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  • Tips for daily living. (@35)

    Tips for daily living. (@35)

    Chapter 35 of the “Shri Sai Sat Charitra” provides several important tips and teachings for daily living, conveyed through Sai Baba’s words and actions. These include:

    • Overcoming the sense of differentiation: Sai Baba advised a friend of Kakasaheb Mahajani to “destroy the Teli’s (Adjacent oil store) wall (sense of difference) between us, so that we can see and meet each other face to face”. This highlights the importance of removing perceived distinctions between individuals and fostering a sense of unity in one’s interactions and outlook.
    • Cultivating steady faith and avoiding a fickle mind: To a “fickle-minded gentleman” (referring to Kaka Mahajani’s master, Mr. Thakkar), Baba advised: “Now please keep your faith on any one place (point) you like, why roam like this? Stick quietly to one place”. This emphasizes the need for steadfastness and focus in one’s spiritual or daily pursuits, rather than being swayed by various anxieties or external circumstances.
    • Understanding the spiritual significance of giving (Dakshina): Baba explained that His practice of asking for Dakshina was not for personal gain but to teach devotees about renunciation and purification. He stated that wealth should be used to “work out Dharma” (righteous conduct) and that if it is used only for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. He further taught that “The best way to receive is to give” and that “The giving of Dakshina advances Vairagya (Non-attachment) and thereby Bhakti and Jnana. Give one and receive tenfold“. This provides a profound insight into the spiritual benefits of charity and detachment.
    • Embodying non-attachment and transcending dualities: Baba’s own conduct served as an example; He was “totally non-attached” to worldly praise or disregard, remaining unaffected by “pleasure and pain”. This illustrates the principle of living with detachment, not being excessively elated by positive experiences nor depressed by negative ones.
    • The power and efficacy of Udi with faith: The story of Mrs. Newaskar, who faced a food shortage, demonstrates that when Udi (sacred ashes) is used with intense faith (“As one feels intently, so he realizes accordingly”), difficulties can be overcome, and needs can be met. This suggests that faith in Baba’s grace and His Udi can bring about practical solutions in daily life.
    • Perceiving God in all beings: Balaji Patil’s response to a serpent, which he believed to be Sai Baba, exemplifies the spiritual practice of seeing God or divinity in all creatures. His fearless and devotional approach to the serpent, offering it milk, highlights that recognizing the divine in everything leads to fearlessness and compassion.

    Additionally, while not directly “tips given” by Baba in this chapter, the narrative also shows:

    • The effectiveness of worshipping Baba’s picture with faith and devotion for overcoming personal troubles like insomnia, as seen in the Bandra Insomnia Case.
    • The value of disinterested service and complete surrender to the Guru, as exemplified by Balaji Patil Newaskar, who dedicated his efforts and possessions to Baba.
  • Why Shirdi Sai Baba is a Universal Spiritual Guide

    Why Shirdi Sai Baba is a Universal Spiritual Guide

    A captivating exploration of the profound themes and vital truths surrounding Shirdi Sai Baba reveals a figure of immense spiritual significance.

    I. The Nature and Identity of Sai Baba

    Sai Baba is a divine, omniscient, and omnipresent, being whose true nature transcends conventional human and religious classifications.

    • Ambiguity of Origin and Faith:
      • Baba’s identity as Hindu or Muslim is deliberately obscured, highlighting his universality.
      • He celebrated both Hindu festivals (Rama-Navami, Gokul Ashtami) and allowed Muslim practices (Sandal procession, Namaj in Masjid).
      • His physical attributes (pierced ears like a Hindu, advocacy of circumcision, but not circumcised himself) further blurred the lines.
      • No one definitely knew whether He was a Hindu or a Mahomedan.
    • Divine Incarnation and Sadguru:
      • Baba is depicted as a “Wonderful Incarnation,” a “precious Jewel,” and a “precious Diamond.”
      • He is the “crest-jewel of the Saints, who is the home of all auspicious things, who is our Atmaram (Dear Self), and who is the able refuge of the devotees.”
      • He is explicitly referred to as a “Sadguru,” a true spiritual master.
      • “Lord (God) dwells in the Saints.
        • In fact they are not different from Him.
        • Our Sai is One of these,
          • Who incarnated for the welfare of the devotees,
          • Supreme in knowledge and surrounded with divine lustre.”
    • Omniscience and Omnipresence: Baba has absolute knowledge of the past, present, and future.
      • He knew Mr.Damu Anna’s secret thoughts about cotton speculation and his desire to offer Baba a share of profits.
      • He knew Mr. Cholkar’s secret vow regarding sugar and his decision to forego sugar. Baba remarked, “Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you.”
      • He knew Mr.Hari Kanoba’s name, parentage, and other details about him, even though it was Hari’s first visit to Shirdi.
      • He read Somadeva Swami’s critical thoughts about the flags at the Mosque, directly addressing them.
      • He knew about one pleader’s slander behind His back at Bar Council, demonstrating “His omniscience and His using it for correcting people and setting them on the right path.”
      • He correctly predicted and averted the death of Ramachandra Patil and foresaw Tatya Patil’s passing.
    • He is described as “omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited.”
    • Detachment and Humility: Despite his divine powers, Baba lived a life of extreme simplicity and humility. He lived on alms, possessing nothing, and residing in a deserted Masjid. He begged for food daily, mixing all offerings together, and “His tongue knew no taste.” Dogs, cats, and crows freely ate from his earthen pot, and “Baba never drove them away.”

    II. The Role and Importance of the Sadguru

    The Sadguru (Guru, who realized Self) as the sole means to spiritual liberation and worldly well-being.

    • Bridge to Salvation:
      • The Sadguru is essential for crossing the “worldly ocean.”
      • “Where Real or Sadguru is the helmsman, he is sure to carry us safely and easily beyond the worldly ocean.”
      • The Vedas alone cannot achieve this; “It is only the Sad-guru, who can do so and make you, see the Lord in all creatures.”
    • Destroys Egoism and Sins:
      • The touch of the Guru’s hand is described as having “wonderful… power.”
      • It can destroy the “subtle-body (consisting of thoughts and desires)” and cleanse “sins of many past births.”
      • M. Hemadpant said, when starting writing Shri Sai SatCharitra, “Sai Baba took away my egoism and wrote Himself His stories.”
    • Catalyst for Transformation:
      • Baba’s darshan (sight) leads to profound inner change:
        • “by His darshana our thoughts are changed,
        • the force of previous actions is abated and
        • gradually non-attachment of dispassion towards worldly objects grows up.”
      • He transforms his devotees into “Himself (His nature).”
    • Teacher and Guide:
      • The Sadguru Sai teaches based on the disciple’s qualifications, without unsettling their minds.
      • He dispels ignorance (“Destroying ignorance is Jnana”) and
      • He helps the disciple realize their true Self (“You are God, you are mighty and opulent.”).
    • Unconditional Love and Service:
      • A true Sadguru expects no service or profit,
      • but instead wishes to serve his disciples, treating them as equals or even as Brahma.
      • “Baba had great love for the disciples.”
        • He “loved all beings equally.
        • He was unattached. Foes and friends, kings and paupers, were the same to Him.”

    III. Key Teachings and Practices Advocated by Sai Baba

    Baba’s teachings, though sometimes indirect, emphasized faith, surrender, moral conduct, and devotion.

    • Faith (Nishtha) and Patience (Saburi): These were presented as two coins of devotion by Baba to His Guru.
      • Baba said: “This is one pice -Faith. Patience or perseverance is the other pice. I waited patiently and very long on My Guru and served him. This Saburi will ferry you across the sea of this mundane existence.” (pice=1/100 INR)
    • Complete Surrender: “If any one prostrates before Sai and surrenders heart and soul to Him,
      • then unsolicited, all the chief objects of life viz. Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (Desire) and Moksha (Deliverance), are easily and unsolicitedly attained.”
      • “The best way, therefore, to get free from the shackles of Maya is our complete and whole-hearted surrender to Baba.”
    • Charity and Non-Attachment to Wealth: Baba frequently extracted “Dakshina” (offerings),
      • not for personal gain, but “to teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds.”
      • He asserted that “He had to give back hundred times more of what He received.”
      • He discouraged debt for spiritual purposes: “Baba never liked people to run into debt for taking His darshan, or celebrating any holiday or making any pilgrimage.”
      • He considered “money as a danger or bar to spiritual progress.”
    • Ethical Conduct and Self-Correction:
      • He advised against discourteously turning away those who come to you, emphasizing:
      • “Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased, if you give
        • water to the thirsty,
        • bread to the hungry,
        • clothes to the naked, and
        • your verandah of your Home to strangers for sitting and resting.”
    • Baba condemned slander:
      • “Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you,
      • do not resent by giving any bitter reply.
      • If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.”
      • He used the example of a pig eating filth to correct a slanderer, stating, “Your conduct is similar. You go on reviling your own brethren to your heart’s content.”
    • Baba taught the importance of offering everything to the Guru before enjoyment:
      • “before the senses, mind and intellect enjoy their objects, Sai should first be remembered, and if this be done, it is in a way an offering to Him...
      • all the Vrittis (thoughts) regarding Desire, Anger, Avarice etc. should first be offered and directed to the Guru.”
    • He guided devotees to remain calm and composed, engage in good actions, and perform duties without attachment.
    • Remembrance of God/Guru (Dhyana/Bhajan): Baba advised various forms of devotion, including
      • “remembering My name,”
      • “hearing His Leelas,”
      • “worship of His Feet,” and
      • studying sacred scriptures like Shri Sai SatCharitra, Bhagwat, Jnaneshwari, and Vishnu-Sahasra-Nam.
      • He stated, “If you always say ‘Sai, Sai’ I shall take you over the seven seas.”

    IV. The Human and the Divine

    • Interaction with Devotees:
      • Baba allowed devotees to serve him in their own way,
      • demonstrating his “dependency on Bhaktas” (in the sense that he allowed their devotion to manifest).
      • He engaged in normal conversation, jokes, and sometimes strong reprimands, always with a deeper purpose.
    • The Guru-Disciple Relationship: The relationship is central. Disciples are encouraged to fully surrender and trust the Guru. The Guru sees beyond superficiality and acts for the disciple’s ultimate good.
    • Transcending Form:
      • While he had a physical form, Baba’s true nature was “unattached and indifferent” and “the state of Brahman.”
      • He demonstrated “Khandayoga, i.e., separating His limbs and joining them again,”
      • His visible form was merely a “mould” for the “liquid essence of Pure Self.”

    V. Miraculous Powers (Leelas) and Their Purpose

    Baba’s “Leelas” (divine plays or miracles) are frequently cited, serving not as ends in themselves, but as tools to deepen devotees’ faith, teach spiritual lessons, and alleviate suffering.

    • Manifestation of Divine Power:Grinding Wheat: Initially misunderstood as mundane, Baba’s grinding of wheat was a symbolic act to “destroy the cholera epidemic in Shirdi” with the flour.
    • Turning Water into Oil: This demonstrated his control over natural elements(fire) and taught the Banias (Oil Traders) a lesson in /
    • ‘truthfulness.
    • Curing Diseases: He cured various ailments, including eye problems with Beeba (marking nuts-Carpus Ana Cardium) and diarrhea with groundnuts, emphasizing that “The true medicine… was Baba’s word.”
    • Saving from Calamities: He averted the snake bite for Shama and predicted/averted the death of Ramachandra Patil. He also saved Mr. Mirikar from a potential snake bite.
    • Fulfilling Desires (within divine plan):
      • The “Amra-Leela” story illustrates his power. Four mangoes, given by Sai resulted in four sons and four daughters for Damu Anna. This happened despite astrological predictions.
      • He facilitated the return of a stolen jewel-box and a stolen sum of money.
    • Disguised Blessings and Tests:Baba’s “rage” and “abuses” were often a “blessing in disguise,” as seen with Somadeva Swami, or a direct command to the poison in Shama’s case.
    • Drawing Devotees and Confirming Faith:
      • The numerous anecdotes of individuals being drawn to Shirdi, despite their initial reluctance (Hemadpant’s own journey, Kakaji Vaidya being directed by Goddess Sapta-Shringi, the “idolater” friend of Kaka Mahajani) highlight Baba’s magnetic spiritual pull.
      • His precise knowledge of hidden thoughts or distant events served to “create faith and devotion” in his devotees.
    • Guaranteeing the Welfare of His devotees:
      • “There will never be any dearth or scarcity, regarding Food and clothes in My devotee’s home.”
    • In a nutshell
      • Baba’s teachings
        • emphasize love, compassion, and faith,
        • uniting all religions and
        • inspiring devotion beyond boundaries.
      • His miraculous acts instill hope, and
      • His wisdom fosters inner peace.
  • Where certain actions or entities are considered better than others

    Where certain actions or entities are considered better than others

    1. A human body is better than other bodies–
      • Despite its filth, mucus, and susceptibility to decay, disease, and death, the human body’s special value lies in its capacity to acquire knowledge and attain God-vision, which is impossible in any other birth.
    2. Love is better than intelligence-
      • The pure love of Shirdi women, despite their ignorance, inspired them to compose poems, implying that love is more inspiring than intelligence.
    3. Giving food is better than other charities-
      • While other charities like giving away wealth, property, and clothes require some discrimination, offering food requires no such consideration.
      • Also, the merit of feeding lame, crippled, blind, and diseased paupers is much greater than that of feeding able-bodied persons and relations.
    4. Butter-milk (Leelas) is better than Milk (Darshan)-
      • If one desires to see Sai Baba’s but they did not get any opportunity of taking His darshan, their quest for milk (darshan) will be, to a great extent, satisfied by the butter-milk (Leelas).
    5. Remembering and chanting Hari’s and Guru’s name confers salvation is better than getting the powerful Bhakti of the Nathas-
      • one Madhavarao did not like Kakasaheb’s pessimistic attitude of how to get the powerful Bhakti of the Nathas, as he said, ‘has not Baba told us authoritatively that remembering and chanting Hari’s and Guru’s name confers salvation? Then where is the cause for fear and anxiety?’
    6. The observance of the vow of silence is the best way of praising the Sad-guru-
      • In reality, the observance of the vow of silence is the best way of praising the Sad-guru.
    7. Having recourse to Sai Baba’s Feet and surrendering to Him is the best luck-
      • The best luck is to get an opportunity to have recourse to Sai Baba’s Feet and surrender to Him, than any other
  • How Baba prepared food and distributed

    How Baba prepared food and distributed

    Let us see how Baba prepared food and distributed it.

    Baba required very little food for Himself and what little He wanted, was obtained by begging from a few houses.

    But when He took it into His mind  to distribute food to all, He made all preparations from beginning to end, Himself.

    He depended on nobody and troubled none in this matter. First He went to the bazar and  bought all the things, corn, flour, spices etc., for cash. He did also the grinding.

    In the  open courtyard of the Masjid, He arranged a big hearth and after lighting a fire underneath kept a Handi over it with a proper measure of water…

    Sometimes He cooked ‘Mitthe Chaval’ (sweet rice), and at other times ‘pulava’ with  meat. At times in the boiling varan (soup), He let in small balls of thick or flat breads of  wheat flour. He pounded the spices on a stone-slab, and put the thin pulverized spices  into the cooking-pot. He took all the pains to make the dishes very palatable.

    He prepared  ‘Ambil’ by boiling jawari-flour in water and mixing it with butter-milk. With the food He  distributed this Ambil to all alike.

    To see whether the food was properly cooked or not,  Baba rolled up the sleeve of His Kafni. He put His bare arm in the boiling cauldron without the least fear. He churned (moved) the whole mass from side to side and up and  down. There was no mark of burn on His arm, nor fear on His face.

    When the cooking  was over, Baba got the pots in the Majid, and had them duly consecrated by the moulvi.

      First He sent part of the food as prasad to Mhalasapati and Tatya Patil. Then, He served the remaining contents with His own hand to all the poor and helpless people. They ate to their hearts’ content.

    Really blessed and fortunate must be those people who got food prepared  by Baba and served by Him.

  • Give one and receive tenfold

    Give one and receive tenfold

    “If I take one rupee as Dakshina from anybody I have to return it tenfold to him.

    I never take anything gratis. I never ask any one indiscriminately.

    I only ask and take from him whom the Fakir (My Guru) points out. If any one is indebted formerly to the Fakir money is received from him.

    The donor gives, i.e. sows his seeds, only to reap a rich harvest in future.

    Wealth should be the means to work out Dharma. If it is used for personal enjoyment, it is wasted.

    Unless you have given it before, you do not get it now. So the best way to get is to give.

    The giving of Dakshina advances Vairagya (Non-attachment) and thereby Bhakti and Jnana. Give one and get tenfold”.

    Sai Baba in SSS- Ch31

  • Sense of differentiation is the barrier to Happy or Union

    Sense of differentiation is the barrier to Happy or Union

    “If anybody wants any money from you, and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him, like a dog.

    Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not resent by giving any bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.

    Let the world go topsy-turvy, you remain where you are. Standing or staying in your own place, look on calmly at the show of all things passing before you.

    Demolish the wall of difference that separates you from Me; and then the road for our meeting will be clear and open.

    The sense of differentiation, as I and thou, is the barrier that keeps away the disciple from his Master, and unless that is destroyed the state of union or atonement is not possible, “Allah Malik”

    Baba in SSSC-Ch 18 & 19

  • Baba is a Master of “Catechectics”

    Baba is a Master of “Catechectics”

    Catechectics is an Art of teaching by Question and answer (as a Part of ‘How emotional investments shape our behaviors and thoughts’). Baba is in very advanced stage in this science. This is an example:-

    It was in the year 1916, a Chennai Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramadasi Panth) started on a Pilgrimage to the holy city of Kasi/Banaras. The Party consisted of a man, his wife, daughter and sister-in-law; and they had come to Shirdi to get Gift of money from Baba. There the husband got a wonderful vision in his dream one night as follows :-

    He was in a big city, the police there had arrested him, tied his hands with a rope, and put him up in lock-up. As the police were tightening the grip, he saw Sai Baba standing quiet outside, near the cage. On seeing Baba so near, he said in a plaintive tone – “Hearing Your fame, I came to Your Feet, and why should a calamity befall me, when You are standing here in person?”

    • Baba said – “You must suffer the consequences of your action”
    • He said – “I have not done anything in this life, which would bring such a misfortune on me.”
    • Baba said – “If not in this life, you must have committed some sin in your past life.”
    • He replied, “I do not know anything of my past life, but assuming that I did commit some sin; then why should it not be burnt and destroyed in Your presence, as dry grass before fire? “.
    • Baba – “Have you got such faith?”
    • He – “Yes.”
    • Baba then asked him to close his eyes.
    • No sooner did he shut them, than he heard a thumping sound of something falling down, opening his eyes,
      • he saw that he was free and the police had fallen down, bleeding.
      • Being much frightened, he began to look at Baba who said – “Now you are well caught, officers will now come and arrest you.”
      • Then he begged – “There is no other saviour except You, save me anyhow.”
    • Then Baba again asked him to close his eyes. He did so and when he opened them,
      • he saw that he was free, out of the cage and
      • that Baba was by his side.
      • He then fell at Baba’s Feet.
    • Baba then asked him –
      • “Is there any difference between this namaskar (Hello) and your previous ones? Think well and reply.”
      • He said “There is a lot of difference; my former namaskaras were offered with the object of getting money from You, but the present namaskar is one offered to You as God”
    • Then a desire arose in his mind, to get the darshan of his Guru Ramdas;
      • when Baba asked him to turn back and see. And when he turned,
      • lo, Ramadas was in front of him.
      • No sooner did, he begin to fall at His Feet, Ramadas vanished.
    • Then he inquisitively asked Baba,”You look old. Do You know Your age?”. Baba – “What! Do you say I am old! just run a race with Me and see.” Saying this, Baba began to run and he too followed. Baba disappeared in the dust raised by His foot-steps while running, and the man was awakened.
    • After awakening, he began to think seriously about the dream-vision. His mental attitude was completely changed and he realised the greatness of Baba. After this, his grabbing and doubting tendencies disappeared and true devotion to Baba’s Feet sprang in his mind.
    • The vision was a mere dream, but the questions and answers therein were most significant and interesting.
    • Next morning, when all the persons assembled in the Masjid for the Arati, Baba gave him as prasad two rupees’ worth sweetmeats and also two rupees from His pocket and blessed him.
    • Baba made him stay there for a few more days and gave him His blessing, saying, “Allah (God) will give you plenty and He will do you all good”. He did not get more money there, but he got far better things viz. Baba’s blessing, which stood him in good stead all along.
    • The party got plenty of money afterwards; and their pilgrimage was successful: as they had not to suffer any trouble or inconvenience during their journey.
    • They all returned home safe and sound, thinking of Baba’s words and blessings and the Anand(Bliss) they experienced by His grace.

    In SSSC Ch-29

  • BABA WORSHIP IV -Refusing to own, the properties

    BABA WORSHIP IV -Refusing to own, the properties

    Baba began from 1908 to ask for dakshinas (Donations). Formerly, he would refuse offer of rupees to him, saying that he had no need for them.

    But from the time that this new tide began, he began to ask his visitors for payments of (even large) sums. Some he would ask for Rs.5, some for Rs.25, and some others for Rs.250.

    Baba would not ask for any funds except where he was going to recompense or where the visitor had already been blessed by Dana or Vittal and was bound to pay whom or those God pointed out.

    Many sent “vowed Sums” of their own accord, even Rs.6000 . Therefore, Baba easily succeeded in getting as dakshinas in the course of each day varying sums, that totaled up in the evening sometimes to Rs.300 and sometimes to thousands.

    Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

    In addition to the large crowd of persons who offered  Naivedyas [food] of eatables to Baba, it was possible for 200 beggars to be fed everyday by Baba’s bounty and doles. Thus the appearance of a very prosperous durbar was presented at Shirdi from 1909 up to 1918.

    It served a purpose, namely, the widening of Baba worship, which had a great purpose behind it. That is why Baba allowed all this to  develop his worship.

    Till then Baba avoided pomp. He would not even sit on a chair or lie on a cot, but sat and slept upon a sack cloth (gunny mattress) placed on the floor. He would not put on his head the crown or regal dress, when the devotees wanting him to look like a Maharaja/ King brought these for him. Nor would he accept or allow other royal insignia upon his person.

    Baba had no possessions, and all these regal paraphernalia mentioned above were kept with Ramakrishna Ayi, and on her death, were held by an association; and finally vested in the Sai Sansthan, formed by the “order of the Ahmednagar District Court in the year 1922“.

    When Baba left the body, he had only Rs.16 in his hand and no other property. Hence the Raja upacharas, which would have puffed up or affected other persons, did not affect him. In refusing to own properties or have a palace, he set an excellent example.

  • How to use Money in Baba’s method

    How to use Money in Baba’s method

    For Basic Luxury Level-

    If anybody placed before Him a pice or two (money), Baba purchased oil or tobacco. He was fond of tobacco, for He always smoked a bidi or Chilim (an earthen pipe). Oil was used to fuelling his Dhuni ie. Sacred fire. For Food, the Basic, HE begged, as Mendicant

    After getting for Basic Luxury?

     Then, some persons thought that they could not see the Saints empty-handed, and they, therefore, placed some copper coins before Baba.

    If a pice was placed before Him. He used to pocket it (for the above); if it was a two pice coin, it was ‘returned’ immediately.

    At further Level of Income!

    Then after Baba’s fame had spread far and wide, people began to flock in numbers; and Baba began to ask Dakshina/Donation from them.

    For what: a) To teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds -(Baba said, that He had to give back hundred times more of what He received. There are many instances, in which this has happened.)

    b) Giving Asking Dakshina also meant like- `Deriving lessons from the book and lodging them in the heart where Baba resides’.

    At Final Level –

    Baba collected a lot of money by Dakshina, He would distribute the whole amount the same day, as Charity and the next morning He would become a poor Fakir as usual.

    When Baba took His Mahasamadhi, after receiving thousands and thousands of Rupees as Dakshina for about ten years, He had only a few Rupees in His possession.

    “Out of the amount collected as Dakshina, Baba spent very little for His own sake, and all the rest, He distributed as charity in varying proportions to various persons”.

  • 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?”