Satsang Munim and 2 ½ lakhs

Satsang Munim and 2 ½ lakhs

Munim and 2 ½ lakhs

“All kinds of people come here, Vani, Teli, Varul, Kulkarni and Tamboli do come here”, said Baba to Ramchandra A. Tarkhad. It was Dassera holidays, 1915. At about 2:30 in the afternoon, when Mhatara and his friend were doing charan-seva to Baba, Baba called Tarkhad ‘Mhatara’. The second or Junior Munim (Manager) of his firm came for Baba’s darshan. Both Tarkhad and the Munim looked at each other, aghast. “Why are you anxious? Be calm and look at every act unfolding before you, unruffled and with detachment.” The Munim was in a desperate state. He looked starved, unshaven and unkept. Anxiety was written all over his face. He bowed at Baba’s feet, then touched Tarkhad’s feet. Baba, turning to Dixit, said, “Kaka, take this man to your wada, and after a meal, let him come for darshan.” Kaka did as he was asked.
Tarkhad’s mind was racing around in circles. He thought, “What am I to do? This man has gambled away 2 ½ lakhs of money of the cotton speculation and sales. The Managing Director of the firm has put out a police warrant for him. There is a price money for anyone who finds him. I cannot betray my Manager, but he has sought refuge in Baba. My allegiance is to my Manager, but my faith and devotion lies with Baba.” Again, Baba said, “Why are you so anxious?”

Meanwhile, the other devotees began questioning Tarkhad as to who that particular devotee was. He vaguely replied that he knew him from Bombay . But, they were not satisfied. “What will I say when I meet my Managing Director?” he thought. “Should I tell him that he came to Shirdi.” Baba reassured him again. The Munim had a bath, and dined at Dixit Wada. Then the two of them came to the Dwarkamai. Baba expertly sent Dixit and Tarkhad to do some chore, and spoke to the Munim alone. “Leave Shirdi at once and go to the Manager and tell him what you have done and beg his pardon”, said Baba. The Munim followed Baba’s advice, and went to Bombay after an absence of five months. Strangely, the manager asked the police to be lenient with the culprit. Baba had changed the mind and infused compassion into him. When Tarkhad reached Bombay , he told the Manager what had happened, while he was at Shirdi. The Manager wasn’t upset with Tarkhad and assured him that everything would be alright. The Munim had after all sought refuge in Baba.

(Source Sai Leela Magazine)