (to God). No (Black) Kala Yavana can put his foot here.

    1. Baba to Kusa Bhav: “Stop all your magical feats (i.e., black magic) and then come here.”
    2. Baba to a victim of Black Magic: “God will bless.”

    A man of parwani was the victim of Black Magic. Food looked like hair, and smelt like dung. His articles caught fire spontaneously. He tried poojas and professional mantrics in vain. He came to Shirdi. Baba blessed him. The Black Magic was destroyed.

    452. Evil Spirits were removed by Baba in His presence.

    • Hansraj was said to be afflicted with an evil spirit. He came to Baba.

    Baba (slapping him): “Evil spirit! Be off.”

    Hansraj had no more evil spirit and his Asthma (chronic) also left him, by staying with Baba.

    • Mrs. Tipnis was possessed and was brought to Shirdi. The evil spirit gradually left her, while at Shirdi by Baba’s blessing.

    Benefits from Knowledge of the Future-Courage and Endurance

    1. Baba to R.B.P.: “Do not cry. This trouble (Asthma) breathing hard, Allah has given me. It will pass away, in 2 or 4 days.”
    2. Baba to H.S. Dixit: “You will have fever. It will last only eight days. Do not be worried over it.”

    Dixit got fever, but was indeed so free from worry; that in spite of friends’ protests, he declined to take medicines and consumed food and drink considered unsafe for the sick. In eight days, he regained health.

    BABA ON THE PAST

    (A) Baba’s tracing Past lives of others

    1. Baba to Balasaheb Bhate: ” you were a Khatri in your past life, and your present wife and son were of the weaver (Sali) caste in their past life.”
    2. Vasudeva  Kaka was (in his past Janma) Rajput named Jai Singh, whose daughter turned out bad and became the mistress of a Barwar.
    3. Kondaji’s son who died recently (in 1912) was previously a mang and before that, he was my grandfather who died of leprosy. In all three lives, I helped and played with or near him.
    4. Sparrows now nesting (1912) on the Mimbar of the Mosque were once nesting there and eater up by a snake. But they were again born as sparrows and nested in the same place.
    5. For centuries, he (R.B.Purandhare)was connected with me.
    6. This sister (Chandrabai Barker) is my sister of 7 Janmas. Wherever I go, she seeks me out.
    7. You introduce him to me! I have known him (G.G. Narke) for 30 generations.
    8. Shama (Madhava Rao Deshpande), I have been with you for 72 generations, and never pinched you till now.
    9. (Re. Mrs G.S. Khaparde) Formerly she was the cow of bania and gave (me) plenty of milk. Then after death, she was born a mali’s (gardener’s) daughter; and later went to a Kshatriya. Then she married the Bania, and then was born Brahmin.

    After a long spell of time, I am seeing her again and the food she gives me is sweet.

    This was in explanation to Shama’s objection that Baba was showing partiality to Mrs.Khaparde, by tasting her Naivedya first, without touching any of the previous Naivedyas (i.e., food) already offered.

    G.S. Khaparde

    464.   Baba to G.S. Khaparde- “In a former birth, you were with me for two or three years, and went into royal service, though there was enough at home to live in comfort.”

    1. Rao Saheb Yeswant Rao J, Galwankar went to Baba in 1917.

    Baba placing his palm over his (G’s)head (and thereby putting him in ecstacy) said: This is a person, who has had integrity and purity in his previous births. I therefore placed him in his present mother’s womb and he still retains those qualities. (cf. 469.)

    1. Baba to T.A. Karnik (Kalyan): “I have known you for 2,000 years. You were always obstinate and up to monkey tricks.”
    Hangman Rebirth for revenge – Re-incarnation and reaping of results

    467. At Shirdi, near the takia, a blind man lived. He was murdered. A hangman carried out the villager’s sentence to execute the murderer. But he did so, out of spite or enmity towards that murderer. So the executed man was born as the hangman’s son.

    N.G.Chandorkar

    468.   N.G.C. to Baba: “Why have you sent for me.”

    Saba: “There are thousands of persons. I do not send for them. You and I have been intimate for four Janmas. You do not know it. But I do. Be coming to me, when time permits.”

    Kishya (or Pishya)
    1. “He was a Rohilla.   He married my grand aunt and I put him into the womb of his present mother.“
    Pradhan
    1. “At Shirdi there was an old man of great piety over 12 years. His wife and grown up sons were at Jalna and they repeatedly entreated him to go back. At last, he went on horseback and, I (Baba) followed him in a cart. After a time, this old man married the young daughter of his own brother and had by her a little boy. The old man died, when the boy was aged six. That boy was later poisoned by Biradars and was born as Babu (Dada Kelkar’s brother’s son); and Babu after dying here (1910) is born again in Bombay.“

    In 1910 Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Pradhan of Bombay were present before Baba.

    B.. “Syama, this (Mrs.M.W.P.) will be the mother of my Babu.”

    The lady was not then pregnant ; but 12 months from that date she begot a boy, who was given the name Babu; because Baba said he was Babu. Some months after the child was born, the parents with the child went to Shirdi and placed the child before Baba.

    Baba, taking the child in his arms- “Babu, where have you been? Were you vexed with or weary of me?”

    This Babu passed away (1919) soon after Baba passed away

    Baba’s Reminiscences of former births: Goats
    1. Once Baba noted two out of a flock of goats near the lendi garden and bought them for Rs.32. Shania and Tatya considered that Baba was duped in the bargain, as the highest price for them would be Rs.8. He spent some more money in purchasing 4 seers of dhal(lentils) and fed the goats and then sent them away to the owner of the flock.

    B.: “Shama, Tatya, you think I have been duped? No. Listen to the history of these goats. In their former births, these goats were human and my neighbours. They loved each other at first and they loved me. Later they became enemies, fought with each other and killed each other. They have now been born as these goats. As they passed by me, they looked at me and I at once remembered their past history; my love for them was renewed and I spent all this money to have them near me once again and to feed them sumptuously. As you do not like my bargain, I sent them back to the shepherd.”

    Guru follows devotee birth after birth-Mrs. T.

    1. Baba (to Mrs.T. of Bombay and her son).

    “How often, in the past janmas. have I been with you! And how many more shall remain with you !! We shall meet again and again.

    I have to give an account of every pie (i.e., every- soul committed to my care) to God.”

    472A. Baba’s references to his present birth (Mahlsapathy often said that Sai Baba told him explicitly) “I was a Brahmin of Patri. When I was young, my parents gave me away to a fakir” (and Sai Baba mentioned names of many people of patri and made enquires about them).

    472B. (Das Ganu says that Baba said) “My Guru was a Brahmin, Venkusa of Selu.”

    (G.G.Narke says that Baba said) “My guru is a Brahmin.”

    H.V. sathe says that Baba mentioned his Guru’s name and that it ended with “Sah” -“Shah” and that it might be Venkusa.

    472C.   Baba’s Rebirth in the Future:

    • Baba promises devotees to be reborn, to look after them e.g., Mr.M.B.R (see para 17) Master T.(see 472).
    • Baba to N.G. ChandorkarNana- “your (Manghat) wrist will later on, shake an old man’s neck. After that I will be born as the child of Bapu.”
    • RS.Dixit said that Baba declared that “he would be reborn and that he would appear before people as a boy of eight.”

  • MISCELLANEOUS -NATURE

    11–17 minutes

    Baba’s other natures

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS” About HIS other Natures

    Baba’s advice re. His Biography

    609. Baba: (How the biography ought to be written).

    1. “Inquire and collect a true account of events and experiences of devotees.
    2. The biographer should not write with self conceit and in the spirit of controversy. Let there be no taking of sides and no aggressive debate.
    3. The biographer must drown himself in the contemplation of Sai Baba and after full surrender of self and egotism, the biography must be written. It will then be really written by Baba himself.
    4. Benefit of reading, writing and thinking of Baba’s life is this:

    Devotion will be intensified and ignorance will be dispelled. If however the book is written in a controversial spirit, ignorance will develop thereby.

    1. If anyone serves me (Baba) with faith, God will be kind to him.”
    II. Baba’s Peculiar methods of Talk-Paradox
    1. When H.S. Dixit had a vision of Vittal (Pandari Nath God) at his lodgings and then went to Baba, Baba said:

    “Has not Vittal Patil come?   Have you not seen him? That vittal is very elusive. Tie him fast. If inadvertently, you lose sight of him for a second, he will vanish.”

    1. Das Ganu Maharaj was much confused about the meaning of Isavasya Upanishad and went to Baba.

    Baba : What, man. is the difficulty in this? Go back to Kaka’s house (H.S.D,’s in Ville Parle). His molkarin (i.e., servant girl of the agricultural class) will clear your doubt.”

    Das Ganu went there ; and a young servant girl (aged 8 and belonging to the Kumbi caste) was there. Her words and conduct enabled him to understand the Upanishad, though she never knew his difficulties or she was solving them.

    1. When Shama was stung by a snake and went to Baba at the mosque. Baba: “Do not get up Bramin. Get back. Descend”. Shama was afraid that this was an order to him not to climb. Baba a little later : “come up. The fakir (God), is kind. You will be cured”. (Then shama discovered that the first spoken words were addressed to the poison so that it should not creep up the body of the Brahmin.)
    2. Uddhavesa Bua was writing a letter to Baba every Ekadasi day i.e., once in 15 days. He visited Baba some months before Baba passed away.

    B.: Well go. You need not be coming here every fifteen days, I am always with you and will ever be. Tell all people there (i.e., convey my best wishes to all.) This was really bidding farewell. Uddhavesa did not however understand it, but somehow owing to forget-fulness, he did not send his Ekadasi letter thereafter. Obviously Baba’s reference to the 15 days, visit was a reference to these letters.

    1. Baba (1} (re: a poor but saintly man): ‘He has much paica (literally Cash)”.’

    (2) “Brahmins earn much paica by their ways’. (Baba meant by Paica-punya, or Apoorva, i.e.. merit.)

    1. B. (re: a person of Harda who had just died): “How can he die? In the morning, he will come to life.”

    (The relations of the deceased were looking for the revival of the corpse and were disappointed. Baba referred to survival of personality and taking up a new body in the next birth.)

    1. B.: “That fakir is kind to all”. (Baba referred to his God-Guru, under the term Fakir.)
    2. H.S.D. to Baba: Nana saheb Karambelkar writes that his wife and brother are unwell and wants your help for their recovery.

    Baba: The brother will recover. H.S.D.: The lady?

    Baba: Is she come?

    H.S.D.: No, but shall we send for her ?

    Baba: Yes.

    The brother recovered and the lady died. ‘Is she come?’ means, in “sukshma sarira, after death.”

    1. H.S.D. wished to help a devotee at Shirdi who was in pecuniary difficulties, but who would not accept any presents. So he enclosed the money in an envelope and went to Baba.

    H.S.D.; Baba. shall I send this letter? Baba: “Yes”.

    H.S.D. send it at once; and it was accepted. The devotee gave the explanation. Two hours earlier, the wife of that devotee went to Baba. Baba: “Mother, I am coming to your house. Tell your husband, not to reject me.”

    III Baba’s peculiar humour, double entendre, jokes etc.

    1. Once a goat entered the mosque, old, famished and just about to die.

    Baba (to Bade Baba): Cut that goat with one stroke.

    Bade Baba (Looking at it with pity):How are we to kill this?

    So saying, he went away from the mosque,

    Baba: Shama, you cut it.   fetch a knife from Radhakrishna Ayi.

    (Ayi sent a knife; but learning the purpose recalled it.) Shama: I will go home to fetch a knife.

    Shama went home and stayed away there.

    Then Baba to H.S.D.:You fetch a knife and kill it. H.S.D. went and fetched a knife. H.S.D. Baba, shall I kill it? Baba: Yes.

    H.S.D. lifted up the knife and held it up in hesitation.

    Baba: What are you thinking of? Strike.

    Dixit obeyed and was bringing the knife down.

    Baba: Stop, let the creature remain, I will kill it myself but not at the mosque.

    Then Baba carried the creature a few yards, after which it fell dead.

    1. G.D. Pandit of Pelaspe came and bowed to Baba. Baba (to some one): “What is Bapu Saheb doing?”

    Narayan: Sleeping.

    Baba : “Narayan, beat him well, when he comes here. He owes me three or four thousand rupees and delays payment.”

    This referred to a debtor of G.D. Pandit named Bapu Saheb, who owed G.D.P. that amount and was delaying payment. But Bapu Saheb Jog (who was Baba’s occasional banker) believed that it was a wrong accusation against him and he declared in anger that he did not owe any such sums.

    IV Baba’s peculiar method of Teaching
    1. Madhava Bua sat before Baba, and thought that Baba should teach him the nature of a “Hamsa “saint

    Baba (to M.): Go and hear pothi (read by H.S.D.) At once M. went to H.S.D. and found him reading Eknath Bhagavat, Skanda XI, chapter 18. Verses 2737, describing Hamsas and paramahamsas.

    1. A Prarthana samajist discovering that Baba’s power, nature and acts showed (a) that Avatars were possible and probable, (b) that God comes as Avatar to help devotees and (c) that offer of camphor, and naivedya to Avatras and God is right, came to Baba and sitting before him framed within his mind this question: “Baba, shall I place all my burdens on you?”

    Baba (loudly): “Yes.”

    P.S. (loudly): “Do you look on all with equal eye?”

    B.: “Some sense is required to ask questions.   What a silly question you ask?  I look on all with equal eye.”

    P.S. Mentally prayed or wished to have an Ishta devata (divine form) for worship. He turned to the old sala and there a lovely female apparition was standing and looking at him. He turned to Baba, Baba looked at him with a smile. On that occasion this happened several times.

    P.S, learnt later that the figure, he saw was Annapurna and made her his Ishta devata. On the second visit of P.S. to Shirdi, somebody discussed with him whether Sai was a Sthutaprayna, and the good of going to Shirdi and that upset his faith. Then he went and sat before Baba.

    B: Shama. take this man.   Tell him something.

    Shama took him out and said: Outsider’s talk and upsetting of your faith thereby is all Baba’s Lila. Do not mind what the world says or the troubles it gives. Keep your mind at Baba’s feet. Then Baba will give you peace. When the two returned, Baba (to P.S.): “follow Shama’s advice.”

    623. Baba, to Radhabai Deshmukhin:

    “I do not bite (i.e., instruct through) the ear. Our traditions are different.”

    624. Baba to Upasani Maharaj: “Be by me and keep quiet. I will do the rest.”

    As in the case of Narayana Tirtha, he infused this devotee with thought and feeling without giving express instruction (Upadesa). except in visions.

    625. Shama Rao R.Shrotrie, a record keeper of District court, Thana, sat before Baba at Shirdi with a question in his mind.

    Baba- “Go to Bai”.

    She is reading puran in the temple. Then Shrotrie went up and listened and found the answer to his question in what she read.

    This is one of Baba’s ways of giving answers.

    V. Re. Photographing Baba

    626. B.:   Shama   what   have   the   boys   come   here Shama: To take a photograph of you.

    B.: Tell the boys that no photo should be taken (To have my real likeness), if the wall is pulled down, that is enough.

    N.B.- wall is (1) the body and (2) the idea that we are the body. Baba’s real likeness is Brahman.

    VI Baba’s parables
    1. Baba- “I had brought numerous asses laden with gold. Robbers looted all that on the road. So it is very hard to live in the house (or proximity) of thieves. You (Bhao saheb Pradhan, sub-Registrar) have been sent to me that I may teach you this. It is very difficult to remain in this sapless world. That is what I was taught. Convey this much to my brother Madhav Nath (Maharaj).

    627a. My money was carried away by people. I said nothing, but quietly followed them killed them and recovered my money.

    1. Baba: “I once changed the lower party of my body for that of a parrot, and after a year’s experience, I discovered that it was a serious loss. I lost a lakh of Rupee  (i.e., aim).”
    2. Baba: “I sat near a post and then a great serpent woke up, and was very angry. It used to jump up and also fall from above.”
    3. Baba: “A man had a very beautiful horse. In spite of all his efforts, it would not go in pair. A vidwan suggested that its should be taken back to the place whence it was brought (it source). That was done. Then it became controllable and useful.”
    4. Baba (to B.V. Dev); “You have given four, it is true. Baba however gets only one.”(All four merged into one)
    5. Baba (to Mr G.S.K.)”It is cloudy. Rains will fall. Crops will grow and mature. Clouds will disperse, why do you fear?
    6. Baba: “A person rode on a camel. It passed excreta. I gathered all the excreta and ate them up, My belly was puffed up-swollen. I felt listless. Then the rider took pity upon me. He gave me four grains of Bengali gram (Cicer arietinum) and I ate them and drank water. Thus my vehement turbulence ceased. My swollen belly subsided. Now hereafter, it will be cured.”
    7. Shama:  Why  are you grinding  corn  with  grindstones?

    Baba:   “For those who come here (to me), I have to grind.”

    Sri Sai Baba’s utterances to Kasinath Upasini Maharaj
    1. Sai: Hallo, Kasinath when you left, you protested you-could not return within 8 days.

    Kasi: I do not know how this has happened. It is all your doing.

    Sai: “Man, I was behind you all these 8 days.   Now go and stay in that Wada (Kaka Sahib’s).”

    Sai: (Addressing a general crowd):- “One day as I walked along I noticed a pregnant woman. Her belly was protruding, her hand and feet were emaciated, she was alone, could not walk easily except with a stick to support “You have been carrying for many years. Why are you not yet delivered?”. She made no reply, so I added” Let it pass. Drink only hot water. That will make delivery easy”. She heeded not my advice and went to a steam to drink cold water.

    Hallo, I thought “she will die and that unnecessarily and her numerous children in her belly will also die with her, so, I went up and told her “Dame did I not tell you to avoid cold drink; why have you come to this stream? Go to the village and get hot water to drink”. From that day she drank hot water. Now she is all right. This is all mere Vata (Wind). “

    As Sai spoke thus. He pointed occasionally towards Kasinath and looked at him. Kasinath at once understood. It is Sai that came to me at Rahuri and told me drink hot water and again at Jejuri 156 miles away and forced me to drink hot water. He is the kind Saviour, who cured my trouble, that no doctor could cure.

    1. “There is renanubandha, mutual obligations between us. Our families have been interlocked by mutual obligations for centuries,   nay for a thousand years, so there is no difference between you and me.”

    B. “There was a well at its brink there was a tree, on the tree 2 birds sat, one of them slipped down and was about to be drowned. Down jumped its loving friend to save it and actually saved it, though the saviour nearly lost its life.”

    637. Sai: “Kasinath must clear his accounts before he can leave Shirdi.”

    Shame: “What accounts”

    Sai: “I settle the accounts of all that come to me. (Some weeks later) all accounts have been settled except 2 or 4 cart loads (Sravanam. July-Aug. 1911). All accounts have been settled with the result that Kasinath must remain 4 years at Shirdi”

    Shama:    “What is he to do for 4 years here?”

    Sai: “He must simply sit quiet in Vittoba’s temple doing nothing. He has merely to eat bread and vegetable and sit quiet. I shall accomplish what I want”.

    Sai to Kasinath: “Have nothing to do with anybody. Your future is very excellent.”

    Sai to Others; “Such is his worth” the whole world may be put in one scale pan and he in the other.

    (Bombay Prabhti): “What Baba-do you give him a copper plate grant of your full favour”.

    Sai; “What I have spoken, every thing I have got has been given.”

    Sai to Kasinath: “Wherever you may be, you are God. Now understand that the gold plate grant is in your hands. You need not go to me frequently, come to me only occasionally. However don’t talk to me and I shan’t talk to you. After 4 years, you will have the full favour of Mahalsapathi and you will realise everything”

    “You have not recognised me, I have recognised you thoroughly. I have been intently thinking of you for many a year. Now where have you to go or come? If you are unable to do anything, keep quiet. I shall personally accompany you, get a ticket, put you into the train and see that you reach your destination.

    Prabhti : “What Baba, you have given everything to this individual”.

    Sai; “Yes, Yes, everything has been given, whatever he be, good or bad, he is mine.”

    There is no distinction between me and him. Now the whole responsibility for him rests with me.

    1. Sai Baba (to Kasinath) ” I shall be coming there to Khandobha’s.”

    “If I go over, will you regonise me and give me a chilm to smoke?”

    Kasinath; I do not understand you.

    1. Sai Baba to Kasinath : ” I do not want your prasad. why do you take the trouble to bring it here? I was there”

    Kasinath:  “Baba.  there was none there, except a black dog.

    Sai: “Yes, I was that black dog”.

    1. Sai to Kasinath : “You drove me away.”

    Kasi: There was none there except a sickly Sudra.

    Sai: “I was in everything and even beyond”.

    1. Kasi to Sai: Baba, the person you cast out and burnt is I.

    Sai:    “Yes, you were in that SIN form”. Papa Rupa. I have destroyed him. You are now free from sin. By our united efforts there are many things to be achieved in the future and how can that be done if sin remains.”

    1. Sai to Kasi: “Look at that man, that is you. Your punya purusha. (See 112) Kasi: “Baba, if this my punya purusha and the other whom you destroyed is my papa purusha, who am I?

    Sai: “You are beyond these two. That which constitutes me, constitutes you, you are myself.”

    1. Sai to Kasinath: – “Plant 14 peepal trees that live for centuries.”
  • WELLNESS

    WELLNESS

    Baba’s Saying and helping on variety of Health issues.

    Para Number in the Book of BCS, about health and Recovery

    BABA RESTORES SIGHT- Ophthalmologist

    339. In 1916, Vittalrao Y. Deshpande took his grand father, who was stone blind of both eyes to Shirdi and led him by both hands to Baba. The grandfather bowed and said, ”Baba, I cannot see.”

    Baba: Yes, you will.

    Baba: Give me four Rupees Dakshina.

    VYD went out to change a note. Then Baba placed his hand on the old man’s head and his sight was fully restored.

    Old man (with tears): “Baba, your kindness is wonderful. I can see everything now.”

    Baba: “Take udhi and then go.”

    The old man went back into Shirdi and from Shirdi to Bombay with clear vision requiring no assistance.

    339A. BABA RESTORES SIGHT (TEMPORARY) A woman of Bassein came to Baba. She was blind. At the Mosque she said, “Baba, my wish is to see you with these eyes.” She was at once able to see Baba. She then went out and blindness returned.

    Baba’s Recipes for Fever / Back Pain/ Diarrhoea and Cholera

    391. Baba- “Give curd rice to a black dog that will come to you at the temple”. This was the recipe for Ague. That was done and the Ague was cured (Malaria type fever). “

    392. Baba: “Kaka Mahajani, eat groundnut and drink water. Your anal sphincter is now tightly closed. “(Recipe for Diarrhoea, which stopped.)

    1. B.: To Buty:”Do not pass motions any more nor vomit”. (Buty’s motions etc., stopped without any medicine”).
    2. B. :”Let him (Buty) drink infusion of almond, walnut and pistachio in milk for his cholera” (That drink cured Cholera)
    3. B.: “Apply heated aloe  over the affected part and the pain will subside”. (This cured a servant’s lumbago.)
    4. Baba prescribed Sira (sweetened semolina pudding) for R.R.Samant’s children, suffering from Diarrhoea and they were cured by sira.
    Karma -Dr. C pillai-Guinea worm (Baba in Helminthology)

    397. Doctor C. Pillai (Suffering badly from severe guinea-worm) to H.S.D.: “Kaka saheb, this pain is excruciating. Death is preferable. It (the pain) is no doubt for repaying poorva karma; but go to Baba and ask him to stop the pain now and transfer the working of poorvakarma to ten later births of mine”.

    H.S.D. went to Baba and conveyed this prayer.

    B.: “Tell him not to fear. Why want ten more births? In ten days he can finish all that suffering. Saints exist to give devotees spiritual and temporal welfare; and Pillai wants death instead! Bring him here. Let him not get confused.”

    The Doctor was brought and Baba gave him his own pillow to lie upon and said: “Lean on this, do not indulge in vain thoughts. Stretch you leg and be at eased without actual suffering, Karma cannot be got over. That is true. Karma is the cause of joy and sorrow. Therefore put up with whatever comes to you. Allah Malik. God is the all controller and protector. Think of him always. He will look after all. Surrender completely to him. Think always on him and you will see what He does.”

    Then N.G.C. put a bandage over the wound.

    B.: “Take it off, Nana is mad. That will kill you. Now a crow will come and peck at the wound. That will make you alright.”

    Another day, Abdul, in trying to get down, unknowingly put his foot over the wound of Dr.Pillai. The swelling was thus pressed, and the worms were squeezed out, Dr, Pillai first roared with pain.

    Later, Pillai “Will the crow come and peck me hereafter?”

    B.: No, the crow: (Abdul) has come. The worms have been thrown out. Go and rest in the Wada.

    By applying udhi and taking in udhi, without other treatment or medicine, the guinea-worm was cured in ten days.

    KARMA FOR SARANAGATA BhimajiPatel (Baba in oneirology)

    398. At Junner in Pune district was one Bjhimaji Patel. He had contracted Tuberculosis with continuous fever, ejecting bloody sputum and had gastric trouble also. All remedies he tried were in vain. All pujas were in vain. N.G.Chandorkar sent him to Sainath. Bhimaji came; and to alight from his tonga, four men had to support him. Shama conducted him to Baba.

    Baba: “Shama, in bringing this thief to me, what a load of responsibility you are placing on my shoulders!”

    Then Bhimaji (placing his head upon Baba’s feet): “Helper of the helpless. I am helpless. Pray, show thy pity and grace unto me.”

    Baba changed his tone and spoke to him with a smiling face.

    Baba: Stay, cast off anxiety. the wise avoid anxiety. Your sufferings for your past karma have come to an end, as soon as you put your feet on Shirdi. Persons in great trouble, sunk in their misery, rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of this mosque. That Fakir (God) is very kind and will eradicate your disease. He will show his love. He is kind to all. Go and stay at Bhima Bai’s house.

    Accordingly Bhimaji stayed in Bhima Bai’s house, using Baba’s udhi only. On the first day, Baba himself applied the udhi to his forehead and placed his palm on his head.

    Baba: Bhimaji, walk to your quarters.

    Patel was at once able to walk up to his carriage without being supported by any. Baba did not give him any medicine, but gave him something better and more effectual.

    Bhimaji had two dreams. In the first he had become a boy. His teacher in teaching a lesson, birched him vigorously and the man roared with pain in his sleep. In the next dream, Bhimaji found that some one had got upon his breast and rolled over it a heavy stone roller and he felt the pangs of death. Then he awoke with these dreams, his disease had fled. He slowly walked up to the Masjid and bowed to Baba. After a month’s more stay with Baba, he went home hale and healthy.

    Baba granting issue when prarabdha was against

    399. One Scindhe of Harda had seven daughters, but no sons. In 1903, he went to Gangapur and prayed to Datta for a son and said that if he got a son in 12 months, he would bring the child to Gangapur for Darshan. He got a son in 13 months; but did not take the child to Gangapur. In November 1911, he came to Baba at Shirdi.

    Baba- ” What!   Have   you   got puffed   up?   Where   was there   any   male   progeny    in your   destiny?  I tore this body (pointing to Sai’s body) and gave you one.”

    In  the  case  of Damodar  Rasane  also.  Baba  overcame astrological obstacles for issue.

    Compare Baba’s methods with mantric methods,

    cf.  Srimad Bhagavat VI(I9) 25 & 26. where kashyapa taught the Pumsavana Vratham.

    Baba’s Cure without Medicines (Baba in Oncology)

    400. Baba (to Mahlsapathy, whose wife was unwell in a distant village)- “Your wife has a tumor in the neck,causing intense suffering. I shall cure it. No other will cure it.”

    Mahlsapathy was not aware of the tumour or illness; but subsequently got a letter that his wife had a tumour. And it was cured.

  • MATERIALISATION

    Baba’s materialisation

    Para Number in the Book & About Materialisation

    1. Chidambar Keshav Gadgil, when transferred and ordered to join his new station, sat in the Railway carriage and regretted he could not go to Baba before joining. Suddenly a packet of Udhi fell into his lap. On his return to Shirdi:

    Baba (to C.K. Gadgil): “You could not come. So I sent Udhi. Did you get it?”

    1. Baba (to Kusha Bhav), “think of me and at once I am near you”. Whenever Kusha Bhav thinks of Baba, Baba’s Udhi pours out from Kusha’s folded palms. (See also 283)
    2. Das Ganu wanting to go to Godavari (called Ganges by the people) said to Baba: “Baba, this is Mahasivarathri. I want to have Gangasnan at Singaba, three miles from shirdi”

    B.: Why should you go there?

    D G. was at once dejected.

    B . :Ganga is here at my feet.    Do not go.

    • DG.was again cheerless, because though he had written that Baba was God Vishnu, his faith in that statement was very very weak.
    • B.: Come here, hold your palm near my feet.

    D.G. did so. Lo and behold! A thin stream of water poured out from Baba’s feet on to the palm and D.G. had a palmful of water. Here was Ganga and D.G. sprinkled it over his head.

    Power to give Power
    1. Baba (to N.G.C., who was giving medicines to all sorts of people for all diseases for one year): “give the same medicine for everything.”

    Thereafter N. G. C. gave sublimate of alum for scorpion sting, snake-hite and all sorts of troubles and cured them.

    1. N G Chandorkar was climbing Harischandra hill on a summer day, and was seized with thirst. No water was available anywhere in the place. N. G. Chandorkar: ‘If Baba was here he would give me water.’

    At that time Baba was at Shirdi, 40 miles away. At Shirdi Mosque:

    Baba: “Nana is thirsty. The heat of summer is great. Should we not give him at least a palmful of water?”

    The devotees present there could not make out why Baba talked like that. But on the hill Nana saw a Bhil coming down.

    NGC: Bhil, I am thirsty. Can’t I get water to drink?

    Bhil: Under the very rock you are sitting on, there is water.

    So saying the Bhil left.

    The rock was shifted and below it, was a palmful of drinking water. N. G. Chandorkar drank it.

    [When saw later] Baba: “Nana, you were thirsty. I gave you water. Did you drink it?”

    T.D. Jethadhai-seeded Grapes become Seedless Grapes

    351. Takkar Dharmsey Jethabhai, the sait under whom Kaka Mahajani was serving, came out of curiosity, with Kaka to see Baba. They brought with them grapes with seeds and presented them to Baba. Sait wanted to see some of Baba’s miracles; but did not want to pay dakshina.

    Baba:   Here  sait,   take  some   of these   grapes  and  eat them.

    The sait was much confused. He put the grapes into his mouth, but did not know what to do with the seeds. He could not spit them out into the Majid. So he put them into his pocket, which also he did not like. He wondered, how if Sai were a saint, he could be ignorant of his dislikes. At once:

    Baba: “Here are more grapes, take them.” So saying, Baba gave them more of the grapes which they themselves had brought.  Sait holding the  grapes in hand wondered what to do. Baba: “Eat it.”

    Sait  put   the   grapes  into  his   mouth   and   found  they were   seedless. He wanted Chamatkars and   here  they seeded grapes into seedless grapes.

    Then, Shama introduced the sail to Baba as Kaka’s master.

    Baba.”How is he Kaka’s master? Kaka has a different master, who gives him bliss”.

    After Arati, sait wanted to go away with Kaka, who was usually detained for days by Baba. Shama asked for permission. Baba then spoke in his characteristic fashion.

    Baba- “There was a fickle-minded gentleman, very rich and healthy. He took on his head needless burdens and carried them hither and thither and had no peace of mind. He drops his burdens; and resumes them. His mind is not steady. I took pity on him and say, “Now if you like, place your firm faith in one place your present rambling and confusion are useless,”

    Dharmsey found that this was an exact description of himself.

    Then Baba asked Kaka for Rs.15/- dakshina and received it.

    B.: “If I take one rupee of dakshina from anyone. I have to return it to him tenfold. I never take anything gratis. I do not ask everyone indiscriminately for dakshina. I take only from him, who is pointed out by the Fakir. If any one is indebted to that Fakir, money is got from him. The giver gives, but really sows his seed, the gift to reap a rich harvest later on. Wealth is merely means to work out dharma. If one uses it merely for personal enjoyment, it is vainly spent.

    Unless you have given wealth, you do not get it now. Dakshina is asked, because  wealth  has  been  given. The  giving  of dakshina, advances vairagya and thereby Bhakthi and Jnana.   What am I doing?   Receiving one and returning it tenfold!”

    Sour and not Sour

    351A. Judge MB. Rege one day prepared at shirdi some lime juice syrup to offer it to Baba and first tasted it. He found it not sour at all. He then took it and gave it to Baba. Baba (after tasting it), to H.S.D.- “Kaka, see how sour it is.” H.S.D. and judge then tasted it and it was sour. Judge was mortified.

    Baba:   No. I was only joking.   Now taste it.

    Again H.S.D. tasted it.  This time, it was not sour at all.

  • 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.”

  • 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

  • Nama Japa

    Nama Japa

    Baba’s sayings about Chanting Names

    Para Number in the Book of BCS & About some names

    (I) Ram Name.

    1. Baba (to N.R.S.): “Ram Rami Ghya.” i.e., (repeat the name of Rama)
    2. Baba (to Mrs. G.S.Khaparde)

    “Always say Raja Ram, Raja Ram.   If you do so your life will be fruitful.   You will attain peace and infinite good.”

    1. Baba (to Rao Bahadur M.W.Pradhan):

    What  should we  say? “Sri Ram,  Jaya Ram,  Jaya Jaya Ram.“

    1. Baba (to H.S.D.): cf 293 Namasmaran.

    “I was always saying, “Hari Hari”. Hari then appeared to me. I then stopped giving medicine and gave Udhi.”

    1. Babu (to some one): 

    “Say, ‘Ram, Ram’. God will bless.”

    1. Baba (to a Bandra youth):  “Read Pothi i.e., Have Parayana.   Make some Nama Japa.”

    Boy: “Baba, I will not. If sometimes I fail in these, I will incur sin?”

    Baba to Mother, “I have now to take ENTIRE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIM.”

    1. Baba- “I had heart disease. I kept ‘Vishnu Sahasranama’ close to My chest. Hari descended from it. I was cured”

    198B Baba approves of “Sai”   nama Japa by the judge MB Rege.

  • Books, Pothi, Parayana

    Books, Pothi, Parayana

    Baba’s sayings about Books

    Para Number in the Book & About some books

    183A. Baba to (a) H.S.Dixit- “Kaka, these two are quite enough.’

    They were (1) ‘Adhyatma Ramayana: and (2) Ekanath Bhagavata.’”

    183B“ Kaka, read this.

    Soon after H.S.D. lost his daughter. Baba made him read in Adhyatma Ramayana, Sree Rama’s consolation to Mandodari.

    184. Baba to Lakshman- “This (i.e., Tilak’s Gita Rahasya) is good.” Baba gave him Rs.l/- with the book.

    185A. Baba to Kusa Bhav- “Come here to this mosque and be reading “Guru Charitra.”

    185B. Baba to Kusa Bhav: “Read Dasa Bodha.”

    186. Baba (to G.G. Narke): You are reading an excellent book (Yoga Vasishta). Get me Rs.15/- dakshina[donation] from that.

    That is, Baba wanted him to read certain passages from Y.V., relating to 15 items and meditate on them and apply them to his heart, thus making a present of them to Baba in his heart.

    187.Baba to Upasani Maharaj- “This (Panchadasi) is our treasury (i.e.. it contains all that we want).”

    188. Baba (to Mukunda Lele Sastri): “Go on for ten days, repeating in this Dwaraka Mayi, Narayan Upanishad Taittariya Bhaga. (And that was done).

    1. Baba (to B.V.Dev): “Read Jnaneswari (a well-known Mahratti commentary on Bhagavad Gita).” (cf 126 )
    2. Baba (in his last days): Go on reading Rama Vijaya here so that Mrityunjaya may be pleased thereby. (And that was done.)

    190A. ‘Rege, Do not read any book, but keep me in your heart.“

    191. Baba on each Guru Poornima day was seated at the Dwaraka Mayee. Devotees came to him, each with a book in hand; gave it to him for receiving it back with His blessings for the fruition of his study.

    Baba generally returned the books to the giver. Sometimes he gave the book of one to some other, substituting some other’s book for his. On one such occasion a Bhaktha M.B.Rege had brought no book at all.

    Baba (to M.B.R, looking at him): “You are right DO NOT READ ANY BOOK.”

    “These people think they will find Brahman (God)in these books, but they find Brama (confusion)in them.   It is enough if you KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART, and make your heart harmonise with the head.}”

  • GURU

    Baba’s sayings about HIS own Gurus and other Gurus

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About Teachers

    (Sai Baba’s Former Guru’s Mahima)

    175. Baba himself described how he met his guru.

    “Once myself and three others were studying our Pothi, Puran and other works and discussed how we were to get realisation.

    One said we should depend on ourselves (and not on a guru) for Gita says raise your self.

    A second said the main thing is to make the mind selfcontrolled, free from thoughts and doubts. It is we who are in everything, everywhere.

    A Third.: The form (i.e. in phenomena) is ever changing. The formless is unchanging. So we must always be making Vichara i.e., distinguishing between Nitya and Anitya.

    The fourth (Sai Baba) disliked bookish knowledge, “Let is do our prescribed duty,” HE said, “and surrender our body, speech and life to a guru, who is all pervading.   Faith in him is the thing needful.”

    As we rambled through the forest, we met a Vanajari (a caste that carried salt, grain etc.) who asked us “where are you going in this heat into the forest?” We gave no direct reply. He kindly warned us from getting into the trackless woods—and that needlessly. He bade us share his food.

    We disdained his advice and marched on.

    But   in   that  vast   and  dense   wood,   we  lost  our  way

    That man met us again and said that by relying on our own cleverness, we had got into a wrong way and that a guiding finger is needed to show the way. “Do not despise offers of food. Such offers are auspicious signs of success in one’s endeavour,” he said; and he again invited us to take food with him. Again we declined it and went away. I soon felt hungry and I went and accepted a bit of bread and ate it and drank some water.

    Then A Guru came then and said, “What was your dispute?” and I told him all our talk. The others left him and did not care  for  him. But I reverently bowed   to him.    Then he took me to a well tied up my legs with a rope, and   suspended me, head downwards, from a tree by a side of the well. My head was about three feet off the water,   which I could not reach. 

    And  my guru  left me  there  and went away-God  knows where. He returned after 4 or 5 hours and asked me how I fared. “In great bliss was my time passed”-I answered.      The Guru, mightily pleased with me, drew  me  near  him,  passed  his palm over my head  and   body   and   spoke   to   me tender words dripping with love, and he put me into his school -where I entirely forgot my father and mother and all attachments and desires.

    I loved to gaze at him. If he were not there to see, I would not like to have eyes at all. I did not wish to go back. I forgot all other things but the Guru. My life was concentrated in my sight and my sight in him. That was the object of my meditation. In silence, I bowed.

    Meaning i.e., Realisation flashed upon me, of itself without effort or study, purely by his grace.

    Guru’s grace is our only sadhana. JNANA comes as experience (or in its wake).

    Guru needed

    176. A devotee- ‘Baba, where is one to go?

    Baba.: Above this.

    D.: What is the way?

    Baba.: There are plenty of ways proceeding from each place. For you, here is this way, leading hence. But the way is rugged. There are tigers and bears on the route.

    H.S.Dixit: But Baba, if one has a guide with him, then?

    Baba.- If one has a guide with him, then there is no difficulty. Then, the tigers and bears move aside. If there is no guide, there is a deep yawning pit on the way, and there is the danger of falling into it.

    (Here “Guide” = “Guru,” and ‘Pit= “Hell”)

    177- Baba-“Stick to your own Guru with unabated faith, whatever the merits of other Gurus and however little the merits of your own.”

    Pant, we must not give up attachment to our own Guru but be ever firmly resting in him and in him alone.

    BABA ON “VENKUSA” The Guru of this birth

    178. “For 12 years I waited on my Guru who is peerless and loving. How can I describe his love to Me? When he was DYANASTHA, (i.e., in love-trance) I sat and gazed at him. We were both filled with Bliss. I cared not to turn my eye upon anything else. Night and day I pored upon his face with an ardour of love that banished hunger and thirst. The Guru’s absence for a second made me restless. I meditated on nothing but the Guru, and had no goal, or object, other than the Guru. Unceasingly fixed upon him was my mind. Wonderful indeed, the art of my Guru!

    I wanted nothing but the Guru and he wanted nothing but this intense love from me. Apparently inactive, he never neglected me, but always protected me by his glance. That Guru never blew any mantra into my ear. By his grace, I attained to my present state. Making the Guru the sole object of one’s thoughts and aims one attains Paramartha, the Supreme Goal. This is the only truth the Guru taught me. The four Sadhanas and Six Sastras are not necessary. Trusting in the Guru fully is enough.

    That is the only Sadhana

    My fakir’s wife left me with ‘Venkusa’ at Selu, stayed with him 12 years, and left Selu.

    178. This Brick (which Baba always lovingly used to support his arm or head) is my Guru’s gift, my life companion. It is not the brick that is broken now-but my Karma (prarabdha) is that has snapped. I cannot survive the breaking of the brick.

    (Baba said this early in October 1918, when Madhav Fasle lifted the brick and carelessly allowed it to fall, whereby it broke into two. Baba seeing the broken pieces expressed his grief and spoke as above.)

    1. Baba: “Nana, I am not angry with you. You, my children can be angry with me. If Venkusa were alive, I could be angry with him.”
    2. “One should not stay in any place, where saints are (or one’s Guru is) ill spoken of.”
    FORMER GURU KABIR UPASANA

                 Margosa Foot tomb is Kabirs i.e., Body of Kabir became flowers

    181. Kabir was my guru (cf.477)

    I put up at that tree foot (Gode Neem), for that reason.

    God will bless those who burn incense here on Thursdays and Fridays (sc 164)

    182. GURU IS GOT, BY ADOPTION BY THE DEVOTEE

    A rich lady carried a plateful of rupees and stood before Baba for 4 days. But Baba did not ask her for any Dakshina.

    Lady (on the fourth day): “Baba, I have come here for a Guru. Take my dakshina now. Make yoursef my guru and give me upadesa.”

    Baba: It is not the guru that makes himself your guru. It is you who must regard him as Guru, i.e., place faith in him. Take a Postherd and regard it as your Guru and see if your goal or aim is reached or not. (cf Ekalavya)

    Nature of Jnana or Brahman and how to get it through Gurus

    183. N.C.G., a graduate well versed in Sanskrit and a good student of Sankara Bhashya on Gita, was once massaging Baba’s feet at the Mosque.

    Baba- ” Nana, what are your muttering?”

    N.G.C.: A Sanskrit verse.

    B.: What is the verse?

    N.G.C.: A verse from the Gita.

    B.: Recite it audibly.

    Then N.G.C. recited Gita, Chapter 4, verse 34.

    B.: Nana, do you understand this? 

    N.G.C.: I do.

    B.: Then give the meaning. 

    Then N.G.C. gave the meaning.

    B.: I do not want the general purport.   Give the meaning word for word, with strict reference to case, mood, tense and other parts of grammar.

    Nana gave such an explanation, wondering whether Baba could know anything of Sanskrit grammar. But Baba began cross examining him severely with reference to grammar.

    B.: In Thatvidhi what does That refer to?

    • NG.C: Jnana.

    B.: Which Jnana or Jnana of what?

    N.G.C.: The Jnana referred to in the previous stanzas.

    B. What does Pranipatha mean?

    N.G.C.: Prostration.

    B.: What does (Patha) mean?

    N.G.C.: The same.

    B.: If Pranipatha and Patha meant the same, would Vyasa have added two needless syllables’?

    N.G.C.: I do not know the difference between the two.

    B.: What does prasna mean’.’ 

    N.G.C.: It means putting questions. 

    B.: What does pariprasna mean?

    N.G.C.: The same.

    B.: If both the phrases meant the same, was Vyasa off his head to use the longer phrase?

    N.G.C.: I do not see however any difference.

    B.: What does Seva mean?

    N.G.C.: Service, such as massaging.

    B. : Nothing more?

    N.G.C.: I cannot see what more it will mean.

    B.: Let that go. In the last two parts. Krishna asks Arjuna to get Jnana from Tatwadarsi Jnanis. Was not Krishna a jnani?

    N.G.C.: Yes.

    B.: Then why does he not give jnana himself but refer Arjuna to others?

    N.G.C.: I cannot say.

    B.. Is not Arjuna a jiva, a piece of Chaitanya?

    N.G.C.: Yes.

    B. : How can jnana be given to the jiva, which is already a piece of Chaitanya or Jnana?

    N.G.C.: I cannot say.

    B. : Let that alone.    In the second half of the stanza can you read an extra syllable into it?

    N.G.C.: Yes. 

    B.. How?

    N.G.C.; By adding an Avagraha, i.e., elision mark before Jnana.

    B.How will it read then ?

    N.G.C.  Updateikshanthi Tejanam. But Baba, this reading is not found in Sankara’s commentary.

    B. : What if? If it makes a better sense, what is the harm? 

    N.G.C.: I cannot see how it can make a better sense. 

    B.: You will.

    Then Nana wanted Baba to answer the questions which he Himself had raised and explain the stanza in his own way.

    B.: The Stanza refers to how a sishya should approach his guru to obtain realisation of the Real. The disciple must approach the Guru, completely surrendering body, mind, soul and possessions, to the Guru. The  prostration must be one accompanied by that attitude.

    As for Pariprasna, it must be repeated and must not be mere idle questions or merely out of curiosity or with any improper motive, or attitude, e.g., to trap the Guru into a mistake and catch him. The object must be pure desire to attain progress and liberation and the questions must be humbly repeated till full light is gained.

    As for Seva, mere service e.g., massage etc., is not enough. To be effective, there must be no lingering idea that one is free to yield the service or refuse it. One must feel that one is not the master of the body-which has become the Guru’s and exists merely to render him service.

    As for the Guru giving Ajnana to the sishya, we will see, 

    B.. Is not Brahman, Jnana or pure Sadvastu? 

    N.G.C.: Yes.

    B.: Have not the sastras declared that Brahman is not reached by speech or mind? (Ayathovacho)

    N.G.C.: Yes.

    B.. Then that speech (of the Guru) is not Brahman or Jnana?

    N.G.C.: No. It is not.

    B.: Then what the Guru speaks is not Jnana but Ajnana? Is it not so?

    NG.C.: It seems so.

    B: “The Guru’s instruction is ‘a piece of ignorance Ajnana, removing the disciple’s Ajnana’, just as a thorn removes a thorn. Is that not so? “

    N.G.C; Yes.

    B.: The pupil is a jiva, whose essential nature is jnana. Is it not so?

    N.G.C.: Yes.

    B.: Then there is no necessity to give him jnana, but only to remove the curtain of ignorance that hides that jnana. Is it not so?

    N.G.C: Yes.

    B. That, of course, is not done at one stroke, as the disciple’s jiva is immersed deep in age-long ignorance and requires to be instructed repeatedly, birth after birth it may be.

    B.: What is the nature of this instruction through speech, about that, which is beyond speech? It is just like removing a cover. Ajnana is covering jnana, just like moss covering the water. Then remove the moss and you have the clear water. You have not got to create the water. Water is there. During an eclipse the Sun or Moon is there, but Rahu or Kethu hides the view from us and when Rahu or Kethu passes away; the light of the Sun or Moon which is continuing right through is seen bv us.

    Take another example. We are seeing things with the eyes. Then a cataract forms over them and the eyes cannot see. Pull off the cataract, then the eyes see. Ajnana is the. cataract.

    The Universe is the efflorescence of the indescribable Maya, which is ignorance. Yet it is the Ajnana that illuminates the Ajnana.

    B.: Jnana is to be realised and is not a matter of direct Upadesa.

    Salutation, Questioning and Service are Sadhanas for obtaining the Guru’s grace.

    The impression that Phenomena are real is a delusion. This is the screen of darkness that hides Jnana. Tear off that screen. Then Prajnana Brahma will shine forth.

    Ajnana is the seed of Samsara. If the Guru kripa paint is put on the eye. Maya screen lifts and Jnana survives. Jnana is not an effect. It is ever self-existent. On the other hand, Ajnana has a cause and an end. “God is one. The Devotee is another”. This is the root of ignorance. Remove it. Jnana remains.

    Ignorance finds a snake in the rope. Remove the ignorance, then the rope is known as it is.

    As to why Krishna refers Arjuna to other gurus without imparting Jnana himself, consider this. Did Krishna view Jnanis as different from Himself? Did he not say that Jnanis are identical with Himself? Thus their teaching is His teaching. Is it not so?

    • G. C.: Yes, Baba.   Pray teach me the whole of the Gita.

    B.: Daily read one chapter and come and sit before me. 

    N.G.C.: Yes.

    Thereafter Nana went each day having read up one chapter and when he sat at the feet of Baba, he got the gist of it.

  • BABA’S NATURE

    BABA’S NATURE

    Para Number in the Book-BCS and Baba’s saying on His Own Nature

    1. I am god (Allah)
      I am Mahalaxmi: I speak the truth-sitting as I do at the Mosque.
      (I am Vittobha of Pandhari) Baba to NG Chandorkar: Go, I am at Pandhari
      (I am Ganapathi): Mother, all offerings you made to Ganapathi have reached Me.
      (I am Dattatreya): Are you puffed-up? Where was male progeny in your destiny? I tore up this body and …..gave you a son. (In answer to the prayer, you offered before Datta at Gangapur)
      (I am Laxmi Narain): Why go for Ganga elsewhere. Hold your palm at my feet. Here flows Ganga.
      What matters it, whether in your meditation you see this (Sai) figure or the figure of Laxmi Narayana?
      (I am Maruti): My father dedicated me to Maruti.
      I make gestures before his temple, telling him I am his brother.
    2. (I am Krishna): Saibaba (seated in Dwaraka Mayi) to Uddhavesa Bua: “Give me Rs.11 dakshina”.
      Uddhavesa Bua: I have given my ten Indriyas(5 Sense organs & 5 Action organs) and mind.
      Baba: No. Who are you to give them? They are mine already. Read Pothi i.e., do Parayana.
      Uddhavesa Bua: Of what Purana?
      Baba: Of that in which I have spoken to you, and in which I still speak to you
      Uddhavesa Bua: Is it Gita? Jnaneswari?
      Baba: Go and fetch, what Bapu Saheb Jog is reading

    Uddhavesa brought XI skanda of Srimad Bhagavatha from Jog.
    Baba: (slipped his finger into the book suddenly and said) Read this. [It opened at Krishna Uddhava samvada] Daily read this, and then sit at my feet and meditate on it.
    [N.B: That meditation is the gift of 11 INR, eleventh Skanda to Baba, Sai-Krishna, seated in the heart.]

    1. All that (viz, other Gods) is Allah (to Rohilla)
    2. Devotee: Baba, who are you? whence?
      Baba (in the absolute mood): I am the Attributeless, Absolute, Nirguna. I have no name, no residence.
      (Again in the mood of Duality): I got embroiled by Karma, and came to a body. (So) I got a name and abode. Dehi, i.e., the embodied, is my name; and the world is my abode. Brahman is my father and Maya, my mother. As they interlocked, I got this body. The world is evanescent, mutable.
    3. I am Parvardigar (God). I live at Shirdi and everywhere.
      My age is lakhs of years.
      My business is to give blessings.
      All things are mine.
      I give everything to everyone.
    4. I am in Gangapur, Pandharpur and in all places. I am in every bit of the globe.
    5. All the universe is in me.
    6. Stick to the one whom you worship or revere. God will protect you soon.
      65-A. Baba To Shankar Rao Gowhanker : ‘”They had many, giving them trouble. As they were with me, they did not suffer by that trouble. God punished the troublers. See, God rewards the doers of good and punishes evil-doers.
    1. I am the Progenitor of God. Mediate on me as pure Ananada Nirakara; but if you cannot do so, meditate on this this Sai Body exactly as it is.
    2. I am not the body or the senses. I am the sakshi-witness of all these.
      I do nothing. I receive nothing.
    3. Devotee: Baba burn on your hand to be treated. It must pain you so much.
      Baba: what fun will it be (for me) to stand by and see the whole of this (Sai Baba) body burning on a funeral pyre of cow dung cake fuel?