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.

  • 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.

  • Baba and Others Saints

    Baba and Others Saints

    Para Number in the Book -BCS & Baba’s appearance in the form of other saints

    1. Keshav Naik of Tardev, when Akkalkote Maharaj was passing away
      (about 1878) thus addressed him: Maharaj, if you go away, what support have we?
      Akkalkote Maharaj (giving his shoes to be worshiped): My Avatar (spirit) will be at Shirdi in Ahmadnagar District. Go there always. Be devoted there. If you do so, you will not remember me. And you will be happy
      When Akkalkote Maharaj passed away, Keshav Naik and his son
      Ramachandra Naik, accompanied by two orthodox Brahmins went to Sai Baba at Shirdi. On the way the Brahmins referred to Baba as a mad moslem fakir to whom no Brahmins could bow. When all four reached Baba.

    Baba to Keshav Naik: You and your son may come and visit me, if you like.
    (Pointing to the other two); These are Karmata Brahmins.
    Baba to Ramachandra Naik: Fetch Margosa (Neem) leaves.
    Ramachandra Naik brought some leaves. Baba distributed the leaves to the four.
    Baba: Eat the leaves. How do they taste?
    Brahmis (with a wry face): Very bitter.
    The two Naiks: The leaves are sweet. We ate plenty of the leaves.

    Thus Baba parted his sheep from the goats, and confirmed the statement of Akkalkote Maharaj.
    I am at Mirzgaon (‘Fakir Bua’)
    Why come here? (To Kusa Bhav)
    I am Bandra Moulana.
    [I am Nanded Moulana] You have already given me Rs.3-14-0

    75. I am with you wherever you may be. I do not require conveyance to take me.

    1. Baba (May 1914) addressing Mrs. T., a Bandra lady and her son Master T. : “Mother, I have to go thrice a day to your house.”
      Mrs. T.: Yes, Baba
      A local lady was astonished at this statement. She saw Baba daily at Shirdi. She said “Baba, what is this strange thing you say?”
      Baba: I do not speak falsehood. I am Mahalaxmi. Mother I come to your house. You give me things to eat, is that not true?
      Bandra Lady: Yes, Baba
      Shirdi Lady: Truly, does Baba go to you and do you feed him? Bandra Lady: Yes.
      Baba to Master T.: Do I not come to your house?
      Master T.: Yes, Baba.
      Baba to Shirdi Lady: Yes, mother, I go easily to Bhav’s house
      (at Bandra). In the middle, there is a wall. Jumping over it, next comes the railway line, and then Bhav’s house. (Here Baba described the crow’s flight from Shirdi to the lady’s house at Bandra).
      I have to fly across walls and excavations.
    2. Mrs. Tendulkar of Bandra daily heaped up garlands of bakul (flower) over
      Baba’s picture in her house at Bandra for two months and then went to Shirdi.
      Baba : Hallo, Kaka (ie.To H.S. Dixit) these two or three months I have not been at Shirdi at all. This mother has smothered me with bakul flower and I was quite dizzy, and unconscious of myself. Now I am slowly coming around.
    3. I went to Bandra and saw Bhav left nothing for me to eat, so I have returned hungry.
    4. Do you think of me, at meal ? Am I not present near you ? Do you give me a morsel ?
    5. I am not at Shirdi, but in all.
    6. He who thinks that (Sai) Baba is in Shirdi (alone) has totally failed to see (i.e., know) Baba.
    7. Why do you (weep and) behave so madly. Am I not there (at Bombay) by your side?
    8. He (Sai) who is at Shirdi now is also at Machandragad here. It is to teach you this, I sent you here. (To Manker)
    9. I have just been to Kasi and had a bath.
      I was at Jejuri, Bagat.
      I was at Dhulia, did you not see me? (To Upasani’s son)
      When you heard my voice, why doubt? Bolted doors do not bar access to me. (To Megha)
    10. I will go with you (invisibly). Do not worry. Mother, I take thought for your family. Well, Go. I am by your side.
    11. I am myself sitting there (invisibly), guarding you (Purandhare) and your wife.
    12. Wherever you may be, think of me, and I am by your side.
    13. Wherever you may be, whatever any of my devotees think, say or do, that very instant I am aware of it.
      (cf Quran-“And when my servants ask thee concerning me, then I nigh unto them and answer the cry of him that crieth unto me”
    14. I look equally on all. Not a leaf moves, except by my grace. I look on all with equal eye.
  • UBIQUITY OF BABA

    UBIQUITY OF BABA

    Para Number in the Book-BCS & His Universalities

    1. I am formless and everywhere.
      I am in everything.
      I am in everything and beyond.
      I fill all space. All that you see taken together is Myself. I do not shake or move.
    2. All that is seen is my form; ant, fly, prince, pauper.
    3. I am in the water, in dry places, in woods, amidst crowds, and in the solitary wilderness. I am in the fire and in ether. I am not limited to any place.
    4. Feeding the hungry bitch is feeding me. I have the feeling of my hunger being satisfied, when hers is satisfied.
      Baba to Laxmi Bai Sciedhe: I am hungry.
      Laxmi Bai Scindhe; Shall I go and bring food?
      Baba; Do.
      Laxmi Bai Scindhe; Then brought food; Baba took nothing from it and placed the entire plate before a hungry bitch.
      Laxmi Bai Scindhe: Baba why do you do so?
      Baba: Is not the bitch also a Jiva? We talk, bitches do not. She is hungry; she and I are one and the same. It is the same if I eat or she eats.
    5. I am still belching with the heavy feeding you gave the dog this morning. I am also in the mire besmirched pig (that you did not feed, though it came to you).
      To serve me, give up differentiation, (to Bombay Lady)
    6. Sometimes I come as dog, sometimes as pig.
      The devotee who recognises me in each form and treats me adequately is blessed.
    7. You have been with me eighteen years Nana. Does “Sai” mean to you only this 3’/2 cubits height of body?
      I am in the ant and fly.
      Whenever you see this sign, remember that I am there and that I can eat food through ants, flies etc.
      72-A. Baba: This body is but my house. My guru Mourshad has long ago taken me away from this.
    8. I went as a cat to drink this man’s Hansraj’s curds to save him, despite his cussedness. But he beat me to day.
      I was the black dog.
      I was the sickly sudra. I am in everything, and beyond.
      I was the fakir who begged of you, at Bombay.
      I was the spirit, you saw at midnight under the tree.
      [I am Akkalkote Maharaj.] I gave you Rs. 2, Pitale(Devotee)
      73-A. Baba as a cat is beaten.
      Baba to Hansraj, an Asthma patient: Do not take curds or taste sour things. But Hansraj was daily preparing curds overnight to drink it, at the noon meal. Daily a cat drank it off and one day he beat the cat.
      Baba to others, in the presence of Hansraj: “There is an Urphatia. a cussed, cross-grained man. I told him not to take curds. But he daily prepared it. Daily I went as a cat and drank it off, to save his life. Today 1 went again. Do you know what he did? He beat me over the shoulder. See here. (Hansraj looked and found a fresh weal on Baba’s shoulder, though it was a cat, he beat with a stick on the shoulder) cf. 359.
      73-B. Baba as a dog and sickly Sudra:
      Kasinath Govind Upasani-KGU Maharaj, who lived at Shirdi in 1911-4, prepared his food which a black dog was watching. Offering nothing to the dog, K.G.U. went to the masjid and offered it to Baba.
      Baba: Why did you bring it here? I was there.
      K.G.U.: Baba, there was none there, except a black dog.
      Baba : I was that black dog.
      Baba refused to accept food that day.
      Next day K.G.U. prepared his meal at his quarters and found no dog there. But a sickly Sudra(Lower caste) was standing, leaning on a wall and looking at the food. The orthodox K.G.U. drove him away from that place and brought the food to S.Baba.
      Baba : Yesterday you did not offer me food. Today also you drove me away. Why bring the food here?
      K.G.U.: Where were you there, Baba?
      Baba.: I was leaning on the wall.
      K.G.U.: What! Could you be in such a person?
      Baba: Yes I am in all things and beyond.
      Purusha Sukta -i.e. HE pervades the earth and transcends it.
  • BABA’S NATURE

    BABA’S NATURE

    Para Number in the Book-BCS and Baba’s saying on His Own Nature

    1. I am god (Allah)
      I am Mahalaxmi: I speak the truth-sitting as I do at the Mosque.
      (I am Vittobha of Pandhari) Baba to NG Chandorkar: Go, I am at Pandhari
      (I am Ganapathi): Mother, all offerings you made to Ganapathi have reached Me.
      (I am Dattatreya): Are you puffed-up? Where was male progeny in your destiny? I tore up this body and …..gave you a son. (In answer to the prayer, you offered before Datta at Gangapur)
      (I am Laxmi Narain): Why go for Ganga elsewhere. Hold your palm at my feet. Here flows Ganga.
      What matters it, whether in your meditation you see this (Sai) figure or the figure of Laxmi Narayana?
      (I am Maruti): My father dedicated me to Maruti.
      I make gestures before his temple, telling him I am his brother.
    2. (I am Krishna): Saibaba (seated in Dwaraka Mayi) to Uddhavesa Bua: “Give me Rs.11 dakshina”.
      Uddhavesa Bua: I have given my ten Indriyas(5 Sense organs & 5 Action organs) and mind.
      Baba: No. Who are you to give them? They are mine already. Read Pothi i.e., do Parayana.
      Uddhavesa Bua: Of what Purana?
      Baba: Of that in which I have spoken to you, and in which I still speak to you
      Uddhavesa Bua: Is it Gita? Jnaneswari?
      Baba: Go and fetch, what Bapu Saheb Jog is reading

    Uddhavesa brought XI skanda of Srimad Bhagavatha from Jog.
    Baba: (slipped his finger into the book suddenly and said) Read this. [It opened at Krishna Uddhava samvada] Daily read this, and then sit at my feet and meditate on it.
    [N.B: That meditation is the gift of 11 INR, eleventh Skanda to Baba, Sai-Krishna, seated in the heart.]

    1. All that (viz, other Gods) is Allah (to Rohilla)
    2. Devotee: Baba, who are you? whence?
      Baba (in the absolute mood): I am the Attributeless, Absolute, Nirguna. I have no name, no residence.
      (Again in the mood of Duality): I got embroiled by Karma, and came to a body. (So) I got a name and abode. Dehi, i.e., the embodied, is my name; and the world is my abode. Brahman is my father and Maya, my mother. As they interlocked, I got this body. The world is evanescent, mutable.
    3. I am Parvardigar (God). I live at Shirdi and everywhere.
      My age is lakhs of years.
      My business is to give blessings.
      All things are mine.
      I give everything to everyone.
    4. I am in Gangapur, Pandharpur and in all places. I am in every bit of the globe.
    5. All the universe is in me.
    6. Stick to the one whom you worship or revere. God will protect you soon.
      65-A. Baba To Shankar Rao Gowhanker : ‘”They had many, giving them trouble. As they were with me, they did not suffer by that trouble. God punished the troublers. See, God rewards the doers of good and punishes evil-doers.
    1. I am the Progenitor of God. Mediate on me as pure Ananada Nirakara; but if you cannot do so, meditate on this this Sai Body exactly as it is.
    2. I am not the body or the senses. I am the sakshi-witness of all these.
      I do nothing. I receive nothing.
    3. Devotee: Baba burn on your hand to be treated. It must pain you so much.
      Baba: what fun will it be (for me) to stand by and see the whole of this (Sai Baba) body burning on a funeral pyre of cow dung cake fuel?
  • Baba’s promises in His own name

    Baba’s promises in His own name

    Para Number in the Book ‘BCS’ & Baba’s Sayings on his Own-Name, the followings

    1. My eye (of vigilant supervision) is ever on those who love me.
      Whatever you do, wherever you may be, ever bear this in mind that I am always aware of everything you do.
    2. If one ever meditates on me, repeats my name, signs my deeds, and is thus transformed into me, one’s Karma is destroyed. I stay by his side always.
    3. You should have truth always with you. then I shall be always with you, wherever you are, and at all times.
    4. I will be with you, whenever and wherever you think of me. Do not fear.
    5. If one perpetually thinks of me, and makes me his sole refuge, I am his debtor and will give my head to save him.
    6. If, one ever dwells on me in his mind and will not even taste food before offering it to me, I am his slave. So also if he hungers and thirsts after me, and treats all else as unimportant.
    7. I am (Bhaktaparadeena) the bond slave of my devotees, I love devotion.
    8. He who withdraws his heart from wife, child and parents and loves me is my real lover and he merges in me like a river in the sea.
    9. Saibaba: The key of my treasury is now placed in your hands. Ask for anything you want, Rs. 5 to 100 a month or what you will and, I will give it to you.
      Devotee (M B Rage) declines to ask.
      Baba: Ask something, I am anxious to give you.
      Devotee: Is it agreed that you will grant anything I ask for?
      Baba: Yes
      Devotee: Then, Baba, I want this. In this and in any future birth that may befall me, you should never part from me. You should always be with me.
      Baba: Yes, I shall be with you, inside and outside you, whatever you may be or do.
    10. My devotee feels me in you, in himself and in all creatures and sees all as his Guru. He will become like me.
    11. If you make me the sole object of your thoughts and aims, you will gain Paramartha. (supreme Goal)
      Look to me; I will look to you.
      Trust the Guru fully. That is the only sadhana. Guru is all the Gods.
    12. If one devotes his entire mind to me and rests in me, he need fear nothing for body and soul. If one sees me and me alone and listens to talk about me and is devoted to me alone, he will reach God (Chaitanya). He who worships me as Nitya, Suddha and Buddha comes to me.
    13. Those who perpetually repeat my name reach their goal.
    14. Simply say “Sai” “Sai” with heart overflowing. I care not for show of respect and forms, I rest in such devotees.
    15. Repeat my name. Seek refuge in me. But to know ‘who I am” have Sravana and Manana.
    16. I am formless and everywhere.
    17. If anyone casts his burden on me and thinks of me, I look after all his concerns.
    18. Yes; you can place your burdens on me.
    19. In the abode of my devotees, there will be no dearth of food and clothing.
    20. You devotees are my children. I am your father. You have to get everything from me. So you should not talk like that (say Sai is not God).
    21. Why are you anxious? I take all care of you.
    22. Sit quiet, Uge Muge. I will do the needful. I will take you to the end.
    23. Go Everything will be provided, Babugir.
      I will provide for you, Ganu
      I will provide for Manker’s son.
    24. Why do you fear? Am I not here (where you go to ease yourself?)
    25. Stay here, treat it as your house
      Governor came with a lance to pierce Dada (G.S.K). I had a tussle with him and drove him out. Finally I conciliated him.
      Why should any fear, when I am here?
    26. When this baby sleeps we have to stand by, keep awake and watch or take trouble.
    27. I will not allow my devotees to come to harm. I have to take thought for my devotees. And if a devotee is about to fall, I stretch out my hands, and thus with four, four (i.e. a number of), outstretched hands at time to support him. I will not let him fall.
    28. I am its (frog’s) Father, and am here. Will I let the snake eat it? See how I effect its release…….. “Hallo Veerabadrappa, be ashamed of your hatred. Give up hatred. (The snake dropped the frog). I have kept my word and saved Basappa (the frog from Viradadrappa, the snake). God has saved him by sending me.
    29. See I have to suffer for your sake, to remove your sufferings.
      I Will not let you die. I will die first ere I let you die (Nandram) (Nandram lived long after 1918)
      Nana is about to die. But will I let him die? (535-A)
      Fakir (God) wishes to kill Dada Saheb (i.e., G.S.Khaparde), but I will not permit him.
      O Annah! if I had delayed a minute, this man (S.B.Nachen) would have indeed perished. The madman had seized him with his hands, even his throat. But I extricated him. What is to be done? If I do not save my own son, who else will.
    30. He is mine, and mine alone.
      I alone have to shoulder the responsibility for carrying him across.
      Whom has he got except me?
    31. (After Cholera goddess was driven away) You are now safe, Go.
    32. Night and day, I think and think of my people, I con/recite their names over and over again.
      Baba to.Dhumal: “Bhav, the whole of last night, I had no sleep. I lay thinking and thinking of you.
      At every step, I have to take care of you, Else, what will happen to you, God knows.”
    33. I shall never forget him; I shall remember him, even if he is 2000 miles away. I will eat nothing without him.
    34. I get angry with none. Will a mother get angry with her kiddies? Will the ocean send back the waters to the several rivers? I love devotion. I am the slave of my devotees, Bhakta Paradhina.
    35. How can I allow my children to fast or starve?
    36. Come, Sirs, carry away bags of udhi. Come, cart away the treasures of your mother.
      Look here, People come and say Baba, give. I tell them to take. No one takes.
    37. My master told me to give bounteously to all that ask. No one listens to me or wisdom. My treasury is open. None brings carts to take from it. I say dig; none will take any pains. I said dig out the treasure and cart it away. Be the real and true sons of the mother and fully stock your magazine. What is to become of us i.e. this bodily life? Earth will return to the earth; and the air (breath) will return to the air. This opportunity will not return.
    38. Place your entire faith in my words. Your object will be accomplished.
    39. Baba To Lakshman on 15-10-1918 : Jog thinks I am dead. I am living. Come and perform morning Arati
    40. (Give me) my 1¼ Rupee (Majya Savva Rupya)
    41. My tomb will speak and move with those who make me their refuge.
    42. I shall be active and vigorous from my tomb also.
    43. Even after my Mahasamadhi, I will be with you, the moment you think of me, at any place.
    44. As soon as a devotee calls unto me with love, I will appear. I require no train to travel.
  • Baba knows Optometry ie. Science of Eye examination as well as Herbalist

    Baba knows Optometry ie. Science of Eye examination as well as Herbalist

    Baba started practicing Herb medicine in the village, examined patients and gave medicines. He was always successful, and He became famous as a Hakim (Doctor).

    A curious case may be narrated here.

    One devotee got his eye balls quite red and swollen. No Doctor was available in Shirdi. The other devotees took him to Baba. Other Doctors would use ointments, Anjans, cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc., in such cases. Baba’s remedy was quite unique. He pounded some ‘BEEBA’ (Some Carpus Ana Cardium i.e. marking nuts) and made two balls of them, thrust them on in each eye of the patient and wrapped a cloth-bandage round them (eyes). Next day, the bandage was removed and water was poured over them in a stream. The inflammation subsided and the pupils became white and clear. Though the eyes are very delicate, the BEEBA caused no smarting; but removed the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured and this is only an instance in point.

    He charged no fees for His cures. He became renowned and famous by virtue of His merits. He gave health to many a poor and suffering person. This famous Doctor of doctors cared not for His interests. He always worked for the good and welfare of others. He suffered unbearable and terrible pain many a time in the process. 

  • ON SEEING SAI BABA

    Experience of Hemadpant

    Author of ‘Shri Sai Sat Charitra’

    As fortune favoured me(Hemadpant), I reached Shirdi the next day before 9 or 10 A.M. Mr. Bhausaheb (Kaka) Dixit was waiting for me there. This was in 1910 A.D., when there was only one place, viz., Sathe’s Wada for lodging pilgrim devotees.

    After alighting from the Tonga, I was anxious to have darshana, when the great devotee, Tatyasaheb Noolkar returned from the Masjid and said that Sai Baba was at the corner of the Wada, and that I should first get the preliminary darshana and then, after bath, see Him at leisure.

    Hearing this I ran and prostrated before Baba and then my joy knew no bounds. I found more than what Nana Chandorkar had told me. All my senses were satisfied and I forgot thirst and hunger. The moment I touched Sai Baba’s feet, I began a new lease of life.

    I felt myself much obliged to those who spurred and helped me to get the darshana; and I considered them as my real relatives, and I cannot repay their debt. I only remember them and prostrate (mentally) before them.

    The peculiarity of Sai Baba’s darshana, as I found it, is that by His darshana our thoughts are changed, the force of previous actions is abated and gradually non-attachment of dispassion towards worldly objects grows up. It is by the merit of actions in many past births that such darshana is got, and if only you see Sai Baba, really all the world becomes or assumes the form of Sai Baba.

  • Baba’s All-pervasiveness and Mercy

    In the year 1910 A.D., Baba was sitting near the Dhuni (Fire) on Divali holiday and warming Himself. He was pushing fire-wood into the Dhuni, which was brightly burning. 

    A little later, instead of pushing logs of woods, Baba pushed His arm into the Dhuni; the arm was scorched and burnt immediately. 

    This was noticed by the servant Madhava, and also by Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama). They at once ran to Baba and Madhavarao clasped Baba by His waist from behind and dragged Him forcible back ward and asked, “Deva, for what have You done this?” 

    Then Baba came to His senses and replied, “The wife of a blacksmith at some distant place, was working the bellows of a furnace;her husband called her. Forgetting that her child was on her waist, she ran hastily and the child slipped into the furnace. I immediately thrust My hand into the furnace and saved the child. 

    I do not mind My arm being burnt, but I am glad that the life of the child is saved.”

    Such instance show the all-pervasive and most merciful character of Sai Baba.

    SSSC Ch-7