"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: Publications

Media, Books, Magazines on Sai Baba

  • Towards Lepers

    Baba’s helping lepers

    Para Number in the Book & About Helping Lepers

    1. (a) B.: “Bhimabai, take this leper woman home and attend to her.”

    Bhimabai: Baba, but she is a laper.

    B.: “Never Mind. What of that? She is my own sister. Take her home”.

    Bhimabai then took the leper and attend on her for one month, where after, the leper died.

    (b) B. (to Balaji Fatal Nevaskar): “Bala, do not go home; stay and attend on this Dagdu Bhav, (a moslem leper).

    Bala obeyed and tended the leper for a month, where after the laper died.

  • SACRIFICE OF SELF FOR DEVOTEES

    Baba’s sacrifice for devotees

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS” About Baba’s Sacrifice for Devotees

    (a) Balwant G.Khaparde’s plague drawn by Baba to himself

    521. In 19ll-12 Plague started at Shirdi; and Balwant Khaparde’s son of G.S. Khaparde had fever (evidently plague). Mrs.G.S.K.: Baba, give us leave to go.

    B.: “It is cloudy. Then it will rain. Then crops will grow and mature. Clouds disperse, why do you fear?”

    Mrs. G.S.K. not understanding anything goes away.

    Later, Baba lifting up his kupni and showing bubos on his person: “Mother, see, I have to suffer for your sake to remove your sufferings.”

    The Bubonic fever Baba had evidently been drawn from Balwants body; and Balwant’s fever like Baba’s passed off in two or three days. Similarly Baba drew plague of a Police Superintendent at Goa to himself

    (b) Baba’s offer to his own Throat

    522. When R..Tarkhad, Mir Jaman of Kandahar and others were sleeping by the side of Baba at the Chavadi. Mir Jaman woke up at midnight and spoke to Baba.

    M.J.: Baba, the Hindus are spoiling you, and the Islamic faith. Give me leave. I will cut all their throats at once, with my sword.

    B. “I am (pagal) mad; and the Hindus worshipping me are mad, I am responsible for their heterodoxy; not they for mine. If you want to cut any throat, cut mine.”

    Mir Jaman kept quiet thereafter.

    (c) Baba’s sacrifice of his own health

    523. B.(To G.S.K. in 1910): “For two years, I have been so ill as to live on mere bread and water. I have string worm. People rush and give me no rest. This will continue, till I go back to the place of my origin. I do not mind it because, I care more for my people than for my own life.”

  • APPERCIATION OF LOVE

    10–14 minutes

    Baba’s Love of Devotees

    Para Number in the Book & About Baba’s love of devotees

    1. Baba’s Appreciation of Prema

    (a) Vinayak S.Girishar of Malad

    1. V.S.G.’s wife being greatly devoted to Baba took special pains to prepare a nice flower garland and sent it to Baba through her husband, Baba received it and kept it on his neck for a long time.

    B.: “This is prepared with great devotion.    Let her thus garland my photo every week in your house” (cf. Mrs. Tendulkar’s Bakul garlands) 

    (b) R.B.Purandhare

    1. B.: (I) “I will not forget him. I will always remember him even if he is away more than 2,000 miles. I will not eat, even a bit, without him.”
    • B.: “R.B.P., build a house. Do not ask for a single pie from anyone. I will help you myself.”

    Then R.B.P. built it taking a loan of Rs.500/- from his office, but it was a lonely building in a field.

    B.: “Do not fear. I am my self sitting there and guarding you and your young wife.”

    [No mishap befell the couple by reason of their loneliness]

    • In 1915 Baba was seriously ill. He had Asthma and hard breathing. R.B.P. without knowing of this illness went to Shirdi. saw Baba breathing hard, and cried.

    B.: Why do you cry?

    R.B.P.: I cannot endure the sight of this state of yours.

    B.: Do not fear. In 2 or 4 days, I will be alright. Allah has given me this illness and he will make me alright within that period. You need not cry. I was remembering you the last 2 or 3 days and told Kaka (H.S.D.) to write to you to come.

    (Before getting the letter R.B.P. went up to Shirdi.) 

    • R.B.P.’s mother wanted to go to Pandharpur to see Vitoba.  Then Baba gave her and her daughter-in-law(R.B.P.’s Wife) darsan of himself as Vitoba and Rukmai, at the Shirdi masjid itself and they were satisfied, Baba, after-wards:  “Mother,  when will you go to Pandharpur?” R.B.P’s mother: “My God is here at Shirdi and this is my Pandriarpur.”
    • Baba to R.B.P.: “You must always adhere to truth and fulfill all the promises you make. Have faith and patience. Then I will be always with you, wherever you are and at all times”.

    R.B.P. : Please get that done by me, Baba.

    B.: Do not battle and quarrel. I feel sick and disgusted, when you quarrel with other. (cf.289)

    1. Nandaram S. Marwadi at whose house Baba was daily begging bread, wished to leave Shirdi on account of plague epidemic there and because he had fever.

    Baba: “Do not go. You are not going to die. I will not let you die till I die.”

    Baba gave him udhi and he was cured. He is still alive (1940)

    1. In 1914, Ramanavami season, when myriads flocked to Baba, an old woman was shouting.

    Old Woman: Hallo! take pity upon me, an old woman! Hallo, Baba, give me your darsan.

    Shama went out and elbowed his way back with her into Sai Baba’s presence. She melted into tears and held Baba with both her arms round his waist. Baba: Mother! how long have I waited for you! Have you brought anything for me to eat?

    Old Woman: Here is a piece of stale flat bread and an onion. I started my journey with one flat bread and two onions. But tired by journey, I ate at a stream in the morning and ate off half the cake with one onion. Here is the remainder. You had better, eat it.

    Baba: (crunching the stale bread and eating it with gusto). “How sweet, O mother, is your bread!”

    1. In 1913 Nama-saptha, Baba sat surrounded by a large crowd. Baba: ‘Shama, go out. Beyond the wall there is an old man sitting and he has some sugar candy with him. Beg of him some candy for me and bring it.”

    Shama went out and found an old man, his saliva dripping, stinking pus exuding from a wound on his chest, pestered by flies and wearing a rag, in one corner of which some sugar candy was tied in a knot. Shama brought him through the crowd to baba and said “He here is”. Baba placed his hand in blessing on the old man’s head, took out a piece of the candy and said “Take back the rest of the candy” (as prasad).

    1. Baba Vakharkar of Bassein sent a bunch of plantains to Baba. The bearer came and stood before Baba without delivering it.

    B.: “Hallo (addressing the bearer) pluck one of the fruits from the bunch. He (Vakharkar) has not yet taken his meal. Send him a wire that Baba has eaten the plantain and then he will take his meal.”

    The bearer then remembered that V.’s instructions were exactly what Baba said.

    1. In 1915, January, eight days before Sankaranthi Baba: “Send up Sankaranthi Halva.”

    A messenger went up and returned from the stores with a negative answer saying that Sankaranthi was eight days off.

    Baba: “I want Sankaranthi Halva now.”

    The messenger went up to the stores again. The postman just then brought a packet of Tilgul, which a loving devotee had specially sent up in advance to be tasted by Baba. Baba by his antarjnana knew of its despatch and, the exact time of its arrival.

    1. B: “I want Kacheri (i.e., sliced   vegetable of brinjals) “

    This   was   not   in   the   stores,   but   Mrs.   Purandhare who had received a brinjal, to be given to Baba was making kacheri before it was brought to him and without any intimation of its having been sent.

    1. Baba (to Govind Balakram Manker): “Have you brought anything for me?” G.B.M: Nothing.

    B.: “Did none give you anything to be carried to me?”

    G.B.M.: None.

    B.: “Dear fellow, when you were starting from Bandra, did not that mother (Mrs. R. A. T.) with great love and devotion deliver sweetmeat to you to be presented to me?”

    G.B.M. Yes, yes, Baba, I now remember it.

    After all, the peda was some old stuff that had already been offered as Naivedya. As there was nothing else to send to Baba through Manker, Mrs. T sent up this old peda, with great love and devotion.

    1. When Baba was seated at noon in the Dwaraka Mayi, a number of dishes had been brought as Naivedya and placed by devotees before Baba who did not touch any of them. As soon as Mrs. G.S. Khaparde brought and placed her dish, Baba tasted it.

    Shama: What, Deva! What discrimination is this? What other brought, you did not touch. As soon as this lady brings her dish you taste it.

    B.: “She (Mrs.G.S.K.) was formerly a cow of a bunya and gave (me) plenty of milk. Then she was born of a mali (gardener) and later went to a Kshatriya. Then she married the bunya. Then she was born a Brahmin. After a long spell of time, I am seeing her again, and the food she gives me is sweet (with her love)”

    1. A stinking feeble leper with a packet of peda (tied up in his dirty cloth) which evidently he wanted to present to Baba, to take back part of it as prasad; came climbing up the steps and took considerable time to move up to the Dhuni, take the Udhi and give it to Baba. In his shyness and fear he parted from Baba without presenting the peda. A lady, Mrs. S. Tarkhad who was there with Baba, felt relieved at the stinking man’s departure and said within herself “Thank God, this fellow is off.”

    B. (darting a piercing glance at her): “Hallo, call that man back”

    The leper came and bowed, keeping the peda parcel in his hand.

    Baba, picking up that parcel and opening it:” Hallo, what is this? Pedas!”

    Baba took up a piece and giving it to Mrs. S. Tarkhad said, “Eat this.” And then Baba put a piece of the peda into his own mouth. Though the lady felt mortified, she swallowed it, noting that Baba was teaching her a lesson on consideration for fellow creatures and trust in the Guru.

    Baba, (taking up the balance of the peda and returning it to the leper): “Take away this prasad.”

    Baba thus enabled the poor leper to get prasad of peda though the man did not dare to offer it.

    (I) Gifts with pure mind [Garde’s Mangoes Pandit’s Sesha (urlat, ladus)

    518. K. K. Garde. B.A. LL.B. Sub-Judges, Nagpur (now retired) purchased at Poona Reay Market, three excellent mangoes and presented them to Baba. Baba (receiving them): “Hallo, these fruits he (Garde) has purchased in the market for me, and has brought the whole lot to me, without tasting any part of it, quite unlike what the pandit did the other day. Pandit got a whole packet of ladus intending to give them to me: but on the way after bath in the Godavari he was hungry and ate away some of the ladus and brought me the rest. These fruits are not urle or sesha like that

    (B) Gifts with impure mind-Bhikubai’s flowers, melon and Peda

    519. Bhikubai Bayyaji Patel returning from Ahmedabad to Shirdi brought with her a garland of flowers, a water melon, (Tubuj) and some milk sweets peda. With these, she crossed the Godavari at Kopergaon. Then remembering the wretched death of a friend of hers at that place was weeping and blaming Baba mentally for not averting such a wretched death. But she forgot all those thoughts evidently, when making the presents to Baba at Shirdi.

    Baba: “I do not want this garland of Tulul” i.e., mental uneasiness.

    Then she lifted the garland and went near Baba to place it on him. Strangely, the garland snapped into three, one bit on each hand and other on floor. Then she offered the water melon and milk sweets.

    Baba refused then.

    Baba: “This woman was weeping and shedding tears at the Godavari and she has brought this with such a troubled heart. So, I will not accept it.”

    Dubious Gifts, Mrs.Kantikar’s grapes

    520 Mrs. Kanikar went with her daughters to Baba with a very nice basket of grapes, which she specially and lovingly brought for him

    Baba: (in a kind tone) What have you brought? Grapes?

    Mrs. Kanikar: Yes, for your sake, I have brought it from Nasik.

    Then she presented the basket. As Baba was turning over a few grapes, her daughter- Banuthayi thought the fruits were going to be scattered and wasted by Baba.

    Baba pushed aside the whole basket to Mrs. Kanikar and said: “Go, take away yours.”

    Mrs. Kanikar was mortified. Baba eventually feeling for her, picked up a few dried and worthless fruits from the basket and returned the rest saying, “Go now, let your children eat this.”

    As Mrs. Kanikar and her daughters returned with the basket, Banuthayi said

    “Mother, I do not know what made me to think so, but as you presented the basket I thought “What! She has given him the whole basket of fruits! It will be all scattered in a trice. He will eat nothing and we shall get nothing.”

    Baba’s action and works showed that he appreciated the mother’s intention to present her gift, which was vitiated by the daughter’s unwillingness to part with it.

    578.[a]  Baba to MBR, a graduate, when he first came and bowed to him: “What! Do you worship a man?”

    MBR was stunned by the remark (or rebuff rather) and plunged in despair. Then finally, when Baba was alone he approached him. Baba beckoned him to approach and after MBR placed his head upon Baba’s feet, embraced him and seated him near himself.

    B.: “You are my child; When others, i.e., strangers, are in the company, we keep the children off.”

    (After) MBR  began the japa of Sai’s name, Baba sent for him.

    B.: “What were you doing in the morning?”

    R.: Japa.

    B.: “Of what name?”

    R.: Of my God.

    B.: “What is your God?”

    R.: You know it.

    B. (smiling). “That is right.”

    Baba thereby expressly approved of Sai Nana Japa and the maintenance of secrecy about one’s religious Sadhana.

    [ b ] On one occasion (a Guru Poornima perhaps) when all devotees (except MBR) had brought and placed garlands upon Baba, R. was mortified at his own forgetting to bring a garland. Then Baba lifting up a bundle of garlands from his body, said to MBR “All these are yours.”

    [ c ] MBR was identifying himself with Baba and in 1915 at Rama Navami, tried to get Baba’s approval and sanction for that identification.

    At Rama Navami, numerous devotees placed new clothes before Baba so that he may touch and return them. MBR brought a very fine pacca muslin (bought for Rs.85/-) kept it inside his shirt and then bowing to Baba, silently thrust the muslin under Baba’s gadi, when no one noticed it.

    MBR was resolved that if Baba cared for his love, the muslin should be retained and not returned by Baba, as Baba and he, were one. When all clothes were returned, Baba got up.

    B.: “I say, clear off all that lies on the gadi (mattress) and dust it.”

    The mattress was removed and the muslin packet was revealed.

    B.: (Picking it up and spreading it out): “Hallo! What is this! Muslin! I am not going to return this. This is mine.”

    Baba then wore it over his body and turning to MBR. Said: “Do I not look nice in this?”

    MBR was overjoyed to see that Baba recognised that he and MBR were one and accepted the present in that spirit.

  • OTHER POWERS II

    12–17 minutes

    Baba’s other powers II

    Para Number in the Book & About HIS Powers II

    AUTO-BIOGRAPHIC REMINISCENCES OF PAST BIRTHS
    Snake and frog-Rebirth for revenge, Development of Vasanas, Justice of God

    473. Sai Baba said “One’s sin (Papa) does not cease, till he falls at the feet of sadhus,” and told a tale.

    Another moral of this tale told by Sai Baba is that lust for Pelf drags, one down to the lowest level.

    Sai Baba said: “One morning at 8 a.m. I went out for a walk. I came to a river (like Rahata River) which was deep. But there was a footpath and a cart track also sheltered by shade trees. A gentle breeze was blowing. I sat in the shade and looked at the dense foliage of the trees. As I was wetting my hand-kerchif to smoke my chilm. I heard the croaking of a frog. I struck my flints and lit my pipe; and Wayfarer came, sat by me, bowed to me and invited me to dine at his house.

    I agreed; and he lit the pipe and handed it over to me. He heard the croaking and tried to find out what it was due to. I told him, “A frog is in trouble, tasting the bitter fruit of its own Karma. See, what we do in our past lives, we reap the fruit of, now . Why cry out now (against fate)?”

    Then he went out in the direction of the sound to see the cause. I told him, “The frog is caught by a huge serpent and is crying. Both were very wicked in their past lives and they have come into their present bodies to reap their fruit.” The wayfarer found these words true. There was a huge black serpent holding in its mouth, a big frog.

    And he said. “In 10 or 20 minutes. it will be all over with the frog.” But I said to him, “I am its father and am here. Will I let the snake eat it? See how I effect its release”.

    I took the man with me and went to the place of the serpent. The man went first, looked at the snake and came back in terror and said to me, “The snake might come here and attack us. Let us fly from here. Do not go there.”

    Then I went and addressed the struggling creatures thus-“Hallo! Veerabadrappa! Even now, Have you no pity for your enemy Basappa, though he, has taken form as a frog?. You also have become a serpent, Be ashamed of your hatred. Give up hatred and be quiet.“

    Hearing these words, the snake let go the frog quickly, entered the deep water and disappeared. The frog also went away and hid itself in the tree.

    The wondering wayfarer said that he could not understand all that took place, why the serpent dropped the frog at the words spoken, who was Veerabadrappa among the two and who Basappa; and what was the bone of contention between the two, and asked me to tell him. We went back to our shade at the tree foot and smoking our chilm, I then explained it all to him. 

    Some 2 or 3 Kros from my place, there was a holy place,      A dilapidated Mahadeva temple was there. People resolved to renovate it. They collected funds for the purpose. A very rich man was made the treasurer. He had strict and  regular  accounts. But he was a born miser. The building  was left incomplete and fresh collections were made. Still  no progress was made in the building work.

    God sent his wife a dream, wherein she was told. “If you spend any money on this temple renovation, Siva will give it back to you a hundred fold”. She mentioned this to her husband. He feared that it was involving him in expense.     So he laughed it out as a mere dream, and not a  thing  to be  acted  on. “Else, why did not God come to  me and tell  me?  Am  I  very  far  from you?”  he  said.

    Then God came to her again in a dream and said that she need not bother herself about his wealth and that she might (if she liked) give any little thing she could scrape up of her own. 

    She had her sridhan (marriage gift by parent) ornaments. She went and told her husband of the dream and  of her desire to give her ornaments to God. Now this miser wanted to cheat God in this transaction.  

    The jewels were worth Rs.1,000. So he told his wife that he would take the jewels himself and give God a land. But that land he held only as a mortgagee (some poor widow was the mortgagor). It was an uncultivated piece of coastland which yielded nothing in the best of seasons.

    This, he gave away to the God (or to the Poojari i.e., temp’e priest as an inam for worship?).

    Then came later a terrible storm. Lightning burnt down his house. He and his wife died. In the next life, the rich man was born at Mathura (Muttra). She was born as the daughter of the Poojari of Siva and was named Gowri. Dubaki, the mortgagor was born as a man named Basappa and was adopted as Poojari’s heir. The rich man in his rebirth was named Virabadra.

    The Poojari of Siva’s temple was a great friend of mine and he would come to smoke with me. His daughter also was devoted to me. Her father, the poojari, considered whom he should wed her to. I told him “Do not bother. A man will come to you for her hand. “

    Veerabadrappa left his poor parents and begged his food wherever he went and finally came to poojari’s house, and offered to wed his daughter. Veerabadra married Gowri. Veerabadra also became my devotee.

    But he was hankering after money. He told me that I was responsible for his marriage and should help him to get wealth. I said, “Wait, Better times are coming”.

    The coastland suddenly rose in value and was sold for one lakh of rupees. Half the price was paid in cash. The rest was promised in 25 instalments of Rs. 2000 each. All agreed to this in joy.

    Then Virabadrappa and Basappa quarrelled over that money. I said Gowri was the sole proprietrix of the priest’s property.

    Gowri had a dream that she should hold the property herself and not allow any one to claim it. Gowri sought my protection. I gave her a pledge that I would cross 7 seas even to help her. (It appears as though in that Janrna, Baba was a Moslem with siddhies, living in the masjid).

    Virabadrappa disputed with Basappa and both came to me. I tried in vain to appease Veerabadra. He was wrath with me, got mad and threatened to kill Basappa and cut him to pieces. Basappa was timid and sought my protection. I pledged myself to save him from the vindictive wrath of Veerabadrappa. Veerabadra became mad with rage and cursed and swore at me and all. Then Veerabadra died and was born as a serpent. Basappa died and was born as a frog.

    Hearing Basappa’s miserable croaking and remembering my pledge, I have kept my word and saved Basappa, the frog from Veerabadra, the snake. God has saved his devotee Basappa by sending me. All this is God’s Lila.

    474. “I went to place, and by the Patil’s compulsion, I made a plantation and also a hard footpath through it.”

    1. Once I had heart palpitation and my life was in great danger. I put Vishnu Saharanama over my chest. God descended it into my body and the disease left me and I was safe.
    2. Baba: “Once I was a little boy and I tried to earn my bread. I started in quest of employment. I went to bid and got employed in weaving lace cloth. I was never wearied in my work. By my fakir’s (master’s) ways, there was no feeling of fatigue. Each day I turned out as much work as four boys together tuned out. One boy produced Rs. 50/- cloth per diem, another Rs. 100/-, another Rs.150/- and I Rs. 600/- worth. My employer was pleased. He loved me and praised me to others. He gave me nice dress, a pagota for my head and shawl for upper cloth. I did not use them, but gave them away to others. What Sircar (God) gives lasts for ever, not what man gives.
    1. “I was Kabir and used to spin yarn.“
    2. “I had four brothers. The eldest had all the money. His wife starved us all. I earned money by a contract and fed all including the eldest brother. He became a leper and was shunned by all and cast out. I attended on him, fed him and looked after his comforts. Ultimately he died.”
    3. “I was with 4000 persons, then an epidemic broke out. They were in fear. Then I assured the 4000 and said, “I will die rather than let you die. I will not let you die.”
    4. In the place, where this Shirdi Masjid (i.e., Baba’s) stands, one Muzafar Shah lived. He owned property extending for miles, i.e., upto Nandurki, where his son lived. I stayed with him and cooked for him. He died where the Dhuni (fire) is glowing now in the mosque.
    5. A devotee: Baba, what is your native place?

    Baba: I came here from Aurangabad. My maternal uncle (Mama) brought me down here.

    Devotee: What is the name of that Mama? Where is he now?

    Baba (Laughing): He was a mad man, having no name. He must be living somewhere now.

    1. Baba: “My brother once misbehaved and was consequently excommunicated. I looked after him and eventually had him re-admitted in to caste.”
    2. Baba: In 1913 gave out a long personal story of previous birth of his. “We were two brothers. We walked on. On the way my brother went ahead. He was bitten by animals and he died. Five or six men came up and asked me. “Where is your brother?”. I told them the facts and added ‘I made a shroud for him’. Refusing to believe me they went in search for him, despite my protest and were eaten up by animals. A stout lady came and made the same enquiry and the same search and shared their rate. I gave her also the shroud. Then as I went on, six or seven moslems were came with a sheep. They then began to force it into my mouth. I said, “I will pray to God and then eat.” I covered the flesh with a cloth and prayed to God. Then the mutton was converted into huge red rose. They were so big that you could not enclose one rose into your palm. The moslems went away. Then I walked on. I was walking on a footpath and was enclosed by a wide expanse of clear water. No path was visible from there. That is God’s work. 

    Baba, then turning to Shama: What is our duty? Behave properly. that is enough. Go to the Wada and read pothi.

    1. Baba said once: “As a boy, I was weaving shawls and my father was once so pleased with my work that he gave me a present of Rs. 5/- or so. “
    2. I was once eating food (i.e., living) in the East Coast (Coromandel Coast).
    3. Baba: “Pshaw, what of Akbar? I protected him in his infancy. He stood in awe of me.”
    4. “That Brahmin of Paithan (evidently referring to Eknath), I knew. Such excellent Brahmins are not to be found now a days.”
    6. Baba to Balakrishna Upasani Sastri: “I was at the battle in which the Rani of Jhansi took part. I was then in the army.”
    7. “My rich father had much buried wealth. I sat on one and became a big cobra. After a time, I left the treasure and regained human form.”
    8. Baba to (GSK): “I was here (at Shirdi or on the banks of Godavari) eight to ten thousand years ago.”
    9. “An old Patil was on this field, and he used to visit me. Detectives (Govindas) 4 or 12 used to watch the old man and they had disagreements and once they had a scuffle with him, and I helped the old man then. He was hauled up and taken to a big town to be dealt with. I intervened and got him released.”
    10. “When I was young, I was going away far from Jaina. There was a mango tree on the way. Its fruits all marred by insects, I struck iron nails in the tree. That cured the defect. The fruits produced thereafter were free from insects.”
    11. Baba: “I and Sakharam (of Angaonkavad) studied under the same Guru and we both planted mangoes with our own hands. Two fruits from them, I have sent just now (1909) for you, Mrs. Kanitkar.

    Mrs. kanitkar next day received at Kopergaon on her way back two mango fruits from the Brahmachari of the temple who said, “Baba sent these for you.”

    495. When I was young I went out one morning and suddenly became a girl and continued to be so for sometime thereafter.

    496. Baba: I laboured very hard. I went without food for months and fed myself on leaves of Kala Tekkal, Neem, and other trees. God was very good to me. Life never became extinct though all flesh got wasted and bones appeared to be in danger of crumbling away.

    497. My father found a bar-maid, selling date toddy in a garden to two hundred Rohillas, took to her (wedded or not) got sons by her. She refused to go with him and favoured many. Worms developed on her feet. As she was my father’s wife, I tended her feet and cured her. She dies later.

    1. “Once I wove cloths, turbans, pitambar, rugs etc, but still I could not get enough money to satisfy hunger.”
    2. “My mother was greatly rejoicing that she had got a son, i.e., me. I was for my part wondering at her conduct. When did she beget me? Was I begotten at all? Have I not been already in existence? Why is she rejoicing over this?”

    Baba draws people by Rinanubanda

    (l) N.G.Chandorkar

    500. Nana : Baba, why did you send for me?

    Baba: There are thousands in the world. Do I send for them all? Should there not be some special reasons to send for you?

    M: May be.    I am not able to see.

    B.: Nana, you and I have been intimate with each other for the last four births. You do not know that; but I do. So be coming here, now and then when you find time. 

    (2) Bbagavant Rao Kshirsagar

    501.“This man never worships Vittal, not gives Naivedya as his father did. He starves me and Vittal. His father was my friend. So I have now drawn him here to tell him to revive his Pooja.”

    (3)

    502.In a former birth, I, you (G.S.K.) Jog, Kaka (H.S.Dixit), Shama, and Dada Kelkar, were all living together with our Guru, in a blind alley. I have therefore now brought all these together.

    (4)

    Nana, this man has left a box with us, and now wants it back. It is not proper to refuse, (i.e., he has done us a good turn in a former Janma. We must now do him a good turn.) (s.c.227.)

    (5) Do not drive away

    503. “No one comes to us without Rinanubanda. i.e., some pre-natal connection. So when any dog, cat, pig, fly or person approaches, do not drive it or him away with a “Hat-Hat,” “Jit-Jit”.

    (6) Rinanubanda for animals

    504. Baba (to a performer whose tiger died): The tiger’s debt to you incurred in a former birth is now cleared.

    Baba’s reference to his being a Brahmin in the present Janma

    505.(a) This is a Brahmin’s mosque.

    (b) This is a Brahmin, a pure Brahmin, a white Brahmin, who will carry thousands on through Subhra Marga.

    506. (c) Baba (to Mrs. Chaubal who intended to pay 1/2 rupees as dakshina to Baba, paid only 1/4 rupee and retreated): “Why do you wish to dupe me, a poor Brahmin, of the other 1/4 ?”

    (d) Baba (to S.B.Nachna. who asked him leave to start, but forgot to deliver 2 annas to Baba, though he had received it from V.C.S. for that purpose): “All right you may go back via Chitali, but do not dupe a poor Brahmin of his two annas.”

  • 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.”

  • Mystical Rites and Practical Wisdom

    Baba’s Sayings and his practical wisdom and mystical rites

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS” About HIS Wisdom and Rites

    1. Bade Baba (Fakir Baba), brought with him a recent Hindu Convert (Ibrahim) to Islam to the mosque.

    Baba, slapping that convert on the cheek: “Ah! you have changed your father!”

    Baba’s Prayers

    1. Sai Baba: I speak things here. Things take place there (in accordance with my words). This is all God’s sport (lila).

    (Re.M.W.Pradhan), Baba : “O God. Let the rain stop. My children have to go home. Let them go back comfortably (And the rains stopped till M.W.P. reached the Railway Station).

    596a.   (Re.H.V. Sathe) Dada Kelkar: “When are we to have a grandson?

    Sai Baba- “I am requesting Allah.    He will comply with my request.”    (Next year a grandson was born).

    1. “I  have been considering  long and thinking day and   night. All are thieves; but we have to deal with them. I prayed to God night and day for their improvement or   removal. But God delays and does not approve of the (my) attitude, and grant the prayer. I will wait for a month or two and see. But living or dead, I will have what I have been praying for. I will not go to Teli  or  Vani. I will never beg of them. The people are not good and devoted. They are unsettled in mind etc. A few friends will gather together and talk divine wisdom, and sit and contemplate.”-Baba (G.S.K. diary)
    1. In 1886. (Baba to Mahlsapathy):”I am going to God.”
    2. (Re. his hand burnt)Baba: “It is all God’s play. He himself will cure. Why should we be anxious? Allah is my doctor.”

    Baba, to R.B.P.- “In two or four days I will be all right. Allah has given me this sickness and He will make me all right within that period. You need not cry.”

    Baba’s Practical Wisdom and detachment

    1. Baba was seated at the mosque. The season for custard apple (Seethapal) had just began. A woman with these fruits was coaxing Baba to take fruits. She demanded very high prices first. Baba- “I do not want your fruits. Take them away.”

    Then the woman begged of him to take six fruits for ten annas. The fruits were bought. A little later, before the woman was paid, another woman with Seethapal turned up and Baba bargained with her. B.- ” For ten fruits, I will give only six annas.” The woman agreed.

    B.. Shama, what is the total to be paid to these women.

    Syama: Deva, one Rupee.

    Then Baba addressing some one present (Kaka Mahajani?): “Bhav, will you give me Rs.2?”

    That man gave the two rupees asked for.

    Then Baba calling the first woman: Have this. Take the money.

    And he paid her one rupee.

    Then Baba called the second one and paid her also one rupee.

    The devotee, who paid two rupees said, “Baba, I do not understand all this, will you make me understand?

    B.: What is the difficulty? When the first basket came, fruits were scarce and so 10 annas for six was settled.

    When the second basket came, fruits were not so scarce, and so 6 annas was fixed for 10 fruits. As for the actual payment, each was paid according to her Bhagya (poorva Karma etc.).

    1. In 1890 Nana Saheb Nimonkar voluntarily offered a ten rupee note. B.: “I will not take this.    I am a fakir.”
    2. Mr.Kanitkar went with his family about 1907 to Baba, and found Baba in the chavadi using obscene language by way of abuse and wondered at it. One of his clerks said that Baba was a great saint. Then Kanitkar said “I will consider Baba a great saint, If he returns all the dakshina he has taken from members of my family.” Then when his wife and family went to Baba, B.” Here is all the money you have given till now. Take it away.”

    Mrs. K.: It may be useful for purchase of fuel etc. Keep it B.: “I do not want it.”

    1. Baba (to S.B. Nachne) “whatever you do, do thoroughly. Else do not undertake it.”
    2. Baba: “Do not borrow for celebrating a feast or festival, for a pilgrimage or other journey.”
    3. Baba.: “Always take your meal, before you start for a journey.”

    Conservatism re. Death- Pollution, when observed by the devotee

    606. Baba (to Haribhav K.karnik): “Do not get up the steps of the mosque. Go back straight to your home (Dahanu) without halting on the way.”

    Haribhav went back and found that his grandson’s wife had died just two hours before Baba spoke.

    607. Mrs. Gokhle was coming into mosque with others. Baba(to Mrs. Gokhale). “Do not climb into the mosque.”

    She went back, purified herself and again tried to enter it. Baba (again): “Do not enter.”

    Then Mrs. Gokhle went home and found that when she tried to enter the mosque, she was under pollution arising from the death of a relation.

    Baba’s Mystical Rites and Wisdom

    608, (a) Village women to Baba:You are grinding wheat into flour. Let us also help you. Baba:”Do”.

    After some grinding. Women: Baba, you do not prepare bread so we will take away the flour.

    B.: “No, no, no. Come on. Let us carry all the flour.”

    Then Baba led the way to the streamlet which forms the northern boundary of Shirdi.

    B. “Now let us throw all this flour alongside of the stream on its bank. These epidemics, cholera, plague etc. come in the shape of Goddesses and they will be satisfied with this flour, which we offer and will go away from the village. In point of fact, when Baba threw the flour alongside of the streamlet the threatened epidemic did not visit the village.

    (b) Baba rubbing coins.

    Baba when alone used to take out coins from his pocket and rub their surface with his fingers, (as a result of which all the letters etc. were rubbed out) saying;

    “Nanache Nanache (i.e., Nana’s Nana’s) Kakache. Kakache; Somyacne somyache etc.

    By this, adverse circumstances against these persons were rubbed out. That is what the devotees felt and believed.

    (c) Baba watching over the safety of devotees.

    Baba to Abdul: “Abdul, place some buckets of water nex to   that   (Akhandam)   in   the   Lendi   garden   see   that,   That lamp (Akhandam) is perpetually burning.   Feed it always oil.”

    Baba, after the buckets, full of water, were placed near the Akhandam, would sprinkle water from them in all the cardinal directions, and he would also stand up and walk a few steps in each direction and intently speak at the horizon in each direction evidently to note and avert evils befalling his devotees.

    (d) Baba one day suddenly put his hand up to the elbow very close to the Dhuni fire at the mosque or even into the fire. His skin was burnt.

    Shama : Baba, why do you do so ? (So saying, Shama pulled him off.)

    Baha: “Let the cursed hand go. A child had fallen into the fire and I was picking it out.”

    Later, information was received that in some place, not far off, a blacksmith’s child had fallen into the fire and was picked out before any danger to its life happened.

    (e) Mystical rites: In March 1911, just before Arti. Baba: “Hallo ! I have intense pain in the belly fetch a turban”. A turban was brought. Baba wound it round his body and wanted each end of the turban to be pulled by each of two men standing on his right and on his left side.

    Baba: “Pull. Pull, I have not yet got relief”. Later: Baba “You may stop now. I have relief”. None could make out what the matter was.

    A little later news came from Nimgaon, 2 miles off, that a lady devotee having unbearable pains of parturition thought of him and then had safe delivery. Evidently this mystic rite helped in that delivery.

    (f) An ardent lady devotee that was not allowed to approach or appear before Sai Baba at any time, was seriously ill. Evidently to effect her cure, Baba got over a neighbouring house top, walked over the terrace of the house where in the patient lay, arrived at the top of another house and sent for a ladder to descend therefrom. On descending, he paid Rs.2 to the person that brought the ladder, saying that services should not be accepted gratis, (see 226). The patient recovered.

    (g) Vastu Paoja, etc. when the Shirdi mosque was reconstructed (about 1911), Baba often pulled down what the masons put up. After that was built, a dandal with pillars supporting a zinc sheet roofing was being put up in the open yard in front of the mosque evidently ignoring the directions contained in Vastu Sastra.

    Baba came up angrily, seized Tatya Patel, pulled out one of the pillars just then planted, burnt Tatya’s cloth and inserted the ashes of that cloth and a silver coin in the hole from which the pillar was pulled out, then reinserted the pillar and allowed the work to go on. Baba was obviously observing the directions of Vastu Sastra. i.e., that relating to house and temple construction.

    (h) Baba frequently made gestures, waving his hands or fingers or a stick held in his hand (1) before the Dhuni fire; (2) before the chavadi; (3) when he came in procession to a spot from which Maruti temple is seen (see about this 58 supra); (4) before G.S. Khaparde at the mosque: (5) and on other occasions and at other places. Each had its own significance.

    (i) When in the terrible heat of the noon day sun, a kid came up to the mosque, fell down whirling and appeared to be dead. Baba came round it and sprinkled water drops on it. It jumped up and ran away.

    Baba similarly came round the burning stack of a marvadi and drew a thin line of water all round it, and said “This stack alone will be burnt”. The stacks near that were all safe, though a strong wind was blowing. (See 342.)

    (j) Abdul Kadir wanted fakiri,   spiritual   uplift, evidently   through Vairagya and the acquisition of higher states. 

    Baba  held  up  his   clenched   fist  in  the  air and waved it towards that man opening the pam finally, as though he threw something at him, saying Lev.  From  that moment that man was full of Vairagya and indifference to  all his temporal affairs. His relations were displeased and he also behaved in an erratic way. 

    Then Baba extended his hand towards  him and  withdrew the fist saying “Lao” i.e. Give back. That man regained his original mentality and attended to his affairs. These were witnessed by Chotekhan.

  • Religious Tolerance

    Baba’s Says about religious tolerance

    Para Number in the Book & About Religious Tolerance

    1. Baba. All Gods are one. There is no difference between a Hindu and a Mohammadan. Mosque and temple are the same. Yet I will respect your (people’s) susceptibilities, and not enter the temple (,as you Mahlsapathy object to the entry).

    Look at Chokamela’s life.

    1. Baba to H.S.D.(who had been just recently talking ill of Christ and Christianity at his own lodgings. “Get away.   Do not massage me.”

    (Again when H.S.D. repented and approached, Baba raised no objection to his massage.)

  • Justice and Equality

    Baba’s Says on Justice and Equality

    Para Number in the Book & About Justice and Equality

    1. “This world is funny. All are my subjects. I look upon all with equal eye, But some turn thieves. What can I do for them? People at death’s door, plot against the lives of others. These offend and hurt me much.   But I am quiet, saying nothing.   God is great.   He has his officers everywhere, who are all powerful.   One must rest content with one’s lot.   I am very powerful.   I was here, eight or ten thousand years ago”- Baba (G.S.K’s diary)
    (a) Margosa Tree Branch

    586. Baba: “You have to cut your own child, if it falls athwart the womb” (with this remark, Baba himself cut off a branch of the Gode Neem Tree, that interfered with the raising of a wall in Sathe Wada).

    (b) S.B.N.’s Mother-in-law’s Revenge

    587. Dada Kelkar. Where am I to get onion for my granddaughter’s eye?

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

    M.-in-L:. Baba, this Dada abused me this morning for cutting onions. I do not care to give him anything; but if you order it, I will give him onion.

    B.: Do. (N.’s Mother-in-law had the grand revenge of returning good for evil, by Baba’s just orders).

    ( C ) Bala Patil

    588. Damia (i.e., Damodar S. Rasane) went to Baba and requested him to send Bala Patil, his attendant, who was of a low caste, to D’s house for a meal as Baba’s representative.

    B.: Yes, but do not cry “Dhut Dhut” (keep away, keep away) at him. Do not give him a place far away from your own place of eating.

    Damia adopted Baba’s advice and took Bala Patil as his guest and made him sit near him and not outside the house for the meal.

    (d) Chakra Narayan

    589. When a Christian, Chakra Narayan was appointed Police Fouzdar at Kopergaon, a devotee said to Baba : “We have got a Christian for the Fouzdar.”

    B.:    “What of that?   He is my brother”

    (e) Peston Jamas

    1. Peston Jamas and his brother-in-law went in about 1915 to Shirdi, to see “Sai Maharaj” there at the Dixit Wada, there  was much  crowding and the  rich people alone were accommodated upstairs and these two Parsis were left downstairs.

    “What sort of justice is here in this Darbar! Big people enjoying comforts above and poor people left downstairs to suffer inconvenience”, thought these Parsis.  

    When they went to Baba at the Mosque. Then, Baba (to somone present): “Take these people up. And they were given accommodation upstairs.”

    (f) Tukaram Barku

    1. Tukaram Barku, a Mahar (Harijan) was leaving shirdi in quest of employment. Baba met him and put his arm round his neck. Baba: (to Barku) “Do not go.”

    Barku: I must go and earn.   Baba:Do not go.

    Barku   disregarded   the   advice,   went,   fell   ill  and  had prolonged illness and returned earning nothing.

    Baba and Creatures

    1. Nana Saheb Dengle bringing a plateful of dainties, on a silver plate gave it to Baba and begged him to eat. Baba shouted out. A black dog ran up and licked up the food. Nana Saheb was disgusted and thought, “Is it for this pariah dog that I prepared all this?”

    Baba (flinging away the plate): Take this away.

    See 592-Baba giving away Laxmi’s bread to a dog.

  • BABA’S INDEPENDENCE

    Baba’s Says ie HIS independence

    Para Number in the Book & About Baba’s Independence

    (a) Dhulia Court Commission

    581. A person was charged before the Dhulia Magistrate’s court with stealing jewels etc. The man pleaded that, Sai Baba of Shirdi had given him the jewels and cited him as a witness. Summons come

    Constable’. Baba, here is a summons for you.

    B.: “Take it and throw it into the fire”.

    Anyhow the report was sent that Baba was served and as Baba was absent for the trial a warrant came to Shirdi. Ganpatram, the constable to Baba: “Baba, they have sent out a warrant. Will you kindly go with me to Dhulia?”

    Baba, angrily. “Throw that piece of paper into” (Baba was cursing and swearing).

    The constable was perplexed. Then, as advised by N.G.Chandorkar, a Mahajar (largely signed) was sent up to the effect that Baba was worshipped by large numbers as God; that the issue of summons and warrant were improper and undesirable, and that if his evidence was necessary a commissioner might be sent to take it.

    Then Nana joshi the commissioner, a first class magistrate came and examined Baba.

    Commissioner. What is your name?

    Baba: “T”hey call me Sai Baba.”

    Com.: Your father’s name?

    B.: “Also Sai Baba.”

    Com.: Your Guru’s name?

    B.: “Venkusa.”

    Com.: Creed or religon?

    B.: “Kabir.”

    Com.: caste or race?

    B.: “Parvardigar {i.e.,God) “

    Com.: Age please?

    B.: “Lakhs of years.”

    Com.: Will you solemnly affirm that what you are going to say is the truth?

    B.: “Truth.”

    Com.: Do you know the accused, so and so?

    B.: “Yes I know him and I know everyone.”

    Com.: The man says he is your devotee and that he lived with you.    Is that so?

    B. ” Yes I live with every one.    All are mine.”

    Com,: Did you give him jewels as alleged by him?

    B.: “Yes. I gave him.    Who gives what to whom?”

    Com.: If you gave him the jewels, how did you get them and become possessed of them?

    B.: “Everything is mine.”

    Com.: Baba, here is a serious charge of theft.   That man says that you delivered the jewels to him.

    B.: “What is all this? What the devil have I to do with all that?”

    The commissioner was perplexed. Then it was suggested that the village diaries showing the presence of strangers in the village should be sent for. The diary showed that the accused, a stranger was not at Shirdi, at the time of his alleged receipt from Baba. And it was well known that Baba never left the village.

    The commissioner put the facts before Baba and Baba said they were true. That closed the Commission evidence. Baba was not asked to sign or put his mark. Baba does not appear to have signed or put his mark to any paper at any time.

    (b) Sir G.Seymour Curds’ Visit

    582. In 1910-11, Baba said at the Dwarakamayee: “Rascal, coming to see me! What have I got? I am a naked fakir with human organs.”

    People wondered whom Baba referred to. Then in a short time a big official procession passed by the mosque, including Mrs. and Mr. Curtis, Revenue Commissioner, Mr. Macneil, the Collector etc.   They passed on to the chavadi. The assistant Commissioner said (to N.R.S.)-; “Ask Sai Baba to finish his morning routine quickly as the sahebs (officers) wish-to see him”.

    N.R.S.: Such a communication to Sai Baba is unthinkable. If you have any business with him, you must await his pleasure.

    In half an hour, Baba passed by that side. Mrs.Curtis, bowing to Baba said: “We wish to have a little talk with you, Maharaj. “

    B.: Wait half an hour.    I have to go and beg.

    So saying, Baba went away but returned in ten minutes.

    Mrs. Curtis, again bowing, repeated her request.

    B.: Wait one hour. So saying Baba passed on to the Masjid.

    The officers were in a hurry and they did not stop; and Mrs. Curtis’ object namely, to get a child by Baba’s blessing was not achieved.

    Worship with Sandal Paste Muslims with clubs

    583. Baba was being worshipped by a number of Hindus with flowers, etc. As for sandal, the chief devotee, Mahlsapathy applied it to Baba’s neck, but not to the forehead, as Baba objected to it.

    One day Mahlsapathy had a vision of Baba with sandal on Baba’s forehead. Thereafter Mahlsapathy was regularly pasting sandal on Baba’s forehead without any objection from Baba. But some Muslims raised objections. But Baba did not care for their views.

    Then the Muslims met together, consulted the Sangamnere Kazi and resolved to beat anyone who should put sandal on Baba’s forehead. One Tambuli told Mahlsapathy of this fact. That day Mahlsapathy stood outside the mosque compound and performed puja of Baba from there.

    B.: What are you doing there? M: Doing your Puja.

    B.: Come in and daub me with sandal on the forehead, hands, breast, and everywhere; Let me see who will dare to beat!

    The Muslims were cowed down and the puja with sandal developed into regular Hindu worship as in temples.

    1. In 1913-1914, plague raged at Poona. R.K. Dube who vowed to go to Shirdi, broke that vow and went to Sasarwada. In that trip he lost a child and his wife was seriously unwell. Dube prayed to Baba.

    Baba, appearing in a vision, said: “One must perform one’s vow. Else he has to bear the punishment in this manner.”

    Applying Udhi to Mrs. Dube, Baba disappeared.

    Dube saw the Udhi on her face. The next day she recovered.

    Later when Mr. and Mrs. Dube went to Shirdi, Baba referred to the above incident.