"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
“Look here, my Guru was a great saint and highly merciful.
I fatigued myself in trying to serve him and yet he did not utter any mantra in my ear. Instead he first shaved me clean and then begged of me two pice (money).
What he wanted was not metallic coin—he did not care even for gold,but only Nishta and Saburi, i.e. faith and courageous patience. I gave these to him and at once, he was pleased.
Mother, Saburi is courage, do not discard it. It ferries you across to goal. It gives i) overcomes all fears, ii) manliness to men, iii) eradicates sin and dejection and
For 12 years I waited on my Guru, who is peerless and loving.
How can I describe his love to me?
When he was Dhyanasta (in love trance),
I sat and gazed at him; and
we were both filled with Bliss.
I cared not to turn my eye upon anything else.
Night and day, I pored upon his face with an ardour of love that banished hunger and thirst.
The Guru’s absence, even for a second, made me restless.
I meditated upon nothing but the Guru and had no goal or object other than the Guru.
Unceasingly fixed upon him was my mind.
Wonderful indeed the art of my Guru!
I wanted nothing but the Guru and
he wanted nothing but my love.
Apparently action less,
he never neglected me,
but always protected me by his glance.
That Guru—I tell the truth, sitting as I do in this Masjid— never blew any mantra into my ear; nor do I blow any into yours.
Go thou and do likewise.
If you make me, the sole object of your thoughts and aims,
you will attain Paramartha, the supreme goal.
Look at me with undivided attention;
so will I look at you.
This is the only truth my Guru taught me. The four sadhanas and the six sastras are not necessary.
With entire confidence, trust your Guru. That is enough.”
The lady bowed, accepted the advice and gave up her satyagraha.
Baba to a Lady, who started Fasting to get mantra from Him, about His Guru.
“Athiti is what ever creature is hungry and comes on to you, at that (kakabali-crow offering) time, whether it is human or a bird, beast or insect.
All these seek food. The real Athiti that you get, (but) you do not regard as such. These have come to you in lakhs.
Nana! give up your rotten interpretation*. At kakabali, take plenty of boiled rice outside the house and leave it there.
Do not shout or call for any, nor drive away. Whatever the creature that comes to eat, let not that disturb your mind. You get thus the merit of feeding lakhs of guests. “
Baba in BCS para 309 to N G Chandorkar alias Nana
*The phrase “Atithi Devo Bhava” translates to “The guest is akin to God,” highlighting the reverence and care that should be given to guests.
In Hinduism, welcoming guests, especially unexpected ones, is considered a sacred duty. This practice is deeply embedded in the culture and traditions, emphasizing the hospitality that should be extended to guests. Here are a few key aspects:
Rituals and Practices for Welcoming Guests
1. Traditional Welcome: – Guests are often greeted with a warm “Namaste,” a gesture of respect and reverence. – In some households, a ceremonial welcome called Aarti might be performed, where a small lamp is waved in front of the guest, accompanied by singing or chanting. – Some families may apply a small mark (often a red dot known as tilak) on the guest’s forehead as a sign of blessing and respect.
2. Offering Refreshments: – Guests are typically offered water, tea, butter-milk or other beverages upon arrival. This practice signifies hospitality and the intention to make the guest feel comfortable and valued. – Following this, guests may be served snacks or meals, often including traditional and home-cooked dishes.
3. Providing Comfort: – Hosts ensure that the guests have a comfortable place to sit and rest. Clean towels, refreshments, and any other necessities are provided. – In many cases, if the guest is staying overnight, special arrangements are made to ensure their comfort, including clean bedding and private space.
4. Treating Guests with Respect: – Throughout the visit, guests are treated with utmost respect. Conversations are often centered around the guest’s well-being, their travel experiences, and any needs they might have. – Hosts may also offer small gifts or tokens of appreciation when the guest departs, further signifying the importance of their visit.
These practices not only reflect the value placed on hospitality in Hindu culture, but also emphasize the spiritual aspect of serving and honoring guests as part of one’s duty (dharma).
Catechectics is an Art of teaching by Question and answer (as a Part of ‘How emotional investments shape our behaviors and thoughts’). Baba is in very advanced stage in this science. This is an example:-
It was in the year 1916, a Chennai Bhajani Mela (Party of the Ramadasi Panth) started on a Pilgrimage to the holy city of Kasi/Banaras. The Party consisted of a man, his wife, daughter and sister-in-law; and they had come to Shirdi to get Gift of money from Baba. There the husband got a wonderful vision in his dream one night as follows :-
He was in a big city, the police there had arrested him, tied his hands with a rope, and put him up in lock-up. As the police were tightening the grip, he saw Sai Baba standing quiet outside, near the cage. On seeing Baba so near, he said in a plaintive tone – “Hearing Your fame, I came to Your Feet, and why should a calamity befall me, when You are standing here in person?”
Baba said – “You must suffer the consequences of your action”
He said – “I have not done anything in this life, which would bring such a misfortune on me.”
Baba said – “If not in this life, you must have committed some sin in your past life.”
He replied, “I do not know anything of my past life, but assuming that I did commit some sin; then why should it not be burnt and destroyed in Your presence, as dry grass before fire? “.
Baba – “Have you got such faith?”
He – “Yes.”
Baba then asked him to close his eyes.
No sooner did he shut them, than he heard a thumping sound of something falling down, opening his eyes,
he saw that he was free and the police had fallen down, bleeding.
Being much frightened, he began to look at Baba who said – “Now you are well caught, officers will now come and arrest you.”
Then he begged – “There is no other saviour except You, save me anyhow.”
Then Baba again asked him to close his eyes. He did so and when he opened them,
he saw that he was free, out of the cage and
that Baba was by his side.
He then fell at Baba’s Feet.
Baba then asked him –
“Is there any difference between this namaskar (Hello) and your previous ones? Think well and reply.”
He said “There is a lot of difference; my former namaskaras were offered with the object of getting money from You, but the present namaskar is one offered to You as God”
Then a desire arose in his mind, to get the darshan of his Guru Ramdas;
when Baba asked him to turn back and see. And when he turned,
lo, Ramadas was in front of him.
No sooner did, he begin to fall at His Feet, Ramadas vanished.
Then he inquisitively asked Baba,”You look old. Do You know Your age?”. Baba – “What! Do you say I am old! just run a race with Me and see.” Saying this, Baba began to run and he too followed. Baba disappeared in the dust raised by His foot-steps while running, and the man was awakened.
After awakening, he began to think seriously about the dream-vision. His mental attitude was completely changed and he realised the greatness of Baba. After this, his grabbing and doubting tendencies disappeared and true devotion to Baba’s Feet sprang in his mind.
The vision was a mere dream, but the questions and answers therein were most significant and interesting.
Next morning, when all the persons assembled in the Masjid for the Arati, Baba gave him as prasad two rupees’ worth sweetmeats and also two rupees from His pocket and blessed him.
Baba made him stay there for a few more days and gave him His blessing, saying, “Allah (God) will give you plenty and He will do you all good”. He did not get more money there, but he got far better things viz. Baba’s blessing, which stood him in good stead all along.
The party got plenty of money afterwards; and their pilgrimage was successful: as they had not to suffer any trouble or inconvenience during their journey.
They all returned home safe and sound, thinking of Baba’s words and blessings and the Anand(Bliss) they experienced by His grace.
Carpology is a branch of botany. It focuses on the study of seeds and fruits, particularly their structure and morphology. It helps in understanding the evolution of plant species and reconstructing
Here is the proof of the Baba’s knowledge in this Science
Kaka was the Manager in the firm of Thakkar Dharmasey Jethabhai, a solicitor of Bombay. Out of curiosity and just to test Baba, Mr. Thakkar once decided to go to Shirdi with Kaka during Shimga holidays.
Kaka bought two seers of raisins (dried grapes with seed) on the way for presentation to Baba. Then Kaka prostrated himself before Baba and offered the raisins to Him. Baba ordered them to be distributed.
Mr. Thakkar got a few of them. He did not like the raisins and he was advised by his doctor not to eat them without washing and cleaning them. So he was in a fix. He did not like to eat them, nor could he reject them.
To keep up formalities, he put them into his mouth, but did not know what to do with the seeds. He could not spit them out on the floor of the Masjid, so he pocketed them against his wish.
He then thought about Baba being a Saint. He questioned how Baba could be ignorant of his dislike for the raisins. Could Baba force them on him?
When this thought arose in his mind Baba again gave him some more raisins. He could not eat them, but held them in his hand. Then Baba asked him to eat them up.
He obeyed and found, to his surprise, that they were all seedless. He wanted to see miracles and here was one. He knew that Baba read his thought; and as per his wish converted raisins (with seeds) into seedless grapes. What a wonderful power!
Again to test further he asked Tarkhad, who was sitting by and who also got some raisins, “What kind of grapes you got?” He replied “They variety with seeds.” Mr. Thakkar was still more surprised to hear this.
Then to confirm his growing faith Thakkar thought in his mind that if Baba was a real Saint, the raisins should be now given to Kaka first.
Reading this thought also, Baba ordered that distribution should be commenced from Kaka. These proofs were sufficient for Thakkar.
Idiopsychology refers to an individualized approach. It examines how an individual’s unique experiences, personality traits, and background influence their mental processes and behavior.
Baba, with his individualized approach, is influencing his devotees.
One young man made up his mind to lend the money to Dixit (Dixit had to meet a heavy obligation of Rs. 30,000 to be paid to a moneylender-Marwadi. The day for payment was drawing near and could not see how to get funds for meeting this large demand.), on account of his need and on account of his being his father’s friend; and thus the creditor of Dixit was paid in time. But who could know that the sum of Rs. 30,000 was with a person with a mind to be influenced to lend it to Dixit? Baba alone could influence the possessor of the funds. It is just like this that at the crucial moment Baba acts often!
For instance Baba operated on the minds of Brahmins to come to do Pitru Sraddha for Jog just at the nick of time (B C. S. 377-8).
HE influenced the appellate Magistrate’s mind to deal summary justice to his convicted servant Raghu.
HE influenced the minds of Government members to refrain from granting sanction against Khaparde for prosecution (BCS 402-5).
HE influenced the minds of all and sundry to turn Upasani Maharaj back to Shirdi in June 1911 (BCS 635).
Aerobiology – The study of the dispersion of airborne biological materials, as pollen, spores, microorganisms, or viruses in atmosphere
Let us see How Sai Baba dispersed the airborne viruses in Shirdi, here from Hemadpant Book.
“It was sometime after 1910 A.D. that I went, one fine morning, to the Masjid in Shirdi for getting a darshan of Sai Baba. I was wonder-struck to see the following phenomenon. After washing His mouth and face, Sai Baba began to make preparations for grinding wheat. He spread a sack on the floor; and thereon set a hand-mill.
He took some quantity of wheat in a winnowing fan. Then he drew up the sleeves of His Kafni (robe) and took hold of the peg of the hand-mill. He started grinding the wheat. He put a few handfuls of wheat in the upper opening of the mill and rotated it.
I thought ‘what business Baba had with the grinding of wheat? He possessed nothing and stored nothing. He lived on alms!’ Some people who had come there thought likewise, but none had the courage to ask baba what He was doing. Immediately, this news of Baba’s grinding wheat spread into the village. At once, men and women ran to the Masjid and flocked there to see Baba’s act.
Four bold women, from the crowd, forced their way up and pushing Baba aside, took forcibly the peg or handle into their hands, and, singing Baba’s Leelas, started grinding. At first Baba was enraged, but on seeing the women’s love and devotion, He was much pleased and began to smile. While they were grinding, they began to think. Baba had no house, no property, no children, none to look after. He lived on alms. He did not require any wheat-flour for making bread or roti. What will He do with this big quantity of flour? Perhaps as Baba is very kind, He will distribute the flour amongst us. Thinking in this way while singing, they finished the grinding. After putting the hand-mill aside, they divided the flour into four portions. They began to remove them one per head.
Baba, Who was calm and quiet up till now, saying, “Ladies, Now please do this. Take the flour and throw it on the village border limits.” On hearing this, the women felt abashed. Whispering amongst them, they went away to the outskirts of the village. They spread the flour as directed by Baba. I asked the Shirdi people – “What was this that Baba did?” They replied that as the Cholera Epidemic was spreading in the village. This was Baba’s remedy against the same. It was not wheat that was ground. The Cholera itself was ground to pieces and pushed out of the village. From this time onward, the Cholera Epidemic subsided and the people of the village were happy.”- Hemadpant in Shri Sai Sat Charitra.
Para Number in the Book &About His kindness to Criminals
One day in Dassera 1915, Baba said to H.S.D.: “Kaka, in our Durbar, the good and evil alike come. We should regard them impartially; should we not?”
A clerk then came and prostrated before Baba. There was a warrant out for him for having embezzled his master’s money. So his immediate senior officer, who was present at the mosque, thought that he must go and inform the police.
Baba then narrated the incidents about embezzlement and warrant, however concealing the real names and substituting for these, general names like vani, Teli,etc.
Baba to the clerk: “Go and have your meal at once.”
Baba to the senior: “You had better remain here.”
Baba again, to the clerk (who had finished his meal and had a little private conversation with Baba): “You may go away now.”
Baba (detaining the senior, who was afraid that his own superiors might blame him for letting the clerk escape): “Are you afraid?”
Senior: No Baba.
The senior was sent away from Shirdi only after 3 or 4 days. His superiors did not blame him. The clerk surrendered himself and pleaded guilty at the prosecution, evidently following Baba’s advice. The master did not press for a severe sentence and a light punishment was awarded.
Baba’s Saying and helping on variety of Health issues.
Para Number in the Book of BCS, about health and Recovery
BABA RESTORES SIGHT- Ophthalmologist
339. In 1916, Vittalrao Y. Deshpande took his grand father, who was stone blind of both eyes to Shirdi and led him by both hands to Baba. The grandfather bowed and said, ”Baba, I cannot see.”
Baba: Yes, you will.
Baba: Give me four Rupees Dakshina.
VYD went out to change a note. Then Baba placed his hand on the old man’s head and his sight was fully restored.
Old man (with tears): “Baba, your kindness is wonderful. I can see everything now.”
Baba: “Take udhi and then go.”
The old man went back into Shirdi and from Shirdi to Bombay with clear vision requiring no assistance.
339A. BABA RESTORES SIGHT (TEMPORARY) A woman of Bassein came to Baba. She was blind. At the Mosque she said, “Baba, my wish is to see you with these eyes.” She was at once able to see Baba. She then went out and blindness returned.
Baba’s Recipes for Fever / Back Pain/ Diarrhoea and Cholera
391. Baba- “Give curd rice to a black dog that will come to you at the temple”. This was the recipe for Ague. That was done and the Ague was cured (Malaria type fever). “
392.Baba: “Kaka Mahajani, eat groundnut and drink water. Your anal sphincter is now tightly closed. “(Recipe for Diarrhoea, which stopped.)
B.: To Buty:”Do not pass motions any more nor vomit”. (Buty’s motions etc., stopped without any medicine”).
B. :”Let him (Buty) drink infusion of almond, walnut and pistachio in milk for his cholera” (That drink cured Cholera)
B.: “Apply heated aloe over the affected part and the pain will subside”. (This cured a servant’s lumbago.)
Baba prescribed Sira (sweetened semolina pudding) for R.R.Samant’s children, suffering from Diarrhoea and they were cured by sira.
Karma -Dr. C pillai-Guinea worm (Baba in Helminthology)
397. Doctor C. Pillai (Suffering badly from severe guinea-worm) to H.S.D.: “Kaka saheb, this pain is excruciating. Death is preferable. It (the pain) is no doubt for repaying poorva karma; but go to Baba and ask him to stop the pain now and transfer the working of poorvakarma to ten later births of mine”.
H.S.D. went to Baba and conveyed this prayer.
B.: “Tell him not to fear. Why want ten more births? In ten days he can finish all that suffering. Saints exist to give devotees spiritual and temporal welfare; and Pillai wants death instead! Bring him here. Let him not get confused.”
The Doctor was brought and Baba gave him his own pillow to lie upon and said: “Lean on this, do not indulge in vain thoughts. Stretch you leg and be at eased without actual suffering, Karma cannot be got over. That is true. Karma is the cause of joy and sorrow. Therefore put up with whatever comes to you. Allah Malik. God is the all controller and protector. Think of him always. He will look after all. Surrender completely to him. Think always on him and you will see what He does.”
Then N.G.C. put a bandage over the wound.
B.: “Take it off, Nana is mad. That will kill you. Now a crow will come and peck at the wound. That will make you alright.”
Another day, Abdul, in trying to get down, unknowingly put his foot over the wound of Dr.Pillai. The swelling was thus pressed, and the worms were squeezed out, Dr, Pillai first roared with pain.
Later, Pillai “Will the crow come and peck me hereafter?”
B.: No, the crow: (Abdul) has come. The worms have been thrown out. Go and rest in the Wada.
By applying udhi and taking in udhi, without other treatment or medicine, the guinea-worm was cured in ten days.
KARMA FOR SARANAGATA BhimajiPatel (Baba in oneirology)
398. At Junner in Pune district was one Bjhimaji Patel. He had contracted Tuberculosis with continuous fever, ejecting bloody sputum and had gastric trouble also. All remedies he tried were in vain. All pujas were in vain. N.G.Chandorkar sent him to Sainath. Bhimaji came; and to alight from his tonga, four men had to support him. Shama conducted him to Baba.
Baba: “Shama, in bringing this thief to me, what a load of responsibility you are placing on my shoulders!”
Then Bhimaji (placing his head upon Baba’s feet): “Helper of the helpless. I am helpless. Pray, show thy pity and grace unto me.”
Baba changed his tone and spoke to him with a smiling face.
Baba: Stay, cast off anxiety. the wise avoid anxiety. Your sufferings for your past karma have come to an end, as soon as you put your feet on Shirdi. Persons in great trouble, sunk in their misery, rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of this mosque. That Fakir (God) is very kind and will eradicate your disease. He will show his love. He is kind to all. Go and stay at Bhima Bai’s house.
Accordingly Bhimaji stayed in Bhima Bai’s house, using Baba’s udhi only. On the first day, Baba himself applied the udhi to his forehead and placed his palm on his head.
Baba: Bhimaji, walk to your quarters.
Patel was at once able to walk up to his carriage without being supported by any. Baba did not give him any medicine, but gave him something better and more effectual.
Bhimaji had two dreams. In the first he had become a boy. His teacher in teaching a lesson, birched him vigorously and the man roared with pain in his sleep. In the next dream, Bhimaji found that some one had got upon his breast and rolled over it a heavy stone roller and he felt the pangs of death. Then he awoke with these dreams, his disease had fled. He slowly walked up to the Masjid and bowed to Baba. After a month’s more stay with Baba, he went home hale and healthy.
Baba granting issue when prarabdha was against
399. One Scindhe of Harda had seven daughters, but no sons. In 1903, he went to Gangapur and prayed to Datta for a son and said that if he got a son in 12 months, he would bring the child to Gangapur for Darshan. He got a son in 13 months; but did not take the child to Gangapur. In November 1911, he came to Baba at Shirdi.
Baba- ” What! Have you got puffed up? Where was there any male progeny in your destiny? I tore this body (pointing to Sai’s body) and gave you one.”
In the case of Damodar Rasane also. Baba overcame astrological obstacles for issue.
Compare Baba’s methods with mantric methods,
cf. Srimad Bhagavat VI(I9) 25 & 26. where kashyapa taught the Pumsavana Vratham.
Baba’s Cure without Medicines (Baba in Oncology)
400. Baba (to Mahlsapathy, whose wife was unwell in a distant village)- “Your wife has a tumor in the neck,causing intense suffering. I shall cure it. No other will cure it.”
Mahlsapathy was not aware of the tumour or illness; but subsequently got a letter that his wife had a tumour. And it was cured.
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