Tag: Learn

learning from experience

  • Classification of disciples

    Classification of disciples

    • There are of three kinds of disciples of a Guru:
      • (1) First or Best
      • (2) Second or Average and
      • (3) Third or Ordinary.
    • The best kind of disciples are those who
      • guess what their Gurus want and
      • immediately carry it out and
      • serve them
      • without waiting for an order from them.
    • The average disciples are those who
      • carry out the orders of their Masters to a letter,
      • without any delay, and
    • the third kind of disciples are those, who
      • go on postponing the carrying out of their orders and
      • making mistakes at every step.
    • The disciples should have
      • firm faith,
      • backed up by intelligence
      • and if they add patience to these,
        • their spiritual goal will not be distant.
    • Control of
      • breath (ingoing and outgoing), or
      • Hath-Yoga (Balancing Sun and Moon force of Human Body) or
      • other difficult practices
        • are not at all necessary.
    • When
      • the disciples get the above mentioned qualities,
      • they become ready for further instructions and
      • Masters then appear and
      • lead them on, in their spiritual path to perfection.
  • Various teachings and practices, prescribed by Baba

    Various teachings and practices, prescribed by Baba

    • Baba lovingly urged many to remember His name and to surrender to Him,
    • Yet for those seeking to understand ‘who they truly were’ (the ‘Who am I’ enquiry), He gently recommended Shravanam (study) and Mananam (meditation).
    • To some, He lovingly guided
      • the remembrance of God’s name,
      • to others, the joy of hearing HIS Leelas /Plays,
      • to some, the sacred worship of His Feet,
      • and to others, the reading and studying of the Adhyatma Ramayan, Jnaneshwari, and more sacred scriptures.
    • Some He tenderly invited to sit near His Feet,
    • while others He lovingly sent to Khandoba’s temple,
    • He advised some
      • to repetition the thousands of names of Vishnu,
      • and others to engage in the study of the Chhandogya Upanishad and Geeta.
    • To some, He offered His guidance directly in person, and to others, through the precious visions in their dreams.
    • He lovingly explained certain Mantras, such as ‘Guru Brahma’, “Raja Ram’ in their dreams.
    • To one devotee,
      • who was earnestly practicing Hath-Yoga,
      • HE conveyed a gentle message to leave those practices aside,
      • to sit in quiet and embrace patience (Saburi).
    • Truly, it is an immense task to describe all of His ways and methods, each filled with love and compassion.
  • Wants to get rid of cycle of births and deaths?

    Wants to get rid of cycle of births and deaths?

    • Baba, as a God incarnated in this divine form,
    • “if any devotee
      • meditates on Him
      • day and night with
      • complete self-surrender,
      • they will joyfully experience
        • profound union (without any difference) with Him,
        • like the delight of sweetness and sugar, the harmony of waves and sea, the togetherness of eye and its sight.
    • He, who aspires to transcend the cycle of births and deaths,
      • should embrace a righteous life,
      • with a calm and composed mind.
      • Engaging in good actions is essential,
      • diligently fulfilling his duties and
      • surrendering himself, heart and soul, to Baba.
      • With this dedication, he need not fear anything at all.
    • Those who place their trust in Him completely, hear and share His Leelas/play, and focus solely on Him, are surely destined to attain the bliss of Self-realization.
  • Who, When, How and Why Shri Sai SatCharitra (SSSC) created?

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

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

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

  • Quotation- BCS 309

    Quotation- BCS 309

    Alms giving without discrimination


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

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

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

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

    Baba in BCS para 309 to N G Chandorkar alias Nana

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

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

    Rituals and Practices for Welcoming Guests

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

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

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

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

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

  • How to conquer Jealousy, easily?

    How to conquer Jealousy, easily?

    Baba guided us ‘How we can conquer Jealousy, one among Six Basic weakness of human’ as below:-

    • “Among the six (Viharas) weakness, Jealousy is the easiest to conquer.
    • In Jealousy,
      • 1. There is no question of (actual) gain or loss,  to ourselves
      • 2. (Matsara) Jealousy is the inability to endure another’s profit and prosperity.
      • 3. If another gets fortune or power, we cannot put up with it, we scandalise him.
      • When he meets with loss, we rejoice.
    • But is it good? When that man attains prosperity , what loss have we really suffered?
    • Now, Do consider, the following points! If One attains good
      • 1) let us rejoice (with him) or
      • 2) let us consider ourselves also, as lucky or benefited or
      • 3) let us attain or strive to attain, equal good.
    • Thus, conquer jealousy first.”

    BCS -Para 225

  • Quotations 141

    Quotations 141

    “Oh Shama,  this book is very valuable and efficacious, so I present it to you, you read it.

    • Once I suffered intensely and My heart began to palpitate and My life was in danger.
    • At that critical time, I hugged this book to My heart and
    • then, Shama, what a relief it gave me!
    • I thought that Allah (God) Himself came down and saved Me.
    • So I give this to you, read it slowly, little by little.
    • Read daily one name at least, and it will do you good.”

    Baba to Shama in SSSC Ch-27 about the Book “Vishnu-Sahasra-Nam”

  • Baba’s standpoint similar to Mahatma Gandhi

    Baba’s standpoint similar to Mahatma Gandhi

    That is ‘Live and let live’- and To unite persons, use common joint formula.

    Mahtama Gandhi (freedom fighter of India) tried to effect a rapproachment between Hindus and Muslims. He started the formula noted below, where Rahim and Ram are put together. He also made his Hindu and Muslim followers repeat the formula or mantra.

    “Raghupati Raghava Rajaram Patita paavana Sitaram,

    Iswara Allah Tere nam, Sabko Sanmati De Bhagavan,

    Rama Rahim Krishna Karim, Sabko Sanmati de Bhagavan.“

    Mahatma Gandhi aimed to familiarise the ears of impartial and co-operatively minded Hindus and Muslims, with a mix of both cultures. This would help both groups to hear each other’s names without losing equanimity.

    This would become easier and inspiring by habit for future generations. That was the great object of Mahatma Gandhi’s formula. Baba added to Gandhiji’s plan of work. He secretly worked on the hearts of all.

    Baba was perfectly neutral and submitted to the peculiar idiosyncracies of his worshippers in order to avoid offending them. Left to himself Baba would have no mark on his forehead. Baba did not believe at all that there is a separate Siva and a separate Vishnu as Gods. ‘To him, there was only one God. It might be called Siva or Vishnu, Vittal, Rama or Datta. Khuda, Khandoba, Devi, Allah or Hari; might all be names given with equal justification’. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”.

    If each wants to get on in his own way, he should do so. He should choose the way that suits him best. By all means, let him do so. He should not be hindered. This is the only way to unite all sincere worshippers. Sincere bhaktas’ worship of Sai is the same as the worship of God.

    That is their feeling and according to correct metaphysics and philosophy, there is no difference between the worship of Sai treated as God and the worship of God under any other name or any other form. Both achieve the same ends.

    “In whatever form you surrender to Me, in that form, I respond- BG (4) 11.

    LoSB/Part I: Ch-XIV

  • Baba is a Carpology Scientist

    Baba is a Carpology Scientist

    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.

  • “Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings“ -BCS

    “Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings“ -BCS

    As Lord Sree Krishna manifests Himself in the Bhagavad Gita, so does Baba in the “Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings”- which was compiled by Sri B.V. Narasimha Swami Ji, India. This Book was published by All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, Chennai-600004, INDIA

    “Self-realisation is the aim of Mysticism; but the ‘means to the end’ must be suited to the needs of the individual.

    Baba in the flesh was the embodiment of the Supreme Spirit, lighting the Sadhakas’ path by His every word and action, to his devotees.

    The ‘Charters and Sayings’ were compiled by Narasimha Swami. They originate from Shirdi Sai Baba’s Word and Action. This compilation will serve as a manifestation of that Supreme Spirit in words.

    As Lord Sree Krishna manifests Himself in the Bhagavad Gita, so does Baba in the ‘Charters and Sayings’.

    It would transport persons, like my humble self who had the privilege of being at Baba’s feet when HE was in the body, back into the old times. It revive fond memories of the blissful moments spent with the Master.

    At one stage says Baba “I am your servant’s servant”; next “I am a servant of Allah”; and yet again “I am HE.” Intellect fails here; but the spirit beyond the intellect and mind is manifest.

    In the body, Baba was the insignificant human being. He was between it and the supreme Shiva as “Jeeva,” a wheel in the great machine. Transcending these, He stood as Shiva Himself.

    The miracles referred to in the book may cause a sceptic to stare. Devotees in tune with the Infinite Baba see them as events in evolution. These events are mysterious to the mere man. However, they are explicable in the light of Faith and Love.

    The onward march of Science may someday co-ordinate these phases in the frame of the Intellect.

    The ‘Charters and Sayings’ are useful as precepts both in the world spiritual and the world material”

    We cannot be too grateful to Nara Simha Swamiji for the labour of love. It has crystallized this phase of Baba’s divine personality in the ‘Charters and Sayings’. May the book serve to create and foster Faith and Devotion in all corners of the country (World)”.

    – By Mr. Justice M. B. Rege, B.A., L.B., High Court ex-Judge, Indore, India, in his Foreword Note

    SAI BABA’s LIFE AND TEACHINGS

    SAI BABA’s MAGNA CARTA>

    Para 1 to 112

    Promise on Dwaraka Mayi [Mosque] 1-8
    Promises on his own name 9-52
    Mission 53-57
    Nature 58-65A and 105-107
    Ubiquity 66-73
    Baba and other saints 74-89
    Function 90-100
    Baba, a surrendered instrument of God 101-104A
    Differences are Unreal 110-112A
    Pathway to Heaven ( Moksha Marga)>

    Para 113 to 130

    GENERAL 113-118
    SELF INQUIRY -ATMA VICHARA -JNANA 108-109 and 119-121
    WHO IS GOG & HOW TO SEE GOD 122-123A and 127-130
    MOKSHA- WHAT & HOW TO GET 123B-126
    REACHING GOD and REQUIREMENTS>

    Para 131 to 140

    RECEPTIVITY 131
    DESERVE BEFORE DESIRE 132
    SURRENDER FIVE 133
    ALL WHO GO, GET BENEFITED? 134
    COMPLETE SURRENDER 135-140
    Daily Practices (SADHANAS )>

    Para 141- 202

    I. FAITH 141-154
    II. WORSHIP OF OBJECTS 155-174
    III. TEACHER -GURU 175-183
    IV.(A) .BOOKS 183A-191
    IV (B) CHANT NAME 192-198B
    V. WORSHIP BABA AS GOD 199
    VI. SIGHT OF NATURE 200
    VII. MUSIC 201-202
    BABA’s MORAL TEACHINGS AND CORRECTIONS>

    Para 203 to 327

    Lust 204-206
    Anger 207-218A
    Pride 219-224
    Jealousy 225
    Greed 226-232
    Greed of wealth 233-249
    Baba’s indifference to wealth 250-262
    Humility 301-305
    Alms Giving 306-309
    Law of Karma 310-312
    Death and Birth 313A-337A
    General 203 & 263-300 and 313
    BABA’s POWERS>

    Para 338 to 506

    Control elements 338, 340-345
    Materialization 346-351A
    Own appearance 352
    Appear as others 352A-359 & 401
    Prophecy and control 360-387
    Help students 388-390
    Wellness 339-339A, 391-400
    Control of other’s mind 402-405A
    Antarjnan I (Omniscience) 406-426A
    Antarjnan II (Omniscience) 427-448
    Other Powers I. 449-472C
    Other Powers II. 473-506
    BABA’S Love of Devotees>

    Para 507 to 580

    APPRECIATION OF LOVE 507-520 & 578
    BABA’S SACRIFICE 521-523
    CONSIDERATION FOR FEELING OF DEVOTEES 524-531
    WATCH AND CARE 532-537
    TOWARDS LEPERS 538
    BLESSING FOR ISSUES- CHILD 539-545D
    IN DOMESTIC AFFAIRS 546-547
    IN BUSINESS 548-550
    SUBMIT TO WORSHIP BY DEVOTEES 551-552
    WATCH OVER DEVOTEES 553-557
    FORE-KNOWLEDGE 558-559A
    AS BOSS OF DEVOTEES 560-562
    KINDNESS EVEN TO CRIMINALS 563
    IN TRAVEL 564-574A
    IN MARRIAGE 575-577B
    SAVING LIFE 579-580
    BABA’s NATURE>

    Para 581 to 643

    Independence 581-584
    Justice and Equality 585-592
    Religious tolerance 593-594
    Mystical Rites & Practical wisdom 595-608
    Baba’s other Natures 609-643

    Posts relating to BCS

    Baba's Charters and Sayings

    Podcast Episode: How Discrimination is divine?

    Pip: ShirdiSaiBaba.InterNational — where a nineteenth-century saint's accounting practices turn out to be more spiritually rigorous than most modern financial advisors. Mara: Today's episode comes from Shirdi Sai Baba's International Devotees, and we're looking at one story that raises a genuinely striking question: what does it mean for discrimination — the act of discerning what…

    Keep reading
    Baba accepted 15 only not 35
    Baba's Charters and Sayings

    How Discrimination is divine?

    The Story of Rs. 15 Received vs. Rs. 35 Refused (BCS Para 255) In Paragraph 255 of Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings, two Deccani Brahmins arrived at the Shirdi mosque, leading to a remarkable demonstration of Sri Sai Baba’s divine discrimination, detachment, and omniscience. Hear Podcast also on this 1. Rs. 15 Demanded &…

    Keep reading
    Baba and Creatures

    Quotation- BCS 309

    Alms giving without discrimination “Athiti is what ever creature is hungry and comes on to you, at that (kakabali-crow offering) time, whether it is human or a bird, beast or insect. All these seek food. The real Athiti that you get, (but) you do not regard as such. These have come to you in lakhs.…

    Keep reading
    Baba's Charters and Sayings

    “Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings“ -BCS

    The Book highlights the essence of Baba’s teachings as compiled in “Sri Sai Baba’s Charters and Sayings” by Sri B.V. Narasimha Swami. It emphasizes the divine nature of Baba, his life lessons, moral teachings, and the transformative power of faith and devotion. The compilation aims to inspire and foster spiritual growth worldwide.

    Keep reading
    Baba's Charters and Sayings

    SAVING LIFE

    Baba’s saving life Para Number in the Book & About His Saving Life SAVING LIFE (a) S.B. Nachne’s 579. Baba, in the presence of S.B.N. and many others in 1913 said: “We should not trust mad men.” In 1914 Nachne was doing puja at home and a mad man rushed inside, seized his throat, and said, “I will drink your blood, and opened his mouth wide to bite throat. S.B.N. thrust a spoon into the man’s open…

    Keep reading
    Baba's Charters and Sayings

    HELP IN MARRIAGE

    Baba’s Says on Marriage Para Number in the Book & About Marriage (a) Adam Dalali 575. Adam Dalali (to Baba): My son has to be married. Unless you bless and give permission, how am I to get the money for it? B.: “Wait.” After a time, Baba said to A.D. : ‘Now, celebrate your son’s…

    Keep reading

    Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.