Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

These qualities are revealed in Baba's behaviour towards
his devotees like Nana Chandorkar and Upasini Baba
(His contemporaries) whom he set on the right path. The
Fakir carved Baba into a perfect person of good qualities
and made him a deserving disciple to seek the shelter of
Gopal Rao Deshmukh (Venkusa). How fortunate Baba
was! Baba reached the hands of a Sufi saint from Hindu
parents and came back to the tender care of a Hindu saint
from a Muslim saint. No wonder, Baba was the culmination
of two different religions; Baba assimilated the great ideologies
of the two great religions and then started preaching socio
unity between the Hindus and Muslims. The Islam religion
believes in one Nirakara God where as the Hindu religion
has many Godly forms in it and we see the pictures of them
like Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Venkateswara, Lakshmi Narayana,
Datta, Ganapati etc., in their dwellings. They worship them on
several occasions, with a belief as per the Puranic stories.
Yet, all these are the many forms of the Infinite and the
Absolute Brahmam, In Islam, God is one, and the prophet
comes next. They have none other than these two.
Our vedas and Vedantas proclaim 'Sarvam Khalvidam
Brahma, -'Angaananya Devataa' (every thing in the form
of Brahmamn and all the Devatas are parts of limbs of that
absolute self) In the Hymns it is said "Surya (Sun God)
Agni (God of Fire) Varun (Rain God) are all considered
to be godly forms.

The non-Hindus fail to understand the messages from
'Upanisbads' like 'Matru-Devo-Bhava', 'Pitru-Devo-Bbava'
and 'Atbidbi-Devo-Bhava' (consider your mother to be God
your father to be God; and your unexpected guest to be God
Even the Muslims agree to some extent with the Hindus on the
statement 'Acharya-Devo-Bhava (consider your Guru to be
God). The Sufi sect underlines this truth only, 'Guru is God
and he is to be placed in the hearts of the seekers. Their basic
principles are- loving their Guru, meditating upon Guru and
seeking union of their soul with the 'Guru'. The principle of
Acharya-Devo Bhava' is propounded in the 'Taittaireya
Upanisbad.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

___________________

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

Baba a Hindu or a Muslim!
This question has often been tormenting the minds of the
people who gathered around Baba. From the information
available Baba was born to a Hindu couple. As a proof of
this fact, his ears were pierced in the early years. (Piercing
the ears is a custom of the Hindus but not that of the Muslims).

Baba came into contact with a Muslim Fakir when he two
years old. The fakir's name was not known to us. It is difficult
for us to infer the nature of the Fakir who might have belonged
to the village Manwat near Patri. Baba used to refer the Fakir
in some important contexts and often repeat his words. We can
very well understand that Baba, imbibed exemplary conduct and
discipline with the close association he had with his mentor, the
Fakir, in the formative years. He (Fakir) seemed to be a noble
and saintly person who had conquered his senses, an embodiment
of pure dispassion, and above all a faithful devotee of the Almighty.

Baba acquired qualities necessary to realize God from the training
he had received from the Fakir. (Second to sixth year) Infact the
Fakir was his first Guru. The Fakir must have belonged to the
Sufi sect. Sufies often attain a state of Samadhi (deep meditation)
and utter in Arabic Anal Haque (Aham Brahmasmi), indicating the
state of mind that realizes the Ultimate within them. Several
followers of Baba heard him repeating the words Anal Haque -
(Mai Allah Hum - I am God) every now and then. He revealed
himself to the devotees in the form of Lakshmi Narayana -
Ganapathi-Dutta-Maruthi-Vittal-Sri Rama-Sri Krishna, and said
all those are the forms of Allah and that He Himself was in all
such forms.

Baba often uttered Arabic and Parsi words in the beginning when
he arrived at Shirdi and was singing lyrics especially that - of
Sant Kabir. He used to sing and dance in ecstasy with Chiru in
hands (wooden pieces with metal that produces rhythmic sounds)
and Gajjalu (anklets with bells).

It is stated in the Sufi religion: 1) It is our ignorance alone that
leads us astray. 2) Only God is the doer; our minds and should
be absorbed in God, and He does all his deeds through us..3)
All we need is only a "Guru", who elevates us not only with
preachings but also with the message, showing his wonderful
powers of affection and love. The Guru transmits His wonderful
spiritual powers to his disciple. He merges the soul of his disciple
with his own and transforms him to his state of divinity.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

___________________

Satsang DWARKAMAYI (ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS OF SAMARTH SADGUR U SHRI SAINATH)

A fakir that BABA resembled outwardly, HE was none but Incarnate.
The beauty of these wonderful saints is that they appear so quietly in
a remote unheard of village and after fulfilling their earthly mission leave
as quietly as they come. It is then that their fame begins to spread like
wildfire as they become spiritually active from their tombs. BABA as
already mentioned is an Apantaratma. HE will therefore remain
eternally active from HIS tomb to help and protect HIS devotees and
all others who place their in HIM.

1. What can the snake do to Dwarkamayi's children? They look on
amused when the snake appears.
2. We have no need to fear. Strike, let Me see how you can strike
and kill.
3. This is not it Mosque. It is Dwaraka. Those who seek refuge in
her will never he harmed.
4. As soon one climbs the steps of the mosque sufferings due to
Karma are at an end and joy begins. That Fakir(God) is very kind
and will relieve your troubles.
5. When any one enters this Dwarka Mayi his goal (object) will be
achieved.
6. This place (Dwarka Mayi) is for Tarana i.e. saving them and NOT
marana i,e. killing them.

SHRI SAINATH.
Before BABA's arrival in Shirdi, the Dwarkamayi was an old mosque
in a dilapilated condition. BABA turned it into Dwarkamayi. It was the
desire of Gopal Gund, land Surveyor of Kopergaon to repair this masjid
after he started the Ram-Navami Urs Fair in Shirdi every year from 1897.
However, this work of repairing the masjid was not assigned to him but
for Nana Chandorkar and the pavement work for Kaka Dixit. Initially,
BABA refused permission to have these Jobs done but on theintervention
of Bhagat Mhalsapathy, HIS consent was obtained. The work of
restoration of the masjid together with the Sabha Mandap was
completed in 1911.

How fortunate is this mosque where BABA chose to stay In Shirdi. For
decades and centuries, this mosque may have bean left unused and
allowed to decay. When BABA first stayed In this mosque, it was so
dilapilated that one feared if the walls of the roof would crumble down
on him. The masjid bore the full brunt of heat, rain and cold and made
it useless for inhabitation. It was a wonder how BABA spent a good
60 years in this mosque when one could not live there for a single day.

It is believed that BABA Himself in some earlier lives had connection
with Shirdi and even of this Dwarkataayi mosque. Shri Sainath being
a God incarnate. His actions all resemble some past links and what HE
did always had a deeper meaning beyond ordinarly human intellect. It
was only the saints and God realised souls who could understand
BABA and realise His greatness and His actions.

(Source Sai Gitayan)
Contributed by Sanjay M.Padia
Kolkatta

___________________

Satsang DWARKAMAYI (ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS OF SAMARTH SADGU RU SHRI SAINATH)

DWARKAMAYI
(ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS OF
SAMARTH SADGURU SHRI SAINATH)

The Dwarkamayi Is veritably the VAIKUNTH on earth of
SHRI SHIRDI SAI MATH. It was at this place, where BABA
stayed for an uninterrupted period of more than 60 years and
which has attained great importance. After BABA's arrival at
Shirdi with Chandbhai Patil's marriage party, BABA resided
here In the Dwarkamayi till the very end of HIS life.
Here HE solved problems of the people, ushered their sickness
and worries. Here HE showed the various forms of God to the
devotees and proved that GOD is one. It was here BABA
explained in length Chapter 34 of Bhagavad Glta to Sri Nana
saheb Chandorkar. It was here HE gave lessons of KORAN
to Abdul. Just before HE passed away. HE Instructed Lakshmi
Bal Shinde what Navadha Bhakti (9 types of devotion) means.
He explained the meaning of each word to Lakshmibai after
giving her 9 rupees. It was here that BABA lit the Dhuni and
which remains perpetually lighted uninterruptedly. The ash In this
Dhuni is given to all devotees. Here BABA's Midday and Dhup
Arati were being sung and BABA used to distribute prasad and
udhi to all those present. It was here that BABA ground the
cholera in the form of wheat Flour. It was here that HE gave a
clear consent and blessings to Sri Annahsheb Dabholkar
(Hemadpant) to write His biography. Here BABA explained the
importance of having a Guru, the importance of giving dakshina.
It was here that BABA lighted lamps with water and it was here
that BABA used to sleep on a bed of rags. It was here that HE
prepared food in a big handy and lovingly distributed It to His
devotees. It was here that BABA granted salvation to A tiger.
It was here that HE put HIS hands in the Dhuni (lighted fire) and
saved a blacksmith's child far away. It was here that BABA
doused the fire that raged ih the Dargah of Nagpur' s Hajrat
Tajuddin Baba when the latter beseeched HIS help It was
here that HE (Baba) proved that HE had control over nature by
stopping storms on two occasions. It was here that BABA went
into Samadhi for three days on Margarisha Purnima of 1886.
It was here that BABA showed Himself as LORD DATTATREYA
on Datta Jayanti in 1911. It was here that BABA meted out justice
at times very severe to those devotees who would just refuse to
mend their ways. BABA used to say often "Our Justice is stern.
Even if a child Sails athwart the womb we have to cut it." It was
here that BABA, blessed devotees and rewarded each according
to their faith in HIM.

He is Dwarkamayi is a witness to many many more such noble
activities and incidents during BABA's lifetime. Every Inch of
space in this holy place vibrates with life if only one has faith.
The serene silence at night here is so soothing that one literally
feels himself relieved of his burdens and offloading them at SAI's feet.
This Valkuntha of earth-the Dwarkamayi Is supremely holy and sacred.
A mighty Avatar spent His entire lifetime here and today HE rests
in peace and silence & the Samadhi Mandir. But, the holy
Dwarkamayi Is still throbbing with HIS divine presence. His oil
portrait placed In the Dwarkamayi is so lively that one feels BABA
is still sitting and looking at him.

(Source Sai Gitayan)
Contributed by Sanjay M.Padia
Kolkatta

___________________

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

Baba stopped wandering in the forests almost after a year
and started collecting alms from five fixed houses Shirdi.
Whatever was given, he would eat a little and share it with
others. He went on curing the patients suffering from diseases
without accepting anything in return. The medicines given to
the patients were prepared from herbs. Baba used to grow
flower plants at Tulasi Brundavan (the place where the
present Samadhi mandir is located.) He dug a well near the
masjid, and used to water the plants.

Baba used to keep the Dbuni (sacred fire) always in the
Dwaraka mayee masjid. He used to light the lamps in the
Mosque at night with the oil given to him by some merchants.
One day the merchants had refused to give oil to Baba. He
filled the earthen lamps with water, soaked the wicks in it and
lighted them. Lo! The lights shone more brightly with water
than in oil. The merchants were aghast at the miracle and
prostrated at his feet. Baba forgave them. He told them not to
be liars and warned them that if they utter false hood they
would be away from God. The Hindus worshiped Baba,
considering him to be a great Siddha Purusha and Chalte Bolte
Dev (walking and talking God). The Muslims loved him,
believing him to be a Avalia and Pygambar (prophet).
Mahalsapathi first worshiped Baba with sandal paste, flowers,
and with the sacred rice thinking him to be Sadguru. The
other Hindus followed him but Baba never showed any
liking to it. What else could he do? He is the saviour of his
devotees, as well as their follower. He consented to their
worship. The ritual continued. Some Muslims did not relish
the way the Hindus worshiped him and they were bent upon
harming the worshipers in the Masjid. Soon they changed
their minds, fearing that they might incur the wrath of Baba
and walked away from the Masjid.
To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

___________________

Satsang Thought for the day

Once upon a time, there lived a King who, despite his luxurious

lifestyle, was neither happy nor content. One day, he came

upon a servant who was singing happily while he worked.

This fascinated the King; why was he, the Supreme Ruler of

the Kingdom, unhappy and gloomy, while a lowly servant was

so joyous.

The King asked the servant, "Why are you so happy?"

The man replied, "Your Majesty, I am nothing but a

servant, but my family and I don't need too much --

just a roof over our heads and warm food to fill our

tummies."

The king was not satisfied with that reply. Later in the

day, he sought the advice of his most trusted advisor.

After hearing the King's woes and the servant's story,

the advisor said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the servant

has not been made part of The 99 Club."

"The 99 Club? And what exactly is that?"

the King inquired.

The advisor replied, "Your Majesty, to truly know what

The 99 Club is, let's place 99 Gold coins in a bag and

leave it at this servant's doorstep."

Next day when the servant saw the bag, he picked it up

and took it in. When he opened the bag, he let out a

great shout of joy... so many gold coins!

He began to count them. After several counts, he was

at last convinced that there were 99 coins.

"What could've happened to that last gold coin? Surely,

no one would leave 99 coins!" he wondered. He looked

everywhere he could, but that final coin was elusive.

Finally, exhausted, he decided that he would have to

work harder than ever to earn that gold coin and complete

his collection.

And from that day, the servant's life was changed.

He was overworked, horribly grumpy, and

castigated his family for not helping him make that

100th coin. He stopped singing while he worked.

Witnessing this drastic transformation, the King was

puzzled. When he sought his advisor's help, the advisor said,

"Your Majesty, the servant has now officially joined

The 99 Club."

He continued, "The 99 Club is a name given to those

people who have enough to be happy but are never

contented, because they're always yearning and striving for

that extra one, telling themselves: "Let me get that one

final thing and then I will be happy for life."

We can be happy, even with very little in our lives, but the

minute we're given something bigger and better, we want

even more!
We lose our sleep, our happiness, we hurt the people

around us; all these as a price for our growing greed

and desires.

___________________

Satsang SHRI SAI BABA AND THEORY OF REBIRTHS

"Baba was greatly attracted to Dada Kelkar's (i.e., my
father-in-law's) nephew Babu. He was a measurer under
my assistant Limaye (I was then Asst. Supdt. of Revenue
Survey of Kopargaon and Yeola). But, instead of paying
due attention to his official work, he would go and stay at
Shirdi doing service to Baba. My assistant complained to
me, that my brother-in-law (Babu) was always going away
to Shirdi and neglecting his work. I communicated this to
Kelkar and he said, "What" is to be done? He is guided
and ordered by Baba."

In fact, Baba, knowing evidently, what was to happen to
Babu shortly, made light of his service and said,

"Blast the service! Let him serve Me!"

Babu was always attending on Baba and rendering as much
service as he could and Baba would always see that Babu
got the choicest delicacies, when they were available. So,
Limaye also let him do as he liked. In a few days Babu
passed away aged only 22 leaving an issueless widow."
In the same connection, sec, what Moreshwar W. Pradhan
of Santacruz has to say in his statement (P. 96-98):

"On the day we reached Shirdi, Baba said to Madhavrao
Deshpande, pointing to my wife, "This is the mother of
My Babu."

Mr. Chandorkar thought it must refer obviously to my
sister-in-law, who was believed to be pregnant and asked
Baba, pointing to my sister-in-law, "This is the lady, is it not?"
Baba replied,
"No. It is this."
And He again pointed to my wife.
Exactly twelve months from that date, my wife was delivered
of a male child and we have named that son 'Babu' (the name
used by Baba).

When Babu was four months old we took him to Shirdi. Sai
Baba took up Babu in His arms and endearingly addressed
Babu thus : "Babu! Where had you been? Were you vexed
with or weary of Me?"
To mark the joyous arrival of Babu at Shirdi, Baba pulled
out two rupees from His pocket, got burfi (sweets) for the
amount and distributed it exactly as they do on the occasion
of a son's birth. On this occasion Baba also said,
"Babu's bunglow is beautiful and ready."

Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar (Retd.)
PUNE411 001.

___________________

Satsang SHRI SAI BABA AND THEORY OF REBIRTHS (concluded)

Surely, Baba's words were soon fulfilled by my purchase of
the bunglow, I was living in."
On reading the above two statements, I am sure that readers
will not only be convinced regarding the theory of re-births,
but also would realise, how Baba cared to look after His
devotees from birth to birth. While talking about re-births,
Sai Baba always said that these births, whether happy or full
of miseries, one gets according to ones previous deeds only.
For instance, see, how in Chs. 46 to 47, after narrating the
past and present lives of two goats and the frog and the
snake, Sai Baba concludes :
"The moral of the story is that one has to reap, what one
sows and there is no escape unless one suffers and squares
up one's old debts and dealings with others." (P. 254).
That is why Sai Baba advised His devotees to act always
honestly with integrity keeping one's conscience awake,
what is right and what is wrong. He always used to say,
"Jaisi jiaki niyat, vaiyasi nsktt barkat'' (If you act in a
good way, good really will follow.) (P. 75).
In Ch. 14 again Dabholkar quotes Brihadaranyaka
Upanishad, which says that Lord Prajapati advised the
Gods, men and demons by one letter 'Da'. The Gods
understood by this letter, that they should practise
(i) Dama, i.e., self-control; the men, that they should
practise (2) Dana, i.e., charity; the demons understood,
that they should practise (3) Daya, i.e., compassion.
Thus, to men charity or giving was recommended. In
order to teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to
remove their attachments to money and thus, purify their
minds, Baba extracted dakshina from them. Again He
used to stress that, "We get human body as a result of
merits in past births and it is worthwhile that with its aid
we should attain devotion and liberation in this life. So,
we should never be lazy, but always be on the alert to
gain our end and aim of life." (P. 78)
In Ch. 8 also Sai Baba had said the same thing,
"Four things are common to all the creatures, viz. food,
sleep, fear and sexual union. In the case of man, he is
endowed with a special faculty, viz. knowledge, with
the help of which he can attain God-vision, which is
impossible in other births." (P. 45)
It is said that the last wish or thought a man has at the
hour of death determines his future course. Lord Krishna
has also said in Geeta (Ch. 8, Slokas 5 and 6) that,
"He, who remembers Me in his last moments comes
verily to Me, and he that meditates otherwise at the time
goes to, what he looks for." We cannot be certain that
we can entertain particular good thought at our moment,
for various reasons, viz. pain of diseases, worries about
own families future etc. All saints, therefore, recommend
us to practice remembering God and chanting His name
constantly, so that we may not get puzzled, when the
time for departure comes. Wise devotees practice a
still simpler device to achieve this goal. They approach
the saints in their last moments, surrender completely to
them trusting, that all-knowing and all-capable saints
would do the needful. In Shri Sai Satcharita, Ch. 31,
five such examples are quoted, viz. Vijayanarid Sannyasi,
Balaram Mankar, Tatyasaheb Noolkar, Megha and the
tiger of Darveshis. All of them breathed their last in the
presence of Baba at Shirdi.
Thus, Sai Baba not only talked about the theory of
re-births to His devotees, but also explained to them,
how to ensure a good rebirth or complete escape from
the re-births.

Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar (Retd.)
PUNE411 001.

___________________

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

Named-Form
Generally, the form, incarnation of God, in which the divine
powers (Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience) were
exhibited is worthy of our worship. In that form, God had
established Dharma and saved the poor, weak and
oppressed from evil forces. He showed his love and
affection to all and granted many rewards to his devotees.
That form is pious and worthy of our adoration (Puja) from
top to toe. We can worship that form as a photo or as an
idol. The results are the same even if we had worshipped
Him, when he was physically present He will grant the
fruits we deserve in whatever form we seek Him. People
should understand the preachings of Sri Sai Baba, try to
see Him in all living beings and show love and affection
to all in practice in their day to day life. They will surely
get his Divine grace and reach nearer to their Goals.

Sai Baba's arrival at the Masjid - Naming it Dwarakamayee

Sai Baba wanted to stay at Khandoba temple, located at the
outskirts of Shirdi. As he was about to enter the precincts of
the temple, Mahalsapathi objected to it considering him to be
a Muslim. Baba paid respects to Khandoba from outside, and
left the place to take refuge in a dilapidated Masjid on the
other side of Shirdi .In its front yard, there existed a neem tree
which was the seating place of Baba four years ago when he
had first arrived The Masjid was the living place of Baba and
he named it Dwarakamayee (the mother, named Dwaraka).
Baba used to spend some time in the masjid and some time
under the neem tree. The Dwarakamayee had its doors open
to all at all times. It became a famous place for all devotees
to visit and pay respects, as it gave shelter to Sri Krishna Sai
(Baba). Baba identifying himself with it (Dwarakamayee -
Divine mother), gave his assurances and blessings to the
devotees.

Bhagavatha Purana Says: (Skanda 10 - 11 to 17)

"The seer who is engrossed wholly in God (Atma) wanders
like a foolish person".
Always in meditation, Baba used to wander about in the near
by forests without caring for food and sleep. Some villagers
considered Baba to be a mad man. Some even hurled stones
him. Baba received the praises and condemnations with
equanimity and behaved exactly like the Bikshu as mentioned
in the Bikshu Gita.

The headman of the village Shirdi, Ganapathirao Patel Kote
and his wife Bayaji Bai were attracted by Baba's divine form.
Mahalsapathi, who initially objected Baba from entering the
Khandoba temple, became his first disciple. His two friends
Tukaram Darge and Appa Bhil showed utmost devotion to
Baba. Others treated Baba as a mad fakir.

Baba, used to wander in the forest without food. Bayyaji Maa;
(Patel's wife) used to search for and feed him with great
affection Baba reciprocated it in a similar manner stating that
she was hi sister in her earlier birth. Her son Tatya Patel used
to address Baba as uncle. Mahalsapathi and Tatya are said to
be the two arms of Sai Baba.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

___________________

Satsang SHRI SAI BABA AND THEORY OF REBIRTHS

In Ch. 31, some Derveshis (strolling mendicants among
Mohammedans maintaining themselves by exhibiting bears,
monkeys etc.) brought before Baba a tiger suffering from
some pain or agony on approaching Baba the tiger breathed
his last and the Darveshis were filled with dejection and
sorrow at the loss of their only means of maintenance.
Thereupon, while consoling them we find Baba referring to
the theory of re-birth :

"The tiger was your debtor from previous birth. He paid
off the debts by serving you in this life and when his debt
was paid off, he was free and met the death and My feet."

In Ch. 27, one noon Dadasaheb Khaparde's wife brought
a dish containing sanza (wheat pudding), purees, rice, soup
and kheer (sweet rice) and other sundry articles to the
Masjid. Baba, who usually waited for hours, got up at
once, went up to His dining seat and removing the outer
covering from the dish, began to partake of the things
zealously. Shama then asked Him, ''Why this partiality?
You throw away dishes of others and do not care to
look at them, but this You draw to You earnestly and
do justicc to it thoroughly. Is the dish of this woman so
sweet?" Baba then replied,

"This food is really extraordinary. In former birth, this
lady was a merchant's fat cow yielding much milk. Then
she disappeared and took birth in a gardener's family,
then in a kshatriya family and married a merchant. Then
she was born in a Brahmin's family. I saw her after a
very long time, let Me take some sweet morsels of love
from her dish." (P. 148)

Thus, Baba by narrating the lady's tale of many previous
births, probably, explained to His devotees, how a soul
can progressively rise from an animal form to a human
form and then to a Brahmin birth on account of virtuous
deeds.

Sai Baba was omniscient, i.e., before Him the past,
present and future were open to view. Hence, once, by
giving the details of previous births and foretelling the
places of future births of a boy called 'Babu', He
convinced everybody, that a soul is born again and
again. This story is narrated in H. H. Narasimhaswamiji's
'Devotees' Experiences of Shri Sai Baba', P. 114, in the
statement of Rao Bahadur H. V. Sathe :

Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar (Retd.)
PUNE411 001.

___________________

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

CHAPTER THREE
Before dwelling upon the second question, "Is Sai Baba,
a God? ", it is essential for us to know briefly about the
life history and the mission of Sri Sai Baba.

We are not exactly aware of the actual details of the birth
Sri Sai Baba. But according to the information given by
Sri Baba himself to his close confederate devotee, Sri
Mahalsapati during his last phase of life (in the year 1910
or about) and also as per the writings of other devotees
like Das Ganu Maharaj; Hemad Pant, Kaparde etc.,
the following details emerge.

Baba was born to a Brahmin couple in 1838 in a village Pa
near Manwath in Parbhani taluq in the erstwhile Nizam state
(A historian wrote that Jamuna Bai and Nandalal were the
names of Baba's parents - how far this is reliable, is not
known). The parents entrusted the child in his second year
to a fakir (mendicant). The fakir and his wife brought up the
child for years. In their custody, Baba learnt good conduct
and discipline The fakir, before breathing his last, asked his
wife to entrust the care of the boy to Sri Gopal Rao
Deshmukh of Selu village.

Sri Gopal Rao was then the Zamindar of the Jintur Paragana
appointed by the Pishwas of Maharastra around 1800 AD.
was a staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara. And he, being
perfect embodiment of divine wisdom and detachment,
endowed with all Siddhies (super natural powers). The people
served him as the incarnation of Lord Venkateswara and
fondly called him Venkusa.

As directed by her husband, the fakir's wife brought the six
year-old boy to Selu and entrusted him to the care of Sri
Gopal Rao Deshmukh. Baba served him as his Guru for
twelve years with utmost faith, veneration and devotion.
It was only by the grace of Venkusa that Baba inherited
all the divine qualities and super natural powers. This is
called Saktihipatha, the transfer of super natural powers
from the teacher to the disciple.

Baba arrived at Shirdi for the first time in the year 1854.
With face glowing bright with divinity, Baba, then an young
lad of eighteen, always used to sit and meditate under a
sweet neem tree. He left the place after a few days,
wandering here and there, details of which were not known.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

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Satsang Sai is always near so why fear.

When things are down
And you are out of your mind
Remember just remember
Sai is The Kind.

When your life is in darkness
And nothing is right
Remember just remember
Through the darkness, Sai is The Light.

When nothing makes sense
And your heading for demise
Remember just remember
It doesn't make sense, but Sai is The Wise.

When times are troubled
And no one seems to care
Remember just remember
Sai won't hurt you, He is The Fair.

When your heart is breaking
And your pain makes you fall
Remember just remember
Sai Sees it all.

When you are weak
And the road seems long
Remember just remember
Seek strength from The Strong.

When life is a burden
And everything is unstable
Remember just remember
Sai is The Able.

When the way is cloudy
And there is no one by your side
Remember just remember
Sai is The Only Guide.

When no one wants to listen
Or is willing to lend an ear
Remember just remember
Sai is always ready to hear

When you are poor and penniless
And you are stuck in a niche
Remember just remember
Sai is The Rich.

When you are down in your misery
And there is nowhere to run
Remember just remember
You can always run to The One

When your all alone
And your pain has no end
Remember just remember

And when your scars are hurting
And your heart is in fear
Remember just remember

Sai is always near so why fear.

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Satsang SHRI SAI BABA AND THEORY OF REBIRTHS

SHRI SAI BABA AND THEORY OF REBIRTHS
(SHRI SAI LEELA MARCH APRIL 1994)

Although Sai Baba lived in a Masjid and dressed like a
Muslim Fakir, He believed in the Hindu theory of re-births.
During His talks to His Hindu devotees, He not only time and
again referred to this theory, but by performing some miracles
tried to convince them of this theory.

In Ch. 36, one day after lunch, when Shama, the pelted
devotee of Sai Baba, was drying His wet hands with a towel,
the latter pinched Shama's cheek. Shama, therefore, feigning
anger, said, "Deva! Is it proper for You to pinch me like this?
We don't want such a mischievous God, Who pinches us thus.
Are we Your dependents? Is this the fruit of our intimacy?"
Thereupon, note, what Baba said, "Oh Shama, during the
72 generations that you were with Me, I never touched you
till now and now you resent My pinching you, just once out
of fun!" (P. 202-203)
Similarly, in Ch. 51, when Dhurandhar brothers from Bombay
first came to Shirdi, Baba before their arrival had openly
declared, "Many of My Durbar people arc coming."
And when they arrived and prostrated before Him, He said
to the devotees gathered there,
"These are My Durbar people, to whom I referred before."
And to Dhurandhar brothers He said,

"We are acquainted with each other for the last 60 generations."
(P. 169) Sai Baba's another devotee Shri Nanasaheb
Chandorkar was then secretary to the collector at
Ahmednagar. Sai Baba sent a message to him not once, but
three times with Appa Kulkarni, the village accountant, to
come to Him. At last, Chandorkar came to Shirdi and asked
Baba as why He called him. Thereupon, see, what Baba said,

"In the whole world is there only one Nana? Then shouldn't
there be some reason, when I called you only? Myself and
you have been together during the last four births. You are
not aware of this, but I know it."

In Geeta Ch. 4 also Lord Krishna has told the same thing to
Arjun : Bahttni me vyatifani, janmani tavacharjun
tanyahom vedsarvani, no tvam vettha paranlap
(Arjun! You and I have passed through many births. I know
them well, while you do not, O chastiser of foes!)

Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar (Retd.)
PUNE411 001.

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Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

Third reason :
Kabir spoke thus: "Our path is not known without the mercy
of Sadguru (noble teacher)". In some other context, he says,:
"He, who obtains the mercy of his Guru (teacher), imbibe the
wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Even though., human he
understands the divinity of Narayana with His grace, and
becomes one with Him just like a small creature like a worm
transforms itself into a bee".

Adi Sankaracharya says :"Jiva is the reflection of Brahmam".

On any matter we should first practice before we preach others
and relate our experiences by actions and not by words This
has been well demonstrated in the incarnation of God Sai Baba.
From an ordinary person He attained the state divinity by His
actions. He practiced first before preaching others. God, in the
Avatara of Sri Rama followed a Dharma (Deeds based on
certain principles) and this Dharma only taught in the Avatara
of Sri Krishna. If some one tries to preach before putting into
practice he should be considered a cheat a deceitful person.

Let us observe one thing. With fire beneath and water above
we cannot boil water without the help of a container. Fire
extinguished if the water is more. If the fire rises high, water
evaporated. Like wise, a good Guru is the main prop between
man and God. Only a Sadguru, nearer to the man by
humanism, close to God by his divinity, can improve the lot
mankind. By removing them from static state he can elevate
them to a higher sphere of life. The incarnation of Sai is to
make world know this truth. It will be further clear if we
follow the world the Iife history of Sai from the beginning
to the end.

Baba said to his disciples: "My methods are unique I have
nothing to speak into the ears of my devotees".

Baba in all his discourses and deliberations revealed the
truth that he had attained his present state only because
of the bountiful mercy of his Guru.

At first we must realize the great potentialities of a Samardha
Sadguru (able, efficient teacher). We should get the idea of
seeking such a Guru. In fact a strange fear sets in at the sight
of such a person. This fear (fear of God) gradually develops
into a feeling of devotion. This devotion in turn becomes mutual
love and affection As it grows, they come closer. Finally the
Seeker and the Guru unite with each other. This is the greatest
secret revealed in the incarnation of Sai. He preached it after
practicing the same in the service of his Guru. A living being,
who has been blessed with the good and noble actions of his
previous life, attains 'Mukti' (Salvation), when he seeks refuge
in Baba.
Sai desires from his children two qualities only -
(1) Nishta (Intense Faith)
(2) 'Saburi} (Patience with Courage).
If one offers these two coins as 'Dakshina (offering of a disciple
to his Guru) and completely surrenders to Him, He will take care
of all his burdens and leads him in the safest manner to his
ultimate goal.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

___________________

Satsang 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' by Bapatla Hanumanth Rao Garu

'Sai showed his wonderful divine powers in all his actions
during the last 18 years of his life (1900-1918). Even the
great scholars knelt before-Him in awe and humility. All
those, who - tried to test Baba, failed miserably. Those,
who came under his spell realized the truth that He was their
Antaryami (Inner Soul). He appeared to them in the form,
they used to worship Him. Baba was neither angry nor
annoyed at the ignorance of the people who prostrated
before Him. Sai was full of love and compassion. If He was
angry with some one for some reason, it was only to make
them realize their mistakes. He always drew them nearer to
him. Baba had eyes on all those who took refuge at his feet
as the 'Divine Father'. Haunted by their past evil deeds and
actions, some had condemned Baba and propagated that all
His actions were only the sleight of the hand and a magician's
tricks. During the time of Lord Krishna also, it is said in
Puranas, that the people whose minds were filled with Asura
Bhavas (evil thoughts), resented miracles performed by the Bbagawan
in a similar manner. They could not understand that his birth was
only to establish Dharma and justice in all walks of life.

Sri Krishna says to Arjuna: (Bhagavadgita 9-10)
"Fools, not knowing my supreme nature spread over the entire
universe, think low of Me. They do not know that I am the
Creator, in human form".

It is very difficult for the common people to understand the
secrets of an Incarnation and of God in its totality. The
minds of people cannot visualise the real truth as their minds
are polluted with the ephemeral, earthly things. They do not
even care to know the truth. We cannot obtain the divine
grace, unless we have the fruits of our good deeds carried
over from past births. our noble actions will beget the
blessings of noble saints. We get liberated from the cycle of
births and deaths only when we have the blessings of the
saints.

To be contd....
(Source : http://www.saileelas.org/book/agod.htm

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Satsang SMT. PARVATIBAI SAPATNEKAR

Within a period of one year only, that is in 1915, my son
Murlidhar was born. When he was 8 months old we took
him to Shirdi for Baba's darshan. Later I had two more
sons - Bhaskar and Dinkar. We took them also to Shirdi-
Dinkar was then only 2 or 3 months old. As soon as I placed
him at Baba's feet, He lifted him in His hands and threw him
in the air with a great force. Nothing happened to Dinkar and
a devotee sitting around caught him safely.

In all I had 8 sons and 1 daughter. Baba had said to me,
"Take. One, two three, four. As many as you want", and really
He had thus fulfilled His promise. As soon as my first son
Murlidhar was born, my husband's faith and devotion to
Sai Baba became firm and in years to come it developed
so much that when my second son Bhaskar aged 10 years
died, he collected all his remaining sons in front of Baba's
photo and said, "Baba '. Take away all these. I shall not
mind. But I shall not give up your bhakti (devotion)".

Dear readers, such is the most interesting and instructive
story of Sapatnekars - coming from the horse's mouth
- from one of the chief actors of the scene in Ch. 48.
I have tried to render it in English language so that the
Non-Marathi readers can share my joy.

Sapatnekars originally hail from the village Sapatne. Later
they shifted to the Taluka town - Madhegaon. Practising
law has been their family profession. Even to this day it is
being followed by the members generally. The hero of this
story late Shri Mahadev Waman Sapatnekar became a
well-known pleader at Akkalkot and acquired a reasonably
good property. In 1961 some of the family members
shifted to Pune.

While talking to Shri Dinkar Sapatnekar, I learnt that his
father was initially a devotee of Shri Dutta and used to
visit Ganagapur quite often. Once there only, having lost
his wife and son, his father to end his life had jumped into
the river but Shri Dutta Himself took him out and ordered
him to go to Akkalkot. After few years, as narrated above,
Shri Sai Baba drew him towards Himself and fixed him
forever in His devotion.

From the above one point is clear that darshan and blessing
of any saint is not possible without one's good deeds and
hard penance of past life. One more point also has struck
me. Possibly Baba wanted to show that He and Shri Dutta
are one and wanted to give a push to Shri Sapatnekar's
original spirituality by removing his uncalled for
disappointment and sorrow of family life. 'Chal hat' drama
might be Baba's Leela for the same. Really is the wonderful
skill and adaptibility of Baba in drawing His devotees
towards Himself and leading them towards spiritual uplift

(After this interview, within a period of 11/2 months only,
this noble lady laid down her life at 4 P.M. on 30th
October 1983. According to Hindu calendar this was the
same day and month' (10th day of Ashvin) when Sai Baba
took samadhi, except that it was in the second half (Vadya)
of the month. Also like Sai Baba this lady breathed her last
after the 10th day had finished at 3.51 P.M. and the
11th day (Ekadashi) had commenced. At the time of death
she was 88 years old and was conscious till last moment.
Next morning at 7 A.M. that is after 15 hours when I went
to pay my obeisance to her, the shine on her face was still
there and a thought came to mind that perhaps Baba had
arranged my contact with her only 11/2 months before her
passing away so that Sai Bhaktas could hear her story
from her own mouth. How kind and thoughtful of Him.)

Lt. Col. M.B. Nimbalkar (Retd.)
PUNE411 001.

___________________