"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: Baba’s Charters and Sayings

As Lord Sree Krishna manifests Himself in the Bhagavad Gita, so does Baba in the “Charters and Sayings”; which was complied by Sri B.V. Narasimha Swami. The Book was published by All India Sai samaj, Mylapore, Chennai-600004. India.

  • APPEARANCE AS OTHERS

    APPEARANCE AS OTHERS

    Baba’s appearance as others

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About Appearance as others

    To Mule Sastri, as Dholap Maharaj

    352A Baba  appeared as  Dholap Maharaj,  the guru of Mule Sastri, to overcome Sastri’s prejudice against Baba at the mosque.

    Baba assumes objector’s father’s voice

    353. Kaka Mahajani’s friend who was a believer in nirakara worship alone and objected to all worship  of forms, agreed out of curiosity to go with Kaka to see Baba. He stipulated, however, that he would neither bow  to  sai nor pay any Dakshina.  As  that friend  was getting  up  the  steps  of the  mosque  at  Shirdi,  Baba  said “Kayaveji”   i.e., Welcome Sir.

    But the voice that fell upon the friend’s ears was that of his father and thrilled him with joy. He at once fell down and placed his head upon Baba’s feet.

    Baba asked Kaka thereafter, twice for Dakshina, but did not ask this man, who thereupon whispered to Kaka that he wanted to give Dakshina.

    B.:    What is your friend saying? Kaka repeated his words.

    B: He has not been asked, because he was unwilling to give it.   But if he wants to give it now, he may. Then the friend paid Baba Rs.17

    B.(to that man): It is Teli’s wall[oil store, next to Baba place] that separates you from us. Pull it down and we can see each other clearly face to face.

    Then Kaka and his friend were starting and the weather was cloudy and threatening.

    B.: Shama, let them go without fear or anxiety.   There is no trouble from rain on their return journey.

    There was no rain till they reached the train, despite the clouds and thunder.

    Baba appears as or identifies with himself other saints

    354. S. B. Nachne’s brother and family were anxious about a very serious operation, which was just being performed at Mumbai on his brother. Then a Sadhu appeared at Dahanu and was given food by Nachne’s sister-in-law. They kept aside Bendi Baji (lady’s fingers’ dish) as not fit for presentation; but the Sadhu himself called for it and it was then served. The Sadhu then went away blessing them and telling them that the operation at Mumbai was safe and successful. Three years later, Nachne went to Baba. Then,

    Baba: “I had been to this man’s house (pointing to S.B. Nachne) for a meal. He did not give me Bendi Baji.”

    That saint was obviously Hindu and markedly different in features from Baba.

    355. Balakrishna G. Upasani Sastri, Professor of Sanskrit, went to Hardwar and Tapovan (Swargashram) and saw a saint who told him that a saligram held as an heirloom by the upasanis for many generations had been given by him. When asked about his identity, that saint said in Hindustani, “lo! There was a tree (or log). One came down. The other went up. You will come to know”. And then he went out of sight.

    Many years later, at the end of 1911, he was going about to trace the whereabouts of his younger brother, Kasinath now known as upasani Baba. He alighted at Kopergaon at the request of the local mamlatdar who sent him to Shirdi. When he went to Baba,

    Baba: Go to Khandoba’s

    BGU: When I have seen you, Baba, I have seen all the Gods.

    Again Baba: Go to Khandoba’s.

    When BGU came out of the Mosque and mentioned Baba’s order, people told him that Kasinath upasani sastri was at Khandoba’s. Thus Baba without being told, found out BGU’s relationship and quest. When BGU returned to Baba, Baba spoke in Hindustani the same words that were spoken by the Sadhu at Tapovan.

    “There was a tree (or log). Two persons were up over that. One came down and the other went up.”

    Sai Baba thus showed that he was the Tapovan saint.

    355-A. When Chandrabai R. Borkar was at Kopergaon during sravana or chaturmasya of 1908, an unknown fakir appeared before her and wanted Garlic chatni and bread. She said that she did not take garlic in chaturmasya and the fakir disappeared.

    Having heard of Sai Baba and his taking onion everyday, she thought that fakir might be Sai Baba. So she went to Shirdi for the first time and bowed before Sai Baba. Baba told her, “You have not given garlic chatni and bread! Any why have you come here?” This confirmed her idea that the fakir who come to her was Baba and she answered “Yes, I have come to give garlic chatni and bread”. Baba then said that “she was his sister for seven generations and had always sought him out”

    Baba identifying Himself with Anasuya and Datts

    356. In 1911, on Datta Jayanti day Balawant Kohojkar went to Baba at Shirdi. At 5 p.m.,

    B.: I am having pangs of labour and cannot bear the pain. So saying, he drove everyone out of the mosque.

    He was evidently identifying himself with Anasuya. A little later, Baba called all people in. Kohojkar went first and on Baba’s gadi saw not Baba, but a small charming three headed baby (i.e.,) Datta. In a moment, Datta disappeared and Baba was seen instead.

    357. B.V.Dev wished to perform an udhyapana ceremony, which included mass feeding and he wrote to Jog requesting Baba’s attendance at the dinner.

    Then,

    Jog : Baba, Dev wants you to attend the dinner at Dahanu on the prescribed date.

    B.: Write and tell him that I shall attend the dinner with two others, that I require no train to travel by, and that as soon as a Bhakta calls out to me with love, I will appear immediately.

    On the dinner day, Baba was not to be seen at the dinner party. A Sanyasi, previously known to Dev turned up with two others and saying, ‘I came only for dinner and not for money’ and dined with him.

    Then Dev wrote to Jog complaining of Baba’s breach of promise. Jog was bringing the letter to Baba and even before it was opened, Baba spoke:

    B.: Ah! He says that I made him believe that I would take his Udhyapana meal and that I deceived him. Inform him that I did attend the dinner with two others; but that he failed to recognise me. Tell him that I expressly said that I did not go there for money, but only for the dinner.

    The reply was written and sent; and Dev was convinced that Baba ate in the form of the Sanyasi,

    358. A Marwadi came to Adam Dalali and wanted food. And A.D. gave him some money and sent him to a Marwadi Hotel at Bandra. Later, A.D. went to Shirdi.

    Baba (pointing to A.D): “I went to this man. He sent me to a Marwadi for food.”

    Baba as Dog

    359. Mrs.G.S.Khaparde when presenting Naivedya at the mosque was daily inviting Baba to go to her lodgings for a meal. Baba promised; but did not come.

    One day when she was preparing dishes, a dog came near her and as she viewed it as an unclean and polluting animal, flung burning fuel at the dog and it ran away. That day at Naivedya time at the Mosque, Mrs. G.S.K. – “Baba, come to my lodgings for a meal.”

    Baba :  “Yes.  when  I came,  you threw burning fuel at me.”

    H.S.D.’s Brother

    401. H.S.D.’s Brother was unwell at Nagpur and a letter intimating that fact came to H.S.D.’s at Shirdi, when he was before Baba.

    H.S.D.: “I am of no service at all, Baba (to my brother), “(meaning that he could not help his brother any way.)

    Baba- “I am of much service.”

    The force of Baba’s words was understood by H.S.D. much later. At the time of his talk with Baba, someone had come to his brother at Nagpur and used the very same words, “1 am of much service”, and cured H.S.D.’s brother!

  • APPEARANCE

    Baba’s appearance

    Para Number in the Book & About Appearance

    Mahlsapathy at Jejuri

    352. Mahlsapathy went on a pilgrimage to Jejuri with his Palki. Plague was raging there. Mahlsapathy and his companions set down the Palki and in great dejection Mahlsapathy sat leaning against his Palki.

    He thought there was someone behind. He turned and saw Baba M who at once disappeared. He told his companions that Baba was with them. They all get bold and stayed on for four days, none of them being affected with plague and they went back safe. On their return,

    Baba: “Bhagat, you had a fine pilgrimage. You sat leaning against the Palki. At that time, I had come there.”

    Thus Baba assured him that Baba actually was present at Jejuri with his wonderful powers; and that Mahlsapathy was not under any hallucination or delusion, when he had the vision of Baba.

  • 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.

  • CONTROL ELEMENTS

    Baba’s control elements

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About the Five Elements

    338. Baba, to one who by pranayama etc.. had developed clairvoyance and had seen fire in his Dhyanaroom when his distant mill was burning, wished to point out the danger of being attracted by the desire of Siddhis, and said:” why are you gazing at the strumpet’s performances? I can never exhibit tricks. It does not behave us to daily with a strumpet.”

    340. ANTICIPATING A STORM.

    In Vaisak 1914, Bhima went from Bombay to Baba desirous of seeing some chamatkars of Baba. When afternoon Arati was over,

    Baba: All of you clear off. You must remain inside your lodgings and not wander about in the open and you must come again, when sent for.

    When Baba said this, it was clear weather. But very soon a furious gale blew ripping off the zinc sheets on the top of building and threatening to blow down houses. It stopped in 15 minutes of cloudy weather. Thereafter the sun shone with fierce heat, then Baba sending for all said:

    “Are you terrified?” then Bhima fell at his feet and cried for joy.

    Baba: Do not fear. This is the play of God. Many more of such plays you may see.

    Baba’s control over storm

    341. On another stormy occasion, Baba (addressing the storm in a loud and thunderous voice): Stop, stop all this!

    In a few minutes, the storm ceased and there were no more rains and wind.

    The sky became clear.

    Baba’s control over fire

    (a) Kondaji’s stack

    341A. One day, at noon.

    Baba to Kondaji: Go to the stacking floor. your stack is on fire.

    Kondaji goes to the far off stack, sees no fire and returns.

    Kondaji: Baba, there is no fire, you wanted the fun of sending me out in the hot sun, is it?

    Baba: Now turn and see behind you.

    Just then smoke was seen rising  above the stack floor. All the villagers ran up. Kondaji’s stack was burning. Villagers then begged Baba to stop the fire and save the numerous stacks kept near Kondaji’s on the stacking floor. See 608

    342 Baba (circling Kondaji’s stack with a thin line of water). Only this stack will be burnt, and no others.

    Only that stack was burnt, though other stacks were near and a wind was blowing.

    (b) Fire in the Dhuni

    343 Baba: (to the fire in Dhuni, the flames of which were seen reaching to the rafters above, while Baba was beating a pillar nearby with his stick): Get back, forebear, forebear.

    The fire immediately slowed down and became normal.

    (c) Baba controls fire and heat

    344. When on a hot summer noon, people finding the atmosphere too hot, left the Mosque and only five remained.

    Baba: (Addressing the five): You go, and sit near the fire.

    They did. In a few minutes the atmosphere inside became cool and a cool wind was fanning them.

    Baba’s control over Departed Spirits and Guidance of them

    345. Baba: There was a girl playmate of mine. She was an artist. She died and was buried. As I was passing by her tomb, I stopped and passed a night near it. Then she accompanied me. I kept her in a babul tree first, and then brought her to Shirdi.

  • DEATH and BIRTH

    Baba’s sayings about death and birth

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS”, About death and birth

    3I3-A.     Prema conferred by Baba:  He appeared before Rao saheb Galwankar and said: “What do you want”? 

    G.   Nothing but Prema.

    Baba.   Yes  (and  Baba disappeared. But G. has often gushed of Prema, ever since then.)

    313-B Imam (i.e., faith) is conferred by Baba.

    Rajaballi Mahomed came to Baba.

    Baba to R.M.: What do you want.

    R.M.:Only Imam, faith.

    Baba: Allah accha karega. (God will bless.)

    314: Baba: “Why do you grieve: men are born to die. one day each one of us will die.”

    Baba to Appa Kulkarni’s wife.-“Death and life are manifestations of God’s activity. you cannot separate the two. God permeates all. However, (in fact) none is born. None die.: See with your inner eve. Then you realise that you are God, and not different from Him. Like worn-out garment, the body is cast away by God. Appa wants to change his dress (kupni) before I do. Let Appa go. Do not stop him. Do not ask for Udhi.

    Gain and loss, birth and death, are in the hands of God. But how blindly do these people forget God! Look after life just so long as it lasts. When death arrives, do not be grieved.

    The wise ones do not grieve for death; the fools do.

    Behold! The five pranas were lent for use till now. Now the lender claims back his won; and they are returned. Air goes back to air, fire to fire. Every one of the five elements thus goes back to its place.

    The body (is made up) of earth. See, really they are the same. Therefore its return to the earth is not a thing to bemoan.”

    Birth

    315. Baba: “Birth also is similar to be dealt with. Do not be jubilating over a birth. This is the process of creation (and goes on from the beginning). Be not moved by it.

    The earth bears seeds. Clouds drop their rain on them. The sun sends his rays, and makes them sprout. When these sprout, earth, clouds and Sun keep on their sport and happy course in all directions.

    But they neither exult at the growth not deplore the destruction of the sprout. You should be (unaffected) like these. If you are, whence can sorrow come to you? Mukti is this absence of sorrow.

    Selfishness of Sorrow

     (At the cries of an aged woman crying at the death of her husband who after intense suffering from protracted disease died thinking of Baba).

    316. Baba: “Listen to the cries of that woman! “What will become of me? Who will give me cloth or food?” she says. She wholly forgets the miseries and happiness of her husband!”

    Death of a son, daughter etc. W.G. Pradhan

    317. Baba: Why does the fool go on lamenting for the loss of a son? It is merely going to the earth. The body must go to the earth. Why go on lamenting for that? Scatter your fruits-Rarnphal-far and wide.

    -To a Magistrate. Sai Baba to N.G. Chandorkar(who had lost a grandchild)

    318. Baba:(to Bayyaji Patil): “Why should you be sorry? (for the death of your father). In five months, he will come back, [In five months, a son was born to Bayyaji]

    Jnani’s passing away

    319. Baba- ” They do not talk of saints as dying. They take samadhi”. (cf Kabir. )

    320. Baba’s warning to G P Bendre who was to lose his eldest son suddenly in four days.

    Baba: Go and ask Buty for Rs. 10 Dakshina.

    Bendre goes to Buty and sees that Buty is calmly proceeding to bury his clerk just dead.

    Baba to G P Bendre: “A very grievous thing has happened. Be not afraid. be courageous. Do not throw up your limbs.”

    (Thus prepared, Bendre did not feel the shock so much at the loss of his son two days later).

    When death is an advantage. Baba does not avert it.(Cobra bitten boy)

    (Sometime after Baba revived a kid that seemed to fall down dead in midday heat, a woman came and cried for Udhi to save her son who was bitten by a cobra. That was not given; and the bay died. She came again and cried)

    321 H S Dixit: “Baba, the woman’s cries are heart rending . For my sake, revive her dead son.”

    Baba: Bhav, do not get entangled in this. Bhav, what has happened is for good. He has entered into a new body. In that body, he will do specially good work which can not be accomplished in this body, which is seen here. If I draw him back into this body, then the new body he has taken will die and this this body will live. I will do this for your sake. but have you considered the consequences? Have you any idea of the responsibility and are you prepared to take it up?

    H.S. Dixit desisted from pressing his requests.

    The girl with slit lips

    322. In 1913, S B Mohile took his daughter to baba for curing her split lip, which doctors could not cure.

    Baba: I know what for you are come. I can cure her; but it will be of no use. The girl is of divine sort (Daivi) and consequently her span of life will be very short. Next Magha Shudda Chathurthi, i.e., March 1914, she will expire. If on that day you are not at home and go away to your office, you will not be able to see her (alive on your return).

    The girl died on that very date when the father was in his office.

    Appa Kulkarni

    323. Baba: (Appa Kulkarni): “Pucca (bilander) thieves have come to the village. You are the first object of their attack. Their aim is to get at the principal things. Taking these, they run away.”

    This referred to the Cholera epidemic which was to come upon the village and in which appa was the first victim. Appa, however, mistook it as referring to the public funds he kept in the chavadi and he placed a special guard over it. Appa was attacked by cholera; and he succumbed.

    323-A; Appa Kulkarni’s wife (crying) Baba, save my husband.

    Baba: Mother, Let Appa go. Do not stop him. He is removing his kupni before I take off mine. It is better for him that he goes.

    Trying to prevent Death-Ineffectual attempt

    324. When the Nigoj patil’s wife was seriously ill of plague, that night Baba was at the Chavadi with Mahalsapathi (Bhagat).

    Baba: Bhagat, do not sleep to-night. Stand and keep watching. I have to remember God today. Because the rude Rohilla (death or plague) wants to kill that woman, so I am praying to Allah.

    Mahalsapathy kept watch to prevent any disturbance of or interruption to baba’s prayers; but in the course of the night, the Nivas mamlatdar came with his peons who made a hubbub and shouted that mamlatdar wanted darshan. Their take with Mahalsapathi and mamlatdar’s taking Udhi disturbed Baba, who got angry and threw away mamladtar’s cloth.

    Baba: (After much abuse): You Bhagat! Are you a father of a family? you do not note what is going on in the village, Nigoj (i.e, the plague attack on the Patil’s wife). In such circumstances why did you admit people? Be it so. What has happened is good.

    That night the Patil’s wife died.

    Consolation

    325. Baba to Damodar B.Rampoorkar (who had lost two children and had a son ailing at the time)- “Why are you fearing? Those who are gone, are gone. Be contented with those who survive. Fear not. Am I not near you? what then?

    326. Baba to H.S. Dixit (just after his daughter died): “Read this Adhyatma Ramayana where Rama condoles Mandodari.”

    BABA AVERTS DEATH

    327. In May, June 1917, a Mumbai lady and her younger son sat before Baba at noon Arati.

    Baba: Your must come here exactly at 2 p.m.

    Boy: Yes.

    Accordingly the boy was there at 2 p.m. at the Dwarakamayee.

    Baba: “Boy, come here. Sit at my feet on this mat. Be massaging my feet and do not let go my feet till I tell you.”

    Accordingly the boy went on massaging. At 3 p.m. a terrible female figure with wild dishevelled hair, begrimed face and head and a protruding long tongue shot out and moving like a dog’s jumped over the compound wall and coming near the boy, said:

    “I want this person”.

    Baba: I will not give him.

    She: This exactly is the person I want.

    (She then approached the boy and pulled him. Baba got up enraged and holding the boy with one hand, kicked her on the breast. She roared and ran away)

    Baba: Boy, are you not attending? Do you know the woman that came; Hallo! that woman wanting you to be given up. But how can I give? I refused.

    Boy: When this was going on, I sat benumbed like a picture. I saw everything, but my body was inert or stonelike.

    (Baba declared that the female form was the goddess cholera. And the very next morning, Baba permitted the boy and his mother to go back to Mumbai. Cholera then began to rage at Shirdi)

     BABA’S PASSING AWAY

    Baba’s first attempt to leave the world (1886)

    328. In 1886 Baba said to Mahalsapathy: “I am going to Allah. Take care of this body for three days. If I return, I will look after it myself thereafter. If I do not, inter this body thereafter in that open land (pointing to an open land) and place two standards there to mark the place, where my body is placed.

    Then Baba’s breathing, pulse, circulation, all stopped and the body became a corpse. The village officers and police held an inquest and ordered Mahalsapathy to bury the body; but he prevented it, thus averting catastrophe which befell Sankaracharya’s body – a catastrophe that was in Sankaracharya’s case remedied by a Goddess.

    On the third day consciousness returned to Baba. Breathing began and the abdomen was seen moving. then Baba’s opened and his life was restored.

    II. In 1916

    329. In 1916 Vijayadasami Day (October) Baba was in a rage. He tored off all his clothes and threw them into the fire (Djuni) before him and stood there stark naked. Baba with red eyes shouted: “Fellows, decide for yourselves now If I am Moslem or Hindu.”

    After two hours of this rage, Bagoji Scindhe, his leper companion tied a langoti to him and said: “Why all this? To day is the festival of Simolanagan”. Baba striking the ground with his baton: “This is my Simolangan (my going beyond the boundary of life.)”

    People could not understand his meaning then, but it was on the Vijayadasami day of 1918 that Baba crossed the boundary of life.

    In 1916 before vijayadasami, Baba had been seriously unwell and the rumour got abroad that he was about to die. And the devotees conducted a sapta at Shirdi with mass feeding for the recovery of his health.

    Thereafter he recovered; but when Nana Saheb Nimonkar came there, on his way to Poona

    Baba: Nana, you stay here, bury me and then go.

    Baba would not allow Nana either to go back to Nimon or proceed on to Poona.

    Shama intervened on behalf of Nimonkar and asked Baba for leave for his going away.

    Baba: “Shama, do you want to kill my people. Is Kaka (Nana Nimaonkar) eating your father’s property?”

    Shama: But his daughter-in-law is pregnant and requires help.

    Baba: (Addressing Nimonkar): Hallo Kaka, why are you anxious? God will help. Bury me and then go.

    His daughter-in-law had no help. Suddenly at 10 p.m. one night, she felt that pains were coming and was at once taken in a tonga to the Poona Municipal Maternity hospital and left on a bed. The nurse went away to some other room at 11 p.m. and in the nurse’s absence, she was delivered  of a male child without any help.

    Baba said to Nana Nimonkar at that time at Shirdi: “There was a woman. She was taken to a place. There she was delivered safe of a male child.”

    III. In 1918

    330. Baba had told Uddhavesa Bua some months back no to be “paying fortnightly visits” and made him final farewell. In Dasara time, Baba was unwell, for a number of days, as also Tatya Patil.

    In the earlier part he went and begged food in the accustomed places supporting his body on some others. During the last two or three days, he was not able to go out.

    On the 15 October 1918, i.e., Dasara day, after Arati was over:

    Baba: “You Kaka (H S Dixit), Buty, etc., go for your meal.”

    And then they left. After they left, Baba sat upon his bed, reclined on Bayyaji’s lap and said, “I am going. Carry me to the Wada. All the Brahmins will be living near me.” and then breathed his last. Nana Nimonkar poured water into his mouth; but the water came out. It was about 3 p.m. The day was no doubt Vijaya Dasami, but Ekadasi had begun at that time.

    In anticipation of his passing away, he gave gifts (dana) in the morning of that dasami. He sat up and paid from his pocket first Rs.5/- and then Rs. 4/- to Lakshmi Bai Scindhe, who was daily preparing and giving him food and daily receiving Rs. 4/- from him.

    A few days before Baba passed away, he sent Rs. 200 for feeding fakirs and the chanting of prayers with drum beating, at a holy place. He sent word to another Moslem saint in these terms, “The light of Allah lit, he is taking away.” That saint received the intimation with tears.

    Rama Viyaya had been read during the 14 days of Baba’s illness, i.e., on the 9th, 10th, 11th day of Dasara within Baba’s hearing, as he had said that “Mrityunjaya would be pleased thereby.”

    On the night of Dasara, Baba appeared in the dream of Lakshman mama and said, “Get up quick and do my Kakada Arati. Jog thinks that I am dead and he will not come.”

    And Lakshman did the morning Arati in spite of the protest of the Maulvis. Jog resumed the noon arati on the 16th October 1918.

    330.A Baba’s reference to the approach of his Mahasamadhi. Baba to Chotakhan: “Put this garland on the fakir Banne Mea and tell him “Allah is taking away the lamp he placed here.” That was mentioned to the Moulana shortly before 15-10-1918. That fakir then shed tears.

    IV. Baba’s Samadhi and Temple

    331. One night both Shama and Bapu Saheb Buty dreamt that Baba wanted the latter to build a wada and a temple. H.S.D. went to Baba to verify this with Shama.

    Sharma : Deva what mysterious wonders you are working?

    Baba, (shutting his ears): I am in my own place and say nothing to anyone.

    Then Baba was asked for permission to build and he gave it. Later Buty wanted to install Murlidhar’s image in the central hall without having a special garba-griha. Baba’s consent was asked. Baba- “After the temple is built, we will reside there.”

    When Baba was unwell and fast approaching his end, he said to Bayyaji and others. “I am going. Place me in the (Buty) Wada. Brahmins will reside near me”.

    Buty did not wish to reside there or introduce Murlidhar after Baba passed away and he agreed to Baba’s remains being placed in the Wada. Then Hindus and Moslems had a hot contest as to where Baba’s mortal remains should be interred and the local Mamlatdar ordered a plebiscite to be taken through mahajars. The Hindus, by a large majority voted that Baba’s remains should be placed in Buty wada and that was done. Baba’s samadhi is now there.

    SADGATI /Moksha [Salvation / Liberation]
    1. A BLIND MAN

    332. A blind man went to Baba for restoration of sight. Baba did not give him any encouragement and so he went out of the Mosque.

    He was then admonished, that restoration of physical sight to a man in his position, with only a short of life before him perhaps, is undesirable, as restored sight may merely develop desires and that his appeal to Sri Sai Baba should be for the grant of spiritual vision.

    The man returned and said, “I do not want my physical sight. Please take me under your protection and give me the inner vision.”

    Baba: Stay on.

    The man stayed for a month, improved spiritually and died.

    Baba: This man is not dead. It is only his wife, (ignorance) that is dead. He has attained Sadgati.

     (2)       L K NOOLKAR

    333. Lakshman K. Noolkar, who was sub-judge at Pandharpur in 1909, while N G Chandorkar was Deputy Collector there, was being induced to go to Shirdi by the latter.

    LKN: “I cannot go until I get a Brahmin cook, and good Nagpur oranges for presentation. I can find neither of these.”

    NGC: Baba’s grace will provide.

    That night a Brahmin cook came to NGC and wanted service and was referred to Noolkar who engaged him. In the morning Noolkar found a parcel of excellent Nagpur oranges and no trace could be found as to who the sender was. Any how, Noolkar, convinced of Baba’s miraculous powers of providing the needful, started with NGC, and went to Baba.

    Baba: Nana, who is this notorious crazy person, whom you have brought with you?

    Next day when Noolkar visited Masjid. Baba was in a furious mood and seizing his head, knocked it against pillar saying, “Your existence or truth will be lost or your unreality will be lost”.

    Noolkar was much afraid; but NGC, gave an optimistic interpretation of these occurrences.

    That night Noolkar suddenly got up and asked Nana for betel, which Noolkar was not ordinarily using. Just at that time, Baba was at Mosque far away.

    Baba to someone present: “Take these four bidas i.e., rolled up betel, and go and give them to an old man, at Chandorkar’s who needs the betel.”

    The sudden appearance of that man and the delivery of the bidas convinced Noolkar that Baba was his Antarsakshi and thenceforward Noolkar’s faith was greatly strengthened and he stayed on at Shirdi. Noolkar’s death suddenly came on rapidly, sacred literature was read within his hearing, as he approached the end. Baba’s Pada Theertham also was brought and given to him and died with his attention centered on Baba.

    Baba referring to Noolkar’s death: “Tatya, (Noolkar) has gone in advance (of us). He stayed here as I directed. His life’s goal has been reached. He will be born no more.”

    (3) VIJAYANANDASWAMI

    334. Sri Vijayananda Swami, a Madrasi, started from Madras on pilgrimage to Manasarovar. He visited Baba at Shirdi en route. Here one Somadevaji, a swami of Haridwar frightened the Madrasi and made him waver about his trip by describing the difficulties of the pilarimage. Then when Vijayananda went to Baba, Baba cried out, “Turn this useless Sanyasi out”.

    The man left the Masjid; but watched Sai Baba from the mandap and was very well impressed with Sai Baba. He was then graciously received by Baba.

    Then a letter came to him from Madras that his mother was very ill and so asked Baba for permission. But Sai saw the future better than the Madrasi and said: “If you are so fond of your mother, why did you assume the garb of sanyasi? The ochre colour and ‘Mamata’ i.e., attachment cannot go together. Go and sit at your quarters. wait for a few days courageously. We shall see then about the future. In your wada (i.e., building) there are many thieves. Bolt your doors and be on your guard. they will carry away everything. Wealth, kith and kin etc., are all transient – attended with fear.

    Utter renunciation alone leads to bliss. Begin “Sapthaha” of Bhagavata from tomorrow. Do three of these “Sapthaha” – devoting body, speech and mind to it; meditate on it, That will quench all vasanas; all-illusion will end”. Vijayanandaswami started his Bhagavata Parayana Sapthaha from the next day, right seriously. after two Sapthahas, i.e., 14 days, he was too much exhausted and weak and so spent 2 days at his quarters. the third day he breathed his last on Bade Baba’s lap.

    In the above incident, Baba’s each word is impregnated with universal spiritual advice to all humanity. 

    “Turn this useless Sanyasi out” – For those who have family responsibility and dependent to take care of, sanyasm is unacceptable and unwarranted.  

    This is how Sai Baba ensured his Sadgati, foreseeing his end.

    (4) Mrs. S.B. Dhumal

    335. Baba to S.B. Dhumal: “the next masik you perform for your wife, perform at shirdi and I will give her sadgaft (And the masik was performed.)”

    (5) Mrs. Upasani Maharaj

    336. When Upasani Maharaj’s wife died about the end of January 1912, Upasani M came much perturbed to Baba and said “Here is Rs.10/-, please do something to give sadgati to my wife.”

    Baba-” Keep the money. She (her spirit) has already come to me. What has to be taken from you has already been taken.”

    SADGATI TO ANIMALS: A SHE BAFFALO

    337. Baba to Mrs. Jog: “You will get a buffalo coming to you. Give it plenty of pooran poli with plenty of ghee.”

    Mrs. Jog: How am I make out that buffalo?

    Baba: It will itself come to your door.

    Mrs. Jog: So many baffaloes pass by my door.

    Baba: When you finish making the required number of pooran polis, that baffalo which comes to your door is the one.

    Mrs. Jog: I have two doors. Northern and southern door.

    Baba: It will be at the southern door.

    Mrs. Jog finished making pooran poli ready painted with ghee at noon that day. Just then a buffalo was at the southern door. Mrs. Jog placed all the pooran polis before it. The animal ate the whole and fell down dead. Mrs. Jog was in terror afraid of being charged in the next world with sin and in the world of being troubled by the owner or by Government. She went to Baba and mentioned the facts and her fear. Baba allayed those fears.

    Baba: That she baffallo had exhausted all her vasanas except the desire to eat plenty of pooran polis with ghee and when that desire was satisfied, her vasanas were exhausted and she passed away from the buffalo body. Go home. There is no reason why you should feel worried. You have only released it from this body.

    SATGATI TO A CHILD

    337A M B Rege’s wife (who was enceinte) and M B Rege visited Baba about 1914. Baba then told them “you have one of my gift with you”.  

    After the child was born, they took it to Baba. Baba to M B Rege: “Is he mine or yours. “

    M B Rege: Yours Baba.

    Baba: Keep him with you as a charge from me.

    18 months later, the child was dying. Rege prayed to Baba to take the child and give its soul rest at his feet, and that its remaining karma would be undertaken by himself. The child then died like a yogi, with a smile on its face when life left it, by the crown of the head being drawn in with a hiss (i.e., Brahmarandara gati). When he next visited Shirdi, 

    Baba: “The child was mine and this man agreed to keep it. One day he said, you keep him with you and I shall take the karma. I took him and kept him here (pointing to baba’s heart) and he shall be here eternally.

  • THE LAW OF KARMA

    THE LAW OF KARMA

    Baba’s sayings about Law of Karma

    Para Number in the Book & About Karma

    “As you sow, so you reap’
    1. Baba to RS Dev: “What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get.”
    2. Baba to a sub-judge, convicted of corruption, who went to him for blessings for the success of the appeal against his conviction- “sow margosa and afterwards reap margosa. Cut off that tree.”
    3. Baba- “What you can account for, as the result of your present effort is the result of present Karma. What you cannot thus trace, is due to your past karma. Results accrue differently to two persons doing the same act, that difference may be put down to the difference in their poorva karma.

    Inexplicability of unforeseen and unforseeable results may disappear in view of poorva karma. (So do not go on exulting or dejected, nor should you blame others). Recognise the existence of the Moral law as governing results. Therefore unswervingly follow the Moral law.

    If you do not get the fruits or results of your action now, they will come in later births. As for the Vasanas, the Moral Law is inexorable and evident. So, by following and observing the Moral Law, you reach your goal-God, the perfection of the Moral Law.”

  • ALMS GIVING

    Baba’s sayings about Giving Alms

    Para Number in the Book “BCS”, About alms giving

    (a) ALMS GIVING WITH SUAVITY AND STRAIGHT FORWARDNESS.

    306. Baba: “Nana, I will give you one more lesson.”

    N.G. Chandorkar: Very good.

    Baba: Nana, if any one begs of you anything, if that be in your hand or power, and if you can grant the request or get it granted, do so. Do not say “No”. If you have nothing to give, then, give a suave negative. Do not mock or ridicule the applicant nor get angry with him. If you do not like to part with what you have, do not say falsely that you have nothing . Decline to give it in polite terms and say circumstances or your desire stand in the way. Will you remember this lesson or forget it?

    NGC: What is difficulty in this? I shall remember.

    Baba: This lesson is not quite so easy as it may seem.

    NGC: I will keep it in mind.

    Sometime later, NGC(Nana), who had promised to pay Rs.300/- for charity to be done at the Kopergaon Datta temple did not bring the money and therefore avoided a visit to the temple, which was on his way to Shirdi. He, with the approval of his friend, took a detour through a very thorny path, as a result of which he and his friend ran thorns in their bodies. When they reached Shirdi, baba would not talk to them.

    NGC: Why don’t you talk with me?

    Baba: Nana, when a man says he will remember the lessons I taught him but really does not, how can I talk to him?

    NGC: Baba, I remember all your lessons.

    Baba: You gentleman, you evade seeing ‘sircar’ (God Datta) and take a detour. Why? Because the saint will ask for Rs.300/- is this the way to remember my lesson? If you have not the money, if it was not easy to arrange to get it, you have only to tell him that fact. Will the saint eat you? But what device is this, to avoid the temple of God for fear of the saint demanding money? Well then, have not thorns pierced your feet and body and the posterior part of your sapient friend? How can I talk to such a person?

    (b) ALMS GIVING WITHOUT ARROGANCE AND ANGER.

    307. Baba: “Nana, to-day I will give you one more lesson.”

    NGC: Good.

    Baba: Nana, If anyone comes and begs for anything give him as much as you can, and if that person be not satisfied and asks for more, answer him suavely in the negative. Do not pour your wrath or display all your official authority against that person.

    NGC: Good.

    (But one day at Kalyan Mrs. NGC was greatly provoked by the importunity of a beggar woman who refused to budge, unless she was given as charity the whole stock of ‘Bhajani’ (fried and spiced grains); and Mrs. NGC appealed to her husband, NGC came down and called out to the peon to neck out the beggar, unless she quietly accepted the quantity given and left the house. Sometime late NGC visited Shirdi, but baba was glum and would not talk to him.

    NGC: Baba, why do you not talk to me?

    Baba: How can I talk to one who does not care for my advice or lesson?

    NGC: What lesson have I forgotten? I remembered all your lessons.

    Baba: That day, when the beggar woman was importuning you for ‘Bhajani’, how did you happen to call your peon to expel her and to show  all your official authority. What mattered, if she remained sitting your door, asking for more, while refused it? What could she do? After a while she would have gone away. Instead of gently replying her, why get angry with her and call the peon to expel her?

    308. Baba: “if anyone is angry with another, he wounds me to the quick. If any one abuses another, I feel the pain. If one bravely endures the abuse, I feel highly pleased.”

    (c) Alms giving without discrimination INTERPRETATION OF ATHITI.

    309. (N G Chandorkar found that though he waited for athities, i.e., guests, for a few minutes, after the daily vaiswadeva, none ever turned up and he intended to ask baba, if the direction in the Vedas to wait for guests was a worthless direction. But when he went to Baba, the latter anticipated the query and thus spoke)

    Baba: Yes. Yes. Guests will come! The devil, they will.

    NGC: True, Baba. I daily offer the Kakabali and go out and wait for guests. they never come.

    Baba: “Nana, the sastras are not in fault. Nor are the Mantras wrong. But their true importance you have not caught. You get into your head a worthless interpretation and then stand and wait for guests. They will not turn up. hallow! Does the term ‘Athiti” denote a man 3 ½ cubits high and of the Brahmin caste?

    Athithi is what ever creature is hungry and comes on to you, at that time, whether it is human or a bird, beast or insect. All these seek food. The real Athiti that you get, you do not regard as such. These have come to you in lakhs. nana, give up your rotten interpretation.

    At kakabali, take plenty of boiled rice outside the house and leave it there. Do not shout or call for any nor drive away. Whatever the creature that comes to eat, let not that disturb your mind. You get thus the merit of feeding lakhs of guests.

  • HUMILITY

    Baba’s sayings about Humility

    Para Number in the Book & About humility

    GURU BABA IS NOT AND IS GOD.

    301. Baba (in 1917) had with him Mrs. T and her son Master T.

    Baba: “Boy, give me eight Rupees Dakshina.”

    Boy (M.T): Baba, I have not got Rupees eight.

    Baba: Go and get it from Bapu Sahib Jog.

    (Master T went to Jog and found him reading Dhruva Charitra and commenting on it. Jog said “Saints, though not God, have some powers derived from Him etc.” The boy angrily started back and came to Baba)

    M.T.: Baba, why did you send me there?

    Baba: What is the matter?

    M.T.: They are vilifying you there, saying that you are merely a man and not God.

    Baba: Then what is the untruth in that? Hellow! What am I? A petty fakir! I am not God. How great is God! No one can compare with him.

    M.T.: You deceive us by speaking thus. We fully believe you are God. If anyone belittles you, how can we endure it? Is it not true that we should not stay even a second where saints are derided. 

    Baba: Yes.

    M.T.: God is not angry, if He is spoken ill of. But He will not endure it, if His devotees are spoken ill of. Is that not so.

    Baba: Yes.

    M.T.: Then what is the good of listening to a discussion whether such and such a saint is great, and such other is not so?

    Baba: You should not stop even one second at a place where anybody talks ill of a saint.

    Baba: (stroking the boy’s head affectionately)” Read Pothi. have Nama Japa.

    M.T.,” If I break off in the middle, I incur sin. So, I will not.

    Baba (to the lady): Mother, I have to take the entire responsibility for your son.

    Lady: For all of us, it is you that take care. (Both bowed to Baba. Then some other came.)

    Baba (to those): I have to take thought for my devotees. And if a devotee is about to fall, I stretch out my hands, and by four, four hands lift him and support him thus. I will not let him fall.

    M.T.,: Baba, just now you said you are not God but a petty Fakir. How then can you have four hands?

    (Baba did not reply, but smiled and looked at M.T., with love and approval.)

    301-A. Baba’s humility>> Devotees- “Baba, this G.G. Narke says you are a man.

    Baba: What he says is true. But you devotees should not say that. You have to get all your benefits from me (cf. 31, 331, 371, 383),

    BABA’S HUMILITY

    302. Baba (to his own devotees).

    “Your servants servant I am.    I am your debtor.”

    I am purified by your darshan. It is great grace on your part to have given me the sight of your feet…

    Burtis’ Visit

    303 When a Revenue Commissioner and a host of other officials were on the way to see him.

    Baba: Rogue! What is there to see in me! I am only a fakir, with normal limbs and organs.

    Javar Ali
    1. “Let the man (Javar Ali) claiming to be a Guru claim. Let us be humble as sishyas. We must depend upon somebody, or have somebody depend upon us. Other courses will not lead us to the supreme goal.” “

    [Javar Ali, a learned Maulvi came to shirdi between 1880-1890 probably, and asked Sai Baba to become his disciple and accompany him to Rahata. Baba who had even then a body of Hindus, either revering him or worshipping him, nevertheless accompanied Javar Ali to Rahata and stayed there for 2 or 3 months serving Javar Ali. His shirdi devotees then took him and Javar Ali to Shirdi. By Devadas cleverness, Javar ali saw that he was not respected by his Hindu hosts and had to leave shirdi. After that Baba spoke the above words any how Baba’s mission was helped by his having had a Mastanguru also.]

    Nana Wali

    1. Nana wali, coming near Baba who was seated on his gadi or mattress said: “Baba, get up. I am going to sit on your gadi.”

    Baba got up and then Nana Wali sal on the gadi.

    After sitting a while, Nana got up.

    Nana : Baba, Take your seat on the gadi

    Then Baba sat and Nana wali feel at his feet. Baba did not show the faintest displeasure at being dictated to .

  • MORAL TEACHINGS AND CORRECTIONS

    MORAL TEACHINGS AND CORRECTIONS

    13–20 minutes

    Baba’s sayings about General Moral Teachings

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS” About Moral Teaching and general corrections

    203. Bapu Sahib Jag: Baba, I have served you so long with concentration (Ananya Bhava). How can I discover when its fruition comes?

    Baba: The fruition of your service that will gladden both our hearts will be when you wear a kupni and beg your food, as I do (i.e., identify yourself with me and be free from all attachments)

    Baba’s Moods, as Devotee of God

    1. Baba- “I am myself a devotee of God (Rangari), though the Hindus worship me. I remember God”
    2. Baba- “I am requesting Allah. He will comply with my request” (i.e., a son will be be born to H.V.S.)
    3. Baba- ” I say things here.   There, they happen.’
    4. Baba- ” O God, Enough. Stop the rain! My children have to go back home. Let them go back without difficulty “(and rain stopped M.W. Pradhau went safe}

    Contentment and Surrender

    267. “God is great. He is the Supreme Master.

    Allah Malik: How great is God! No one can compare with him.

    He creates, supports and destroys. His sport (Lila) is inscrutable.

    Let us be content to remain as He makes us, to submit our wills to His. Allah Rakega Vahisa Rahena. Take what comes. Be contented and cheerful. Never worry. Not a leaf moves, but by His consent and will.

    We should be honest, upright and virtuous.

    We must distinguish right from wrong.

    We must each attend to his own duty.

    But we must not be obsessed by egotism and fancy that we are the independent causes of action. God is that Actor. We must recognise His independence and our dependence on Him and see all acts as His. If we do so, we shall be unattached and free from Karmic bondage. “

    Love All Creatures

    268. Baba- “Love all creatures; Do not fight with any; nor retaliate, nor scandalise any. When anyone talks of you (i.e., against you) pass on, unperturbed. his words cannot pierce into your body. Other’s act will affect them alone and not you. It is only your own acts that will affect you.”

    IDLENESS
    1. Baba- “Do not be idle. Work, utter Gods name, read scriptures.”

    Other Moral Teachings.

    1. Baba to chandra bai Borker: “We should not harbour hatred, envy, rivalry or combative disposition towards others. If others hate us, let us simply take to Nama Japa and avoid them.”
    2. Baba to Bapu Rao N. Chandorker; “Hearken to the words of your parents. Help your mother in her task. Speak the truth alone. No one cares to take from me what I give abundantly. But they want from me what I am unable to give, Mother is God.”

    271A Baba to N.G. Chandorkar. “Look at this Haridas who leaves you and goes away. Have friends that will stick to you till the end, through thick and thin.

    Baba to H.S.D. (who proposed that Baba and he should start for Bombay and take a devotee with them to leave him in the middle at a wayside station): “I will never leave (i.e. desert) any one in the middle.”

    Spirits
    1. A devotee: Baba, do spirits really exist?

    Baba: Yes. We have nothing to do with them.

    1. R.A.T. one night went out. He saw a spectre under a tree, got frightened and then thinking of Baba, got courage and went back to his lodging at Shirdi.

    Next morning Baba himself when meeting him referred to the topic.

    Baba: What did you see last night?

    RAT: I saw a spirit.

    Baba: That was I.

    RAT: No, Baba. It was a spirit.

    Baba again: That was I. Go and ask your Ayi.

    RAT: went and asked his mother, who said that all spirits were under Baba’s control.

    Baba: And Am I not inside all of them? Hello! Bhutas etc., will do nothing (no harm) to us. Have I not told you this last year.

    MEEKNESS

    274: Baba to Mrs. M W Pradhan: “If anyone talks ten words at us, if we reply at all, let us reply with one word. Do not quarrel, retaliate or bandy words with anyone, giving tit for tat.”

    PATIENCE

    275. Uddhavesa Bua (at the first interview); Where is my Moksha Guru? How is he to be got’?

    Baba- ” Wait for five years and you will know. How can you gulp an entire bread? Wait for five years and see.”

    Persevering faith in case of Doubt
    1. A Prarthana Samajist went to Baba. However before seeing baba, he had a discussion with somebody else as to whether Baba had the characteristics of a Stitha Prajna as defined in Gita. This unsettled his mind and he wavered in his faith and went to Baba.

    Baba: Syama, take him and tell him something.

    Then, Syama took his wada and gave his advice. 1) “Despise irresponsible and uninformed people’s talk, 2) Place your mind at Baba’s feet, 3) All will be safe”.

    Then they returned to Baba.

    Baba: Follow Syama’s advice.

    OVER ASCEPTICISM

    1. Baba: “Do not get over-ascetic, e.g., by giving away all food, play and exercise. Rather regulate your meals, rest, etc. (cf “Yuktahara Vihara”.)

    277-A. To Kusa bhav, Baba: “When you come next, come two of you (i.e., get MARRIED and come).”

    BABA AGAINST UNNECESSARY FAST
    1. H.S.D. wanted to fast at night and to make it a rule. B.aba- “Kaka, Prepare food for the night and eat it.” H.S.D. gave up his idea of fasting.

    279.  One Mrs.  Gokhale wished to visit Shirdi for the Scingha holiday and to fast there while staying at Shirdi as the guests of Data Kelkar.

    Baba (to Dada Kelkar): “Will my children fast during Scingha festival?   I cannot permit that.”

    Next day the lady turned up at Shirdi and sat before Baba. 

    Baba (himself mooting the subject): “Why should we fast? Go to Dada Kelkars, prepare Pooran Poli, eat it and give it to all in the family.”

    Mrs. Gokhale went back to Dada’s found Mrs. Dada was in her period and therefore she, though a guest, had to do the cooking. She prepared Pooran Poli and ate it as directed by Baba.

    280 Baba (to S.B. Nachne): “Have you taken your meal?”

    Nachne: This is an Ekadasi Day (which Nachne wanted to observe on that occasion, though not observing at home, because two of friends who had accompanied him were very orthodox and were observing it)

    Baba: These two people are mad. You had better go and eat.

    Nachne went to Bala Bhav’s hotel; but Bala Bhav being orthodox, the meal was refused, as it was especially before Arati. So nachne returned with Bala Bhav to Mosque at Arati time.

    Baba: (to nachne) Have you taken food?

    Nachne: Baba, it is Arati time and meal can come after Arati time.

    Baba: No. You go and take meal. Arati will wait for you.

    So, Bala Bhav was forced to give Nachne his meal. After meal, Nachne and Bala Bhav returned to Dwaraka Mayee. Just then Mavusi brought and presented to baba a number of bidas (i.e., rolled betal and nut).

    Baba to nachne: Chew this.

    Nachne took a bida; but hesitated, as it is not customary to chew bida on Ekadasi Day.

    Baba: Never mind, Go on, Chew it.

    And Nachne chewed it.

    Yoga and Onion-Eating
    1. N.G.C. took with him a student of yoga who wished to consult Baba on matter of Yoga; but when they went to the Mosque, Baba was eating onion. And the Yoga student thought that Baba, as one who ate Tamasic food as onion, could not help in Yoga.

    Baba- ” Nana, what harm is there in eating onion, if one could digest it (overcome its tamasic effects)?”

    The Yoga student noticed that Baba knew his thoughts and hence must be a master of Yoga.

    HOW BABA MADE DAS GANU EAT ONION

    1. The orthodox Das Ganu Maharaj dislike onions.

    Baba (to Das ganu): Prepare Pitla, sauce of onions. Give me a part and eat the rest of it.

    Das Ganu: Yes.

    Next day DG prepared the onion dish and touched the onion with the tip of a finger and drew the finger near the nether lip as a token of tasting and then washed his fingers and face. then he went to Baba.

    Baba: Have you eaten onions?

    DG: Yes.

    Baba: He pretends he eats, but only touches it with his finer and brings the finger near lip.

    Baba actually showed what DG did.

    Baba: Ganu, you must really eat onion and not pretend.

    DG: Yes.

    DG was eating onion at Shirdi (as long as Baba was alive) on ordinary days, i.e., except on Ekadasi Day.

    KUSA BHAV – ONION

    283. On an Ekadasi day Kusa Bhav (i.e., Krishnaji Kasinath Joshi of Mirzgaon) sat by Baba’s side.

    Baba: What do you eat to-day?

    Kusa: Nothing. Today is Ekadasi.

    Baba: What does “Ekadasi” mean?

    Kusa: A day for “Upavasa”

    Baba: What does Upavasa mean?

    Kusa: It is just like “Rojas”

    Baba: What is Rojas?

    Kusa: We fast, i.e., do not eat anything except Kanda Moola. (Meaning sweet potatoes etc.,)

    Baba: Ob, Kaanda (i.e., onion) you eat. Well, here you have onion. Eat it.

    Kusa: (finding baba forcing on him unorthodox food) Baba if you eat it, I will eat.

    Baba ate some; and Kusa Bhav ate some, and then visitors arrived. Baba wished to have some fun.

    Baba: Look at this Bamniya (corrupt and contemptuous form of the word Brahmin). He eats onion on Ekadasi.

    Kusa: Baba ate it and I ate it.

    Baba: No. I ate Kanda, i.e., sweet potatoes. See.

    Baba then vomited out sweet potatoes.

    Kusa Bhav seeing the miracle, voraciously swallowed the potato as prasad.

    Baba beat him and said:

    “Rogue. why do you eat the vomit?

    But Kusa Bhav did not mind the blows. Baba’s heart melted. 

    Baba: (placing a palm on Kusa’s head) I bless you. Think of me and hold forth your Palms. You will have my prasad.

    KUSA BHAV now holds up his empty palms and WARM UDHI (BABA’S PRASAD) falls from it, and this is given as BABA’S PRASADA UDHI by Kusa Bhav.

    DADA KELKAR AND ONION

    284. Dada Kelkar, an over zealous Brahmin, abhorred onion and in his overzeal objected to visitors and Sathe Wada using onion. He fell foul on S.B.Nachne’s mother-in-law for using it. Then his grand-child had sore eyes.

    DK: Baba, the child has sore eyes. What should I do?

    Baba: Use onion for fomenting the eyes.

    DK: Where can I go for onion?

    Baba: Take it from this mother (pointing to S.B. Nachne’s mother-in-law)

    S.B. Nachne’s Mother-in-law: “Baba DK abused me for using onion. So I do not like to give him anything. If you order it, I will give.”

    Baba: “Give.”

    Then the lady gave the onion and Baba, through her, humiliated DK for his intolerant over-asceticism. 

    Hospitality

    Baba shares food and smoke.

    1. (a) Baba(to D.V.Sambhare): “Boy. Come near. Why keep afar? Have a smoke.”
    2. (b) Baba- “Feed the hungry first.    Then feed yourself.”
    3. (c) Baba (By way of joke about A.D.): “Oh, it is his habit. He eats sweet things by himself, i.e., without sharing them with others”, (cf.Eka Swadu Na Banjitha.)
    4. (d) Baba added: “Am I not near you at meals? Do you give me a morsel?”

    (e) cf., Baba’s interpretation of Athiti and advice to N.G.C.(vide ante)

    HARMONY
    1. Baba: If you avoid rivalries and bickering, God will protect you.

    Return not evil for evil. Return good for evil.

    Other’s words cannot harm you.

    1. Baba: Life is lived in vain if no yoga, Yaga, Tapas and Jnana be achieved.
    2. Baba (in a message to a Devotee): “Will you sit idle (merely) eating your food. Have Saburi (patience and courage).”
    3. Baba: (to some one to his face)- “Our (your) end will get so better or wretched. Once or twice, I will warn. The end will be hard indeed if one does not heed the advice given. Even the child in the womb, we will cut to pieces and throw away if it falls athwart.”

    292-A. BABA REMOVES HANKERING FOR DRINK

    • 1) Baba to D V Sambare (who was getting addicted): ‘Boy, why do you behave like this? See, I give you this warning first, that you should give up drink. If you do not heed this, I will not warn you again but leave you to your fate.’ DVS forswore liquor. He was free of the hankering.
    • One day his superior invited him to a dinner, a big party and came up to see that the glassful kept before him was not drunk by DVS. The latter offered excuses which were laughed at.
    • In this perplexity of DVS, all the hall lights were extinguished suddenly. The host went to look at the cause. Mean while an obliging neighbour drank up DVS’s glass. The host returned, saw the glass empty and thanking his pleading was successfully went away. Baba performed a chamtkar to save DVS, – for none could discover how the lights were extinguished and again lit up by themselves.
    • 2) Baba to (a) Santaram and (b) a goldsmith boy who were addicted to drink: “Stay six days here.” From that time love of drink left them and they continued free from that vice even after they left Shirdi.
    BABA’S TAPAS OF PLANK VIGIL AT THE MOSQUE

    293. Once Baba talked of the plank he used to lie upon. It was only 5 feet long and about 15 inches broad and lamps were loosely placed on it. It was suspended from the rafters of the ceiling of the mosque by weak shreds of cloth. The wonder was, how it could support him, and another wonder was how Baba could swing himself up into it (it was hung up 6 or 7 feet high) and jumped down from it, without upsetting the lamps and snapping the shreds.

    Das Ganu and others went to see the wonder and Baba, in anger or disgust, broke the plank into pieces.

    H.S. Dixit offered to give Baba a cot then to lie upon.

    Baba: No. Am I to lie on a cot, leaving Mahlsapathy on the floor? Far better would it be that I should be on the floor and that he should sleep higher.

    Dixit: I will give two planks, one for you and one for Mahlsa.

    Baba: “He will not sleep on a plank. he will sleep only on the ground.

    Sleeping on the plank is no joke, who will sleep keeping eyes open, all awake like me? Only such a person can lie on the plank.  When I lie down on the ground, I ask Mahlsapathy to sit by me and keep his palm on my chest.

    You see that a plank will be of no use to him. ‘I lie down making mental Namasmarana.’ So, I say to Mahlsapathy, “Feel it by placing your hand on my heart. If you catch me napping, wake me up.’ Such was and is my order to him. “

    (THe ordinary sleep is a hindrance to the Yoga trance, it resembles it in some respects, but the heart-beat at the Namasmarana stage of trance differs from the heart-beat of natural sleep)

    Advice to Sadhakas
    1. Baba to Abdul: “Eat very little. Do not go for a variety of eatables. A single sort, i.e., dish will suffice. Do not sleep much. Have Dhyan on what is read. Think of Allah.”

    294-A. Benefit of Humility etc.,” Baba’s advice to Abdul (whom he named Halakoor (i.e., scavenger) and miriambi (because he rendered low services) (1) “Your clay is (being) transformed into gold; (2) you will cross the seven oceans; (3) high mansion is erected (for you).”

    SCANDAL
    1. When a devotee of Baba was reviling another behind the back, Baba went out and met him near Lendi. 

    Baba: Do you see that? 

    Dev ; It is a pig. 

    Baba. What is it doing ? 

    Dev : Eating filth.

    Baba: You see with what gusto the pig is gorging itself on night soil. Behold how it revels on human ordure. But we feel it disgusting. That is your conduct. People fret and fume against their own brethren and kinsmen to their hearts’ content. After performing many deeds of merit, one is born a man. Is he to go to Shirdi and yet commit moral suicide ?

    1. Baba (to Mathradas, who had been indulging in scandal at Sagun’s tea shop): “What was Sagun saying ?” Mathradas felt ashamed.

    Baba- “The good and the wicked alike come here.   Why draw their frailties and foibles to public notice, by depicting them.”

    AHlMSA
    (a) Mahlsapathy and Bitch
    1. One day Mahlsapathy hit a bitch full of sores with a stick and he went later to Baba.

    Baba- “Bhagat, there is in the village a bitch sickly like myself and everyone is hitting it.”

    Mahlsapathy felt that Baba was rebuking him and so repented for his mistake.

    (b) H.S. Dixit and Serpent

    1. H-S-D.: “The serpent kills people; so when one sees a serpent, should he not kill it ?”

    Baba- “No. we should never kill it. Because it will never kill us, unless it is ordered by God to kill us. If God has so ordered, we cannot avoid it.”

    MERCY TO MAD DOG

    299. In Vaisak 1917 a small dog bitten by a rabid dog began to chase big dogs. the villagers, club in hand, then chased the small dog. It ran through the streets and finally got into Dwaraka Mayee, stood behind Baba and made him its sanctuary.

    Villagers: Baba, that dog is mad. Drive it out and we will kill it.

    Baba: You mad fellows, you get out. You want to persecute and kill a poor creature.

                  Thus baba saved the life of that dog and it proved to be not rabid.

    Non-Resistance to Evil

    300. (a) Baba to Attar- “Aunt, let him eat.   It is only Anna (your own father) that eats (what he has gifted to you.) Do not sue him.    God will give you plenty.

    (b) Baba (to H.V. Sathe, who was pushing down Nana Wali the aggressor)  ” Saheb, do not do so.”

    Satsanga, Yama, Niyama etc.

    313. Baba: “Satsanga, i.e., moving with the good  is good. Dussanga, i.e., moving with evil-minded people is evil and must be avoided.

    Yama, Niyama. Restrain yourself from forbidden food and drinks. Avoid needless disputation. Avoid falsehood. Have restraint of speech.

    Fulfil promises.

    Restrain Lust-Wholly in respect of others’ wives, and partly in respect of your own wife.

    Enjoyment of marital pleasure is permissible. But be not enslaved by it. MUKTI is impossible to persons addicted to lust. Lust ruins mental balance, and strength or firmness. It affects the learned also.

    Unruly buffaloes are controlled by tying a log to their neck as a clog to their movements. Viveka (i.e., prudence and discrimination) must be tied to one’s mind when sex attracts.

    Desires must be controlled. You must master them and not be their slave.

    Yet you can (and must) use them, the ‘6 Inner Enemies’ within limits. e.g.,

    • Besides Kama(Lust) for the wife
    • have krodha (Anger) against unrighteousness.
    • have Lobha (Greed) for Hari Nama, uttering God’s name.
    • have Moha (Fondness) for Mukti (salvation)
    • have Matser (Hatred) for evil action; and
    • have no mada (Pride)
  • 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?”