"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: Nature

  • WATCH AND CURE

    Baba’s loving watch and care

    Para Number in the Book & About His Watch and Care

    (I) Dhulia Bahalkar’s boy’s illness

    532. In March 1913, Raoji Balakrishna Upasani Bahalkar’s younger son had high fever for 5 or 6 days.

    The doctor gave up hopes. Then R.B.U. prayed to Baba.

    Baba, appearing at 2a.m. in his room at Dhulia and applying Udhi to the boy said: “Now, have no more anxiety. In two hours, your boy will perspire. In the morning he will feel better. After he gets well, bring him to me.”

    In the morning the boy was better. This was about 6-3-1913.

    On 8-3-1913 Shama wrote to Raoji, as follows: ‘Baba said, “I have been to your Dhulia friend’s house”. I (Shama) asked. Who is that friend?

    B.: ‘Upasani Bahalkar Raoji, I am daily going to his house. You had better write to him.”

    Therefore   I have written this letter’

    Fifteen days later, Raoji and his son were going to Shirdi. On the way at Kopergaon, the tonga driver was delaying them.

    At Arati time, Baba told Shama : “Sharma, wait a bit for the is Arati to start. Your Dhulia friend is coming. The tonga driver is troubling him. On their arrival in time for receiving prasada.’

    (After that) Baba (to the boy): “When you were ill, I came to Dhulia. Do You remember ?”

    (2) Mahalsapathy – Snakes

    533. B: “Bhagat, two serpents are moving about near your house”. Mahalsapathy (who was addressed by Baba as Bhagat, i.e. Bhakta) returning from Dwarkamayi saw one serpent at his own door and another at the potter’s beneath his pillow.

    • 533B. Baba: ‘Bhagat. when you come here to night come with a lamp. You will meet thieves at the village gate.”

    Mahalsapathy came that night with a lamp and found a serpent at the gate.

    534. A devotee had gone out in the dusk to ease himself. There he heard the rustle of something. Believing it to be a snake, he hurried back to his quarters.

    Later he met Baba.

    B.: “Am I not in the place, where you go to ease yourself? Why do you fear?

    • 534B Mrs.   Manager   i.e.   Mrs   Sadashiv   Tarkad  of Poona  being saved  from  treading  on  a  snake,  merely by intuition.

    Abhyam to Mirikar-Snake

    535A.   Mamlatdar Bala Saheb Mirikar, son of Sardar Mirikar (Dev Exp) was about to take leave of Baba.

    B.: “Do you know there is Dwaraka Mayi of ours”. Merikar was puzzled, as he did not know.

    B.: “This is Dwaraka Mayi, in which you are sitting; This wards off all dangers and anxieties from her children. Highly merciful is this Masudi Ayi. She is the mother of all those, who place entire faith in her. She will save them, in the hour of danger. Once a person trusts her all his troubles are over.”

    B. (then giving udhi. added); “Do you know the elongated gentleman? (Baba extends both his arms at full length and moves one plam like the hood of a cobra). So terrible he is ! But what can it do against the children of Dwaraka Mayi ? If it appears, we shall be merely amused. When the Dwaraka Mayi protects, can the serpent strike?”

    Baba ordered Shama to accompany Mirikar. At Chitali, at 9 p.m. that night, Mirikar, Shama and some peons were at the Maruti temple. Mirikar was reading newspapers. Suddenly the peon heard a rustling sound on the newspaper. The peon took a lamp and saw what it was.

    A part of Mirikar’s upper cloth was on a newspaper and a serpent lay on that end of the cloth. The peon cried “snake, snake !”and it moved off from Mirikar. People gathered and clubbed it to death. Mirikar was only amused and not terrified.

    535B. One day at Shirdi, Baba made dolorous Sankha sound (indicative of coming death) and said “Hallo, Nana is about to die. But will I let him die?”.

    At that time N.G. Chandorkar and Lela Sastri were near Poona. They were in a tonga, the horse of which reared and overturned the tonga. N.G.C. and Sastri were in peril of their life. But they picked themselves up and found that they had suffered no injury. When they reached Shirdi, they found that Baba had made the above declaration and had saved their lives.

    535C. R.V. Modak feared that a special examination was being held, wherein his appearance might be a means for elevation or the certain means of dismissal on the score of inefficiency. He went to Baba and Baba detained him so as to miss the examination at Bombay.

    At parting, Baba said “Go”

    R.V.M.: “whither Baba? Home or Bombay?”

    Baba: “Go home, your children are waiting for you.”

    (4) Abhayam (Ganda) to Buti

    536. Nana saheb Dengle (who was good at astrology) told Buti one day that there was Ganda, i e., danger to his life that day. Later both came to Baba.

    B.: “what does Nana say? He sees death coming to you, eh? We have no need to fear. Strike! Strike! Let me see how you strike and kill.”

    Later Buti went to ease himself and there saw a snake. His servant saw it and lifted up a stone. ‘A stick is safer and better’, said Buti. But before the stick came, the serpent moved away.

    V. CONSIDERATION FOR HEALTH

    537. Baba found Bala Shimpi on the road side, very ill with no one to attend to him. Baba had begged food in his (B.S’s.) house and was deeply attached to his family.

    Baba told Bala Shimpi to go to Nana Saheb Dengle at Nimgoan. Nana Saheb had at that time a dream and Baba in that dream told him to undertake the care of Bala Shimpe,who would go to him. So when Bala went, he was cordially received and looked after by Nana Saheb Dengle.

  • CONSIDERATION FOR FEELINGS OF DEVOTEES

    5–7 minutes

    Baba’s consideration for feeling of devotees

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

    (a) For Mother’s Prayer (Haribhav Panse)

    524. Haribhav Panse Dahanukar started for Rameswaram against his mother’s will, and she was observing a fast, that should last up to his return. Hearing that her son had stopped at Shirdi with Baba. She prayed thus, “If Baba is a true Sadhu, he should make my son cancel his pilgrimage and send him back to his house.”

    (Here) Baba to Haribhav: “Give me Dakshina.”

    Baba took from Haribhav the entire railway fare from Shirdi to Rameswaram and back.

    Baba to Haribhav: “Go home, Rameswar is starving since you left home. If you do not go now, Rameswar will cease to exist and Badreswar will take its place.”

    Haribhav went home and found his mother fasting and learnt of her prayers, which Baba thus granted.

    (b) Kusal Bhav’s Pious wishes

    525. Baba told H.S.Dixit one day to take a tonga and go to Rahata and fetch Kusal Bhav, a devotee greatly attached to Baba. What was the reason?.

    K.B. thought on the previous day that for a long while he had not seen Baba; and that night, Baba came to him in his dream and said “Come to Shirdi”. In the morning K B found that he had no horse for his tonga and so he could not go. He sent his son on foot to Shirdi in his stead. Before the son came .

    B.: “Kaka (H.S.Dixit), take a tonga and go to Rahata and bring Kusal Bhav.”

    When H.S.D. came to K.B., he pleaded the absence of his horse.

    H.S.D.: That is why Baba asked me to take a tonga and bring you in the tonga.

    K.B. thereupon paid the visit, he was anxious to pay.

    (c) Mavushe’s

    526. B. (one day) said: “My stomach in aching.”

    Then Mavushe applied a red-hot brick over Baba’s abdomen and then removing it, began pressing Baba’s sides with her hands with great violence. S.B. Nachne, then present, cried out: Hold. Hold. Be more gentle Baba will suffer.

    Baba to Nachne: “Get out, do not interfere.”

    (d) Baba asked Dada Kelker to get onions from S.B.N’s Mother-in-law (see under Baba’s Justice and Equality) (see 587)
    (e)Vadhavkar’s Hunger

    527. Sadashiv T. Vadhavkar went to Baba and sat before him. Though feeling hungry, delicacy prevented his mentioning it. A pocket of pedas was brought to Baba. Baba usually touched nothing when it was brought. But on this occasion, he opened that packet and threw one peda into Vadhavkar’s lap.

    Vadhavkar retained it in his hand.

    Baba: “It is not given to you for merely keeping.”

    Then Vadhavkar ate it and his hunger was half appeased. Then Baba flung another peda at him. Vadhavkar held it in his hand, thinking of taking it home.

    Baba: “This is not given to you for keeping.”

    Vadhavkar ate that up and his hunger was wholly appeased.

    Baba did not throw any more pedas.

    (f) B.V.Vaiday’s health and safety

    528. B V Vaidya in 1911 went with family to Shirdi and at 1 a.m. alighted at Sathe Wada. He took light tiffin (faral), went to bed.

    In the morning, Baba (to the people at the Wada, angrily): “My children arrived, none looked after them and you made them upas i.e., eat faral” (With these words baba drove away the Bhaktas from Mosque)

    • When leaving Shirdi with intent to go Nasik, Vaidya went to Baba and asked leave.

    Baba: “Going to Nasik! What for should you go to Nasik! There is plague there. Do not go there. Go back home, taking your little one with you.”

    • Vaidya took Baba’s photo and gave it to into his hands. Baba touched it and returned it (for worship)

    Baba then said   ” You had better go now.”

    Vaidya and family go into the tonga and arrived at the station just in time to miss the train. They believed they were unlucky and spent some hours at the station for the next train. They arrived at Manmad by the next train and learnt that the previous train, which they would have boarded at Manmad had they arrived earlier, had an accident in which one carriage was smashed.

    • At the next visit Baba made them overstay their leave.  B.. “Be quiet. Do not fear.”

    When they returned three days after expiry of leave, they applied for extension of leave to the G.I.P and that was granted without any trouble.

    (g) Consideration for Mrs. Pradhan’s baby’s cries

     529.   Mrs. M.W.Pradhan was doing her puja of Baba at Dwaraka-Mayi and suddenly Baba stopped her. 

    B.: “Stop. Go to you Wada (lodgings)”.

    She stopped and went to her lodgings. There she found her baby was crying. She then comforted it, put it to sleep and came back to Baba.     B.: “Now do your Puja.”

    Baba had heard the baby’s cries by his Antarjnana, though the lady’s lodgings were far from the mosque. Such hearing is referred to in the well known song. i.e.,

    Sai hears even the footfall of an ant.

    (h) Purandare’s Obstinacy

    530. When a palki was brought and silver ornaments there from were stolen, R.B. Purandhare and his friend were keen on erecting a room or garage, for it next to the mosque on northern side. For erecting a room, R.B.P. was boring some holes in the mosque wall, when Baba was absent. Baba came and ordered him to stop the work. R.B.P. however went on, in spite of Baba’s threats. He went on with the work, not minding his own mealtime.

    B.: “See how bad it is. He won’t listen to me. I have to put up with all this.’

    Again    Baba said: “Go for your meal.”

    R.B.P.: Baba, I will not, because you will undo my work in my absence.

    Baba : “No, you may go for your meal.”

    Then R.B. Purandhare went.

    B: “What is to be done? If a child passes stools upon your leg, do we cut off the leg or the child ? We have to put up with it.”

    (i) Varde’s Obstinacy

    531.     Varde : Baba, give me leave to do Satyanarayan Puja at this Mosque.

    B.: “You may do it.”

    Then Varde went out and brought young plantain trees and put them on all sides of Baba, treating Baba as the image.

    Varde. Baba, I have not got money for expenses.

    B.:    “How much do you want ?”

    Varde : Rs2-8-0.

    B. (Pointing out Jayakar):   “That man has it, borrow it from him.”

    Though that was all the money Jayakar had, he had to lend it. And Varde’s Satyanarayana Pooja was finished.

  • 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.”

  • 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.”
  • 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?”

  • WEALTH

    WEALTH

    Baba’s sayings about Greed of Wealth and Asking Donation

    Para Number in the Book & About Greed Managing

    1. R.B.P. A devotee: “Why are you asking for so much money?”

    Baba- ” I am not asking of every one. I ask only from the man whom the fakir (God) points out. But in exchange, I have to give that man ten times the amount, which I have taken. I do not take the money for my own use. I have no family.”

    Every morning Baba would be a poor fakir owning zero and during the day dakshinas would accumulate; and by evening or night the whole accumulation will be disbursed. When Baba passed away, after receiving a Governor’s income from dakshina for about ten years, he had only Rs.16 in his possession.

    1. A man living with a mistress and suffering from venereal complaints came to Baba and said: “Baba, take this Rs.500″. Baba (angrily):” I want none of your money. You are keeping someone in your house; is it not? Give it to her.”

    The man was mortified at this exposure and went away.

    1. Some persons were on their way to Shirdi mosque of Baba.

    Baba (angrily): “Rascals, (pouring plenty of abuse) committing such and such vile crimes and sins (naming their sins, vices etc.,)! What help can they get! (as he finished this tirade, the parties entered with rich gifts.)

    Baba: “This is just what I have been saying” (and he refused to accept gifts or give help)

    Dakshina, a means of denuding a devotee of even thing

    [Which means I take away everything, when I wish to show my favour.] 

    236. S.R.V. Jayakar who has painted Baba’s portrait kept in Dwarka Mayee at Shirdi was staying before Baba with Rs.2-8-0 in his pocket.   One Varde of Bombay came to Baba. 

    V. I have no money to perform Satyanarayana Pooja.

    B.: How much do you want? 

    V Rs.2-8-0.

    B.: This man (pointing to Jayakar) has got it    Borrow from him.

    So varde applied and Jayakar had to part with the entire Rs.2-8-0 he had in his pocket.

    237. P.R. Avaste, a Judicial Officer of Indore and a devotee of Baba came during summer vacation with his wife and son to Shirdi. He was on his way to perform his son’s marriage and kept with his son Rs.400/- and Rs.300/- with his wife. He was to get a good bridegroom (karini) for his son’s marriage. When he came to Baba,

    Baba to P.R. Avaste: Will you give me Dakshina?

    P.R. Avaste: How much?

    Baba: Rs. 30/-

    Baba to P.R. Avaste’s son: Will you give me Rs.40/-

    Thus again and again Baba took away the whole fund with Mrs. PRA and her son – except Rs.30/-

    Baba to P.R. Avaste: Will you give me Rs.30/-

    P.R. Avaste: Shall I give it, Baba?

    Baba: Yes.

    Then with great pain at heart, Mr. Avaste took the last remaining Rs.30/- from his wife and paid to Baba.

    Baba asked for nothing more.

    As P.R. Avaste was dolefully returning from Baba, Bapu Saheb Jog exultingly patted him on the back.

    Jog: I say I congratulate you. Baba has taken frequent Dakshina from you. You are lucky. Baba never takes except to give back tenfold.

    P.R. Avaste: I do not know about that. I know that I have not got a pie remaining for going to the place of marriage.

    Jog: How much do you want?

    P.R. Avaste: Rs.100/-

    Jog: Here it is. Baba has got a present of Rs. 6000/- from a Mumbai merchant who vowed he would pay 25% of his profits, if the news of loss of his goods proved false. Of that 6000, Baba has already spent 3000 in three days. If I tell him I gave you Rs.100/-, he will neither object nor call for the Rs.100/-, but as he has taken Rs.600 odd from you, I assure you that you will have a promotion by Rs.50/- per mensem now.

    P.R. Avaste: I have no godfather to get me promotion.

    But as stated by Jog, the promotion of Rs.50/- was given to Mr. P.R. Avaste, as he learnt after the vacation ended.

    Dakshina asked for taking away first fruits on indicating coming of the amount asked

    238. Baba to S.B.Dhumal: “Bhav give me Rs.50/-.”

    S.B.D. I have not got the money.

    B.: Then ask Saheb (H.V.S.)

    S.B.D. went and asked H.V.S. for Rs.50/- H.V.S. gladly gave it. This was an indication to H.V.S. that his claim, then pending before Govt for an extra sum of Rs.50/- as part of his pension was to be allowed.

    Later the order allowing it came. And the date of the order was the date of Baba’s demand of Rs.50/-.

    239. Somanaih S.D.Nimonkar, a Police Sub-Inspector, was before Baba in 1912. 

    Baba- “Give me Rs.10/-.

    S. paid the amount of Rs. 10/-.

    Six months later S got an order raising his pay byRs.10/- from the date of his above payment.

    Dakshina as Prophecy or control

    240. R.S.Dev was before Baba, intending to get Baba’s sanction for building five suites of rooms.

    Baba (drawing 25 lines on the floor). “One rupee for each line, i.e., each suite of rooms. Give Rs.25/-.”

    R.S.Dev paid the sum. Though he intended to build only five, he went on adding till the number happened to be 25 suites of rooms and there are only 25 even now.

    241. Baba to S.B.Nachne and Sankar Rao: “Give me Rs.64/-.”

    S.B.: We have no money,

    Subsequently when Baba was ill, they collected funds for poor feeding and sent it up. That collection was exactly Rs.64/-.

    Dakshina as claim of first fruits

    242. Daji Hait Lele, Deputy Inspector of Land Records at Nasik was going to Shirdi and on the way at Kopergaon saw the Gazette and found that he had been promoted from Rs.125/- to Rs.150/-.

    Then he came and bowed to Baba at Shirdi.

    Baba- “Bring me Rs.15/-.”

    L.: I have no money.

    Baba- “It is only yesterday I gave you Rs.25. Go and bring the money.”

    Lele borrowed the money and paid it.    (See H.V. Sathe’s Experiences).

    Dakshina to deprive a man of money which he should not have taken or kept

    243. S.B. Dhumal was directed to file a criminal appeal on behalf of Baba’s chamatkar. Judgement of acquittal was immediately pronounced, as soon as he presented the appeal. He was given Rs.300 by the appellants and when he came with the money to Shirdi.

    Baba- ” Bhau, will you give me dakshina? “

    S.B.D.: Yes, Baba.

    In this way he repeatedly collected just the Rs.300 and did not ask for anything more.

    Dakshina asked for giving effect to intention

    244. M. W.Pradhan, when starting to see Baba for the first time intended to give him Rs.20 in silver, and for that purpose got a Rs.50 note changed.

    When he actually came to Baba and dakshina was asked, he changed his mind and wanted to give gold. So he gave a sovereign.

    Baba- ” What is this?”

    Noolkar: This is a guinea.

    B.. What is it worth?

    N.: Rs.15.

    B… I do not want this.    Give me Rs.15, and keep this.

    And Pradhan carefully treasured up the coin touched by Baba and gave him 15 silver rupees.

    Baba, (counting it over and over): Here is only Rs. 10. Give me Rs.5. more:

    M.W.P.: Here are Rs.5 more.

    Thus, under colour of wrong calculation and putting to test also M.W.P.’s combativeness in dealing with his own guru, Baba gave effect to his intention to pay Rs.20.

    After receiving the Rs.20, he did not ask for anything more.

    Secondary meaning of Dakshina

    245. Baba to B.V.Dev.: “Bhau. give me dakshina. 

    B.V.Dev gave one guinea. 

    B.: Give me more.

    Baba after getting four said.- “Though four were given by you, Baba has got only one.”

    Dev.: “Baba, I have given four.”

    B.’. Yes, but I have only one.    You will know.

    The obvious interpretation is, though the devotee surrenders his fourfold Antahkarana (of Manas, Buddhi Ahankara, Chitta) Baba receives only the Jiva; and all multiplicity, when it reaches God-Baba becomes one. So the mind must surrender multiplicity unto the God Guru to attain unity’.

    Dakshina

    246. Baba (to G.G.Narke): Give me Rs.I5 dakshina.

    G.G.N’.: Baba, you know I have not got a pie. Why do you often ask me for Rs.15/-?

    Baba- ” I know you have no money. But you are reading Yoga Vasishta. Get me Rs. 15 dakshina from that.”

    Getting dakshina here means deriving lessons from Y.Vasishta and lodging them in. the heart where Baba resides.(S.C.I 86.)

    1. Baba to R.B.Purandhare: “Give me Rs.2 dakshina.” R.B.P.:  Baba, why do you constantly ask me for Rs.2 when you know that I am a poor clerk.

    B.: “It is not these coins that I want. I want (1) Nishta (faith) and (2) Saburi (patient endurance and waiting courageously). Give me these.” R.B.P.: I have given you these. Please get these done by me.

    1. Baba to Mrs. T.: Give me Rs.6 dakshina.

    Mrs. T. (to her husband). We have no money. It is so painful to be asked when we have nothing.

    Mr. T.: Baba wants only your six inner enemies (Lust, anger etc.) to be surrendered to him.

    Baba, again to Mrs.T:. Will you give me Rs.6? Mrs. T: Baba, I have given them. B.: See that you do not wander off.

    Dakshina asked for teaching lessons

    1. Judge (MB Rege) in 1912, went to see Baba with Rs.100/- in his pocket.

    Baba: Give me dakshana Rs. 40/- That was given.

    Again Baba: Give me dakshana Rs.40/- That was given.

    Again Baba: Give me Rs. 20/-

    That also was given by the judge, who noted that Baba was reducing him to zero condition.

    Later, Baba to Judge: Give me Rs.40/- dakshina.

    Judge: I have nothing to give.

    Baba: Then go and get the money and give.

    Judge: To whom am I to go.

    Baba: Shyama.

    Then Judge went to Shyama and told him.

    Shyama: You have not understood Baba. He cares a rap for you rupees. What he wants is your mind and heart, your time and soul to be devoted to him. That is his meaning.

    The Judge went back and reported to Baba.

    Baba, smiling: Go to Dixit and ask him.

    The Judge went and told Dixit.

    Dixit: Baba’s directions to you must be understood in the circumstances as a lesson to you and that you should not feel absence of money or the begging for money or for anything else to be a humiliation and that you should not consider yourself to be above begging.

    Judge went and reported to Baba. Baba, smiling: Go to Nana (N.G. Chandorkar) Judge went and reported to Nana.

    NGC: I know how delicate it is, when baba asks for Dakshina and there is nothing to be given. You must learn my plans and ways.

    Whenever I go to Shirdi, I start with a certain sum and leave half of it at Kopergaon, e.g., on this occasion I came with Rs.200/= and left half of it at Kopergaon and came to Shirdi with Rs.100/- only. I go on giving dakshana out of the stock in hand to Baba and when it is exhausted, I send for the reserve at Kopergaon. You must adopt this plan.

    Judge went and reported this to Baba.

    Baba then sent for Nana and Nana came.

    Baba: Nana, give me Rs.40/- And Nana paid it and went away.

    Again he was sent for.

    Baba: Nana, give me Rs.40/- more.

    Again Baba sent for Nana and collected Rs.20/-. Then Nana sent someone to Kopergaon for the reserve fund, but before it came, Baba wanted more from Nana and Nana felt humiliated.

    The lesson taught by these demands for dakshana was that it was a presumption on the part of anyone to think that he himself was the great Providence supplying Baba or that anyone could supply all that Baba might ask for.

    DAKSHINA:

                    See elsewhere for the meaning of Baba’s demanding Rs.5,11,16, cf 135, 136, 186, 255

    (Chakra Narayan noted that Baba never showed anger or displeasure if any did not pay dakshina, and never gave (or sold) special favour for donors of dakshina. His unbought grace was given free to all. The moneys received by Baba did not stick to his palm, but were quickly passed out. Baba did not lead a luxurious life, but lived on simple begged food, except for the addition of Naivedya presented.)

  • Nama Japa

    Nama Japa

    Baba’s sayings about Chanting Names

    Para Number in the Book of BCS & About some names

    (I) Ram Name.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Babu (to some one): 

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

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

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

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

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

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