Satsang Mahasamadhi Message

(Message delivered by Pujya Narasimha Swami ji and
printed in Sai Sudha Magazine)

The 1945 Mahasamadh day comes at a very crucial
period in the history of this country and of the world
The second World War has practically ended and
terms of "Peace" and plans for readjustment and
reconstruction are discussed everywhere. But are
there any hopes of securing real World Peace i.e.
abiding peace and will there be stable reconstruction
of the social and political factors in this country and
in the world?

Brushing aside the extreme pessimistic view that
Nature being red in tooth and claw and progress
being always preceded by fierce struggles
extinguishing the weak and establishing the
survival of the fittest, as a view really without
solid foundation and contradicted by a complete
view of the physical, mental, and spiritual evolution
of creatures, there still remain disquieting factors
to face. Impartial spectators have noted the utter
lack of long vision, self-control and true wisdom in
the conduct and utterances of the victors and are
predicting the recrudescence of War— a third World
War, for more horrible in its results than the two
preceding ones. What then is the duty of Sai
devotees and the general public at this hour? What
are the ways and means by which on this memorable
punyatithi day the devotees and others can show
their grateful appreciation of Baba's guardianship of
his devotees and of his mission for the benefit of
mankind — at least in this country?

Sai the kind mother of all persons that sought and
seek refuge with him was and is ever carefully
watching over their destinies and their conduct, He
saves them from temporal and spiritual perils and
leads them to the great goal of life viz. to reach God
—after long and selfless service to Humanity. His
whole life was devoted to this cause and wise
devotees could read this message in his utterances
alone. He was thoroughly selfless and could serve
myriads or millions. Every true devotee ought to
have the same aim—to the extent allowed by his or
her own circumstances. Let none declare this too
great a demand on poor human nature. Selfishness,
Deception, Exploitation of the weak by the strong,
untruth and unfairness or Injustice in innumerable
forms are seen in most of the transactions of
individual and of groups, This unchecked current
has landed us alike in this country and in the world
in most pitiable and horrid conflicts, which threaten
to disrupt nations and destroy mankind. Radical
measures are needed to treat this fell disease. Mere
political devices and process homilies from moralists
will achieve nothing—practically nothing. The rotting
organ must be mercilessly cauterised or cut off in
order to save the body politic as a whole. Everyone
must try and do his little bit in averting the terrible
catastrophe looming before us. How are we to do this?

Let every Sai devotee resolve—at least from this
moment (if he has not already resolved to do so) to
examine every act and word and thought of his at
every moment so as to maintain Love, Charily,
Tolerance, Kindness, Truth and Brotherliness
towards every other person or group he has to deal
with regardless of country, caste, colour, race, religion,
status, etc. Let us rebuke any departure from this
standard, alike in ourselves and in others, and let us
try our best to prevent it, so far as that may be in our
power. Hatred must be banished. Lying, hypocrisy,
and exploitation must be banished. Let us do
everyday some positive acts helping on the
harmonious blending of all individuals and groups
into a grand united whole characterised by Love,
Truth, Justice and Service to all.

This is a general instruction. It has to be explained
and illustrated by reference to what Sai Baba did
and said. He had vast powers which he could use for
any constructive or destructive work. He however
used his power always to help people—especially the
weak and unfortunate. He did this selflessly and in
utter disregard of their country, race, caste, creed,
status, etc. He loved all—even the erring sinners
and criminals'. He told people that if they quarreled
with and hurt each other, his heart was burning
within him and that, if they endured each other's
faults and attacks with patience, his heart was
rejoicing. He added that, 'divided they would be
ruined, while sympathy and union would take them
to prosperity and the goal of life.' In his own mosque,
Hindus and Muslims, Christians and Parses have
stood side by side in their adoration to Him, the
great Guru of all. Far from destroying each other,
they are building each other's temples, mosques
and sacred structures, and helping each other to
have unmolested celebrations in the same building.

The Hindus rebuilt his mosque and a Brahmin
devotee of his, Sri Upasani Baba, built a mosque for
Muslims next to Ms own temple. The Muslims
perform their Id ceremony etc., in the same mosque
without noise and when the turn for the Hindu
worship in the same place comes up, the Muslim
beats the drum in the mosque to Help Hindu worship.

That muslims have joined in building Hindu temples
and have carved out Hindu images for the Hindus to
worship. While the Muslim calls his building his
mosque and turns to the Nimber or Western Wall
Niche to worship, the Hindu calls it his Dwaraka
Mayi and offers his regular ceremonial pooja to
Baba and his portrait, to the fire and Tulasi Brindavan
there with the usual din of drum, cymbals etc. and the
loud recitals of vedic and other mantra. It is a
delightful spectacle that we encounter when we
proceed to the other parts of the country and note
how similar work is carried on by other Hindu, Muslim
saints. There have been and there are now other
saints even to-day. In Ananthapur, Nagur Baba Budan
caves, etc., we see muslims or muslim looking saints
instructing (like Sai Baba) Hindus in Hindu spiritual
methods, giving them Upadesa of Hindu mantra and
advising them to get on with their customary poojas
and sampradaya and not to forsake the faith of their
Forefathers—and at the same time imparting spiritual
instruction and giving guidance to muslims and other
religionists in accordance with their own scriptures and
codes.

It is needless to go in to further detail. Let us one and
all sincerely abolish and discourage Fanaticism and
intolerance, Hatred and Self-seeking, Untruth and
Deception. Let us resolve to leave all and help all. If
there is real sincerity and earnestness in this resolve,
the application of these principles to our conduct will
be quite plain; and every day numerous opportunities
will present themselves for translating our ideas into
action. Let our deeds speak out. Their eloquence
cannot be withstood or gainsaid by all the utterances
and deeds of those who follow the call of their lower
nature to the great peril of themselves and of
mankind.