I had the pleasure of going through the manuscript
of the translated version of the book captioned
'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' written originally in
Telugu by late Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao garu,
an ardent devotee of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Inspired
by Sri Sai Maharaj, Sri Rao wrote as many as 28
books in his life time which indicates the level of his
Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (Patience), the essential
qualities of a true devotee. This is a book pre-excellence
in the sense that Sri Rao has beautifully amalgamated
the deeds and sayings of Baba with the spiritual precepts
of the Hindus and other religions. The vast knowledge of
spiritual science and practices he has indicated in the
context of Sri Sai is phenomenal. As one proceeds
through the book, one invariably comes to the conclusion
that Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi is much more than a Sadhu,
Yogi, Saint or a Guru. It is not only His wonderful power
that amazed every one who came in His contact at that
time and which still continues to baffle His devotees but
also His majestic personality consisting of utmost
compassion tolerance and sacrifice that draws millions
towards Him. In fact the universalism in Shri Sai has
transcended the concepts of clan, race, religion and
national barriers. A clear picture of 'Sai brotherhood'
is emerging in the world in the form of a new religion,
which tomorrows world will know as 'Saism".
No doubt Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi was an Incarnation
and like the play of all incarnations, after the departure,
faith in Him is spreading throughout the world. Sri Rao,
as an inspired soul has brought-out the 'Spirit of Sai' in
this book, as we may call it. Although he has quoted
vastly from scriptures and religious treatises but
intuitively he knew that Sri Sai is Parambrahma in
Saguna Sahara form. The style of writing is lucid,
poignant and emotive indicating truthfulness of the
thought of the writer. The translators have done an
excellent job in meticulously translating the original
Telugu writing to English which is an extremely difficult
job. I congratulate them for this noble endeavor.
No doubt Sri Rao was one of the chosen few to bring
Baba's leelas to the people who then can be drawn
towards Him for their own emancipation.
C.B. SATPATHY
New Delhi (18.12.2001)
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