Category: Nature

Baba’s personalities — His qualities of love, compassion, playfulness, strictness, and omniscience , revealed through Functions-stories, teachings, and the accounts of those who walked with Him.

  • 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

  • If any men or creatures come to you, do

    If any men or creatures come to you, do

    • “Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere.
    • If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away,
    • but receive them well and treat them, with due respect.
    • 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 (Platform outside to House) to strangers for sitting and resting. “

    It is on account of Rinaubandh (former relationship) that we have come together, let us love and serve each other and be happy. He, who attain the supreme goal of life, is immortal and happy”

    Baba in SSSC-Ch 18 & 19

  • Now, How to visualize Baba

    Now, How to visualize Baba

    • Let us remember and visualize Shri Sai, now.
    • Let us go to Shirdi, and see carefully the programmes, after the noon-Arati. After the Arati ceremony was over, Sai used to
      • come out of the Masjid, and
      • standing on its edge,
      • distribute udi to the devotees with
      • very kind and loving looks.
    • The Bhaktas also got up with equal fervour,
      • clasped His Feet, and
      • standing and staring at Him,
      • enjoyed the shower of Udi.
    • Baba
      • passed handfuls of Udi into the palms of the devotees and
      • marked their foreheads with Udi with His fingers.
    • The love He bore for them in His heart was boundless. Then He addressed the Bhaktas as follows:-
      • “Oh Bhau, go to take your lunch;
      • you Anna, go to your lodgings;
      • you Bapu, enjoy your dishes”.
    • In this way He accosted each and every devotee and sent them home.
    • Even now, you can enjoy these sights if you bring into play your imagination. You can visualize and enjoy them.
    • Now bringing Sai before our mental vision, let us meditate on Him, from His Feet upwards to His face, and prostrating before Him humbly, lovingly and respectfully

    Baba in SSSC-Ch20

  • Baba’s treasury is full

    Baba’s treasury is full

    “My treasury is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants,

    but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive My gift.

    If you listen to Me carefully, you will be certainly benefited.

    While sitting in this Masjid, I never speak any untruth”

    Baba in SSSC-Ch 16&17

  • Dearth of persons asking for spiritual matters

    “Oh, My dear friend, do not be anxious, I shall immediately show you the Brahman; all My dealings are in cash and never on credit.

    So many people come to Me, and ask for wealth, health, power, honour, position, cure of diseases and other temporal matters.

    Rare is the person, who comes here to Me and asks for Brahma-Jnana. There is no dearth of persons asking for wordly things, but as persons interested in spiritual matters are very rare”

    Baba to avaricious Man in SSSC -Ch21 When ask him to “surrender five things to get self-realization”

  • Who, When, How and Why Shri Sai SatCharitra (SSSC) created?

    Who, When, How and Why Shri Sai SatCharitra (SSSC) created?

    • When seeking facts about Sai Baba,
      • the remarkable work that stands out is ‘Sai Satcharitra’ by HemadPant, known as Anna Saheb Dabolkar.
      • It is written in the Marathi language.
      • This wonderfully crafted poetical masterpiece spans 53 vibrant chapters and over 1000 pages, narrating incidents from Sai Baba’s inspiring life.
      • Written in rich and expressive Marathi, it beautifully fulfills the purpose of Puranic study, serves daily parayana.
      • It offers readers a path to deeper understanding and devotion.(LoSB p6)
    • Baba conveyed his heartfelt blessing to Hemadpant in 1916, when asked permission to write Baba’s life teachings and expressions,
      • by providing him with udhi and placing his Asirvada hand upon Dabolkar’s head, proclaiming,
      • “Let him compile a collection of My stories and experiences,
      • diligently maintaining notes and memos.
      • I shall assist him in this endeavor.
      • He is merely an external instrument. It is I who should document my life and fulfill the aspirations of my devotees.
      • When his ego is entirely extinguished, leaving no remnants, I shall personally enter within him to narrate my life.
      • Listening to my stories and teachings will instill faith in the hearts of devotees, facilitating their journey toward self-realization and eternal bliss.“
    • Hemadpant diligently gathered information concerning the lilas of Baba and, as a proficient writer possessing a profound command of Marathi verse and prose, along with a solid foundation in religious literature,
      • aspired to compose a comprehensive study of Baba’s lilas, thereby creating a significant chronicle of Baba’s life.
      • This endeavor would align with the framework established by Saraswati Gangadhar’s Guru Charitra, offering solace and happiness to individuals burdened with sorrow and the afflictions stemming from worldly existence.
      • Additionally, it would provide them with Jnana, or knowledge and wisdom, regarding both temporal and spiritual matters.
      • Baba’s lilas would serve as both instructive and engaging, akin to the Vedas,
      • and, upon contemplation, they would facilitate laya, or union with Brahman, as well as mastery of Yoga and Yoga Ananda.
      • Consequently, he resolved to compile these narratives, considering the publication as a form of upasana, or worship, of his Guru.
      • This collection would be particularly invaluable to those unable to experience Baba in person, allowing them to form an understanding of Baba through this compilation.
      • Baba’s teachings and expressions were the natural outcome of his boundless self-realization; it was Dabolkar’s belief that Baba himself inspired this initiative to gather and present his life’s essence.(P376. )

    Shri N.V.Gunaji adapted the above Shri Hemanpant’s “Sri Sai SatCharita” and translated into English and donated the entire proceeds to the Sai Sansthan Trust, Shirdi.

  • He, who sees Me (Baba) in all the creatures

    He, who sees Me (Baba) in all the creatures

    “Eating that lovely bread I(Baba) am heartily contended and I am still belching. The dog which you saw before meals, and to which you gave the piece of bread is, one with Me.

    So also other creatures (cats, pigs, flies, cows etc.) are one with Me. I am roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these creatures is My beloved.

    So  abandon the sense of duality and distinction, and serve Me, as you did today.

    Baba in SSSC-Chapter 9 to Mrs. Tarkhad

  • Quotation- BCS 309

    Quotation- BCS 309

    Alms giving without discrimination


    “Athiti is what ever creature is hungry and comes on to you, at that (kakabali-crow offering) time, whether it is human or a bird, beast or insect.

    All these seek food. The real Athiti that you get, (but) you do not regard as such. These have come to you in lakhs.

    Nana! give up your rotten interpretation*. At kakabali, take plenty of boiled rice outside the house and leave it there.

    Do not shout or call for any, nor drive away. Whatever the creature that comes to eat, let not that disturb your mind. You get thus the merit of feeding lakhs of guests. “

    Baba in BCS para 309 to N G Chandorkar alias Nana

    *The phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava” translates to “The guest is akin to God,” highlighting the reverence and care that should be given to guests.

    In Hinduism, welcoming guests, especially unexpected ones, is considered a sacred duty. This practice is deeply embedded in the culture and traditions, emphasizing the hospitality that should be extended to guests. Here are a few key aspects:

    Rituals and Practices for Welcoming Guests

    1. Traditional Welcome:
       – Guests are often greeted with a warm “Namaste,” a gesture of respect and reverence.
       – In some households, a ceremonial welcome called Aarti might be performed, where a small lamp is waved in front of the guest, accompanied by singing or chanting.
       – Some families may apply a small mark (often a red dot known as tilak) on the guest’s forehead as a sign of blessing and respect.

    2. Offering Refreshments:
       – Guests are typically offered water, tea, butter-milk or other beverages upon arrival. This practice signifies hospitality and the intention to make the guest feel comfortable and valued.
       – Following this, guests may be served snacks or meals, often including traditional and home-cooked dishes.

    3. Providing Comfort:
       – Hosts ensure that the guests have a comfortable place to sit and rest. Clean towels, refreshments, and any other necessities are provided.
       – In many cases, if the guest is staying overnight, special arrangements are made to ensure their comfort, including clean bedding and private space.

    4. Treating Guests with Respect:
       – Throughout the visit, guests are treated with utmost respect. Conversations are often centered around the guest’s well-being, their travel experiences, and any needs they might have.
       – Hosts may also offer small gifts or tokens of appreciation when the guest departs, further signifying the importance of their visit.

    These practices not only reflect the value placed on hospitality in Hindu culture, but also emphasize the spiritual aspect of serving and honoring guests as part of one’s duty (dharma).

  • 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

  • Sai Devotees-Do Free Service at Shirdi Temple

    Sai Devotees-Do Free Service at Shirdi Temple

    Sai Devotees, You can now do Free Service at Shirdi, under Sai Sevak Scheme of Shirdi-Sai-Baba-Temple-Management.

    Opportunity to do seva at/near our Sai Mandir at Shirdi, and get Sai Baba’s blessings, directly.

    About Sai Sevak Scheme

    • Sai Sevak ‘Group’ with maximum 21 members
    • Seva period will be 7 days only ie Every Tuesday to Monday
    • Sai Sevak Group should reach on Monday at Sansthan’s  Sai Ashram No.2 (Dharmashala) by 2.00 p.m.
    • Free facilities given:
      • 21 members accommodation, at Sai Dharmshala
      • Meals at Prasadalaya
      • Breakfast packets at accommodation
      • Tea at seva
      • Daily Darshan
      • Aarti once in 7 days.
    • Documents  required are 
      • 2 Passport size Photos.
      • Aaadhar Card Xerox.
      • Medical Fitness certificate.
      • Police (On Line) Verification or Character Certificate from Corporation Ward Member/ Municipal Chairman /Gram President.
    • No compensation/ claim for employment, against Seva.
    • Only 10 groups will be accepted for service in each week by Temple.
    • Service Places offered at:-
    • Contact:-
    • Website – online.sai.org.in
    • Email: labour@sai.org.in
    • Call: 02423 258811/10

    PS. The above details are given for information only. Contact the above, for Registration and latest updates.

    Steps in registration process