SHRISAIBABA AND SERVICE TO THE DISTRESSED by Lt Col. M.B. Nimbalk ar(Retd.)

Sometimes, Sai Baba used to cure His devotee's diseases by
using His superhuman powers. For instance in Ch 13, He is
said to a have cured Bhimaji patils tuberculosis by hitting him
on his back with a cane and by rolling a stone up and down his
chest in a dream. Similarly in Ch 34, He cured Dr. Pillay's
guinea-worms by making Abdul accidentally step on his
outstretched leg.
In the beginning, Sai Baba not only used to give medicines to
the sick persons, but used to Himself serve them in case there
was nobody else to do so. later on, when He grew old and there
were many devotees to assist him, He used to get this service
done through them. Once a woman suffering from grievous
melodies came to Sai Baba who asked Bhima Bai to
accommodate in her house, so Bhima Bai said, "Baba! She is
suffering from grievous maladies. How can I accomodate her in
my house?" Thereupon Baba said, "What if she is suffering from
grievous maladies? she is my sister-closest sister. Take her
to your house". Naturally Bhima Bai took the women to her
house.

Similarly when Balaji Patel Nevaskar requested Baba's permission
to return to his village, Sai Baba said, "Dagdu Bhan is sick. Look
after him and then go." Dagdu Bhan was suffering from black
leprosy, Balaji Patil used to remove worms from his body, clean
all excretions and bathe him clean. This process continued for
some time. Later on Dagdu Bhan died and Baba permitted Balaji
to return to his village. Similarly in Ch 32, to a lady who had
come to Kaka Kelkar and after seeing Baba wanted to keep a
fast for three days, Baba advised to give up her fasts and feed
herself and Kaka Kalkar's family sumptuongly by evoking puran
polies (wheat bread stuffed with sugar and grinded pulse), since
Kaka Kelkar's wife was not supposed to cook being under her
monthly menstruation period. Thus Sai Baba stressed to the lady
the merits of assisting others in need over keeping religious fasts.

(to be contd...)