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

Second reason:
There is another reason for Sai's incarnation during our times.
Let us keep aside the practices and beliefs of other religions for
a while. In our country we are aware that the Vedas, Puranas,
itihasas are the ancient scriptures and have been the standard
works for ages together. We imagine God as Sri Narayana
with a conch (Sankhu)- wheel (Chakra)- mace (Gada); lotus
in hand, wearing crown with precious jewels, clad in 'Pitambaram'
(golden yellow doth) seated on 'Garuda' (a carrier of Lord Vishnu);
or as Sri Sankara - with the 'Ganges' in his matted hair, wearing
serpents as 'Bhushanas' (the ornaments) with trident and
'Dhamaruka' (a musical instrument) in hands seated 'Vrushaba'
Sacred Bull, (a carrier of Lord Sankara), wearing the skin of
'Gajasura' (demon). Further we could never imagine the God can
who appear as a poor 'Fakir' (mendicant) with a 'Kupni' and head
gear. God's incarnation as Sai Baba is only underline the fact to
the world that God has no specific for that He can take any form,
exhibit divine miracles and bring solace to the sufferers. He, who
sees God in Sai Baba shall never resent even a beggar in the
street. He feels only Love for all living beings. The incarnation
of Sai is to inculcate the true Spirit love and to remove the false
pride because of wealth, power education, sense of belonging to
higher caste, and attachment. material things due to influence
of western culture and civilization.

We should not think that all these things have already been taught
to us by Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, and Goutam Buddha and that
there is nothing new in His preachings. It may be seen that
different people taught the same things, that are already in our
ancient Sruties and Smrities, again and again. If good righteous
things are repeated, it is neither defective nor does it any way
belittle others. Out of our ignorance we still grope darkness
even after studying, listening and experiencing. God ever
merciful and has immense love for His children. In order to
bring them to the right path, He cajoles them, teaches then brow
beats them, pretends anger and subjects them in many ways
to constant introspection. God takes the physical form,
whenever there is a need. We see every now and then God's
'Abhaya Hast' (the posture of the hand giving assurance)
protecting blessing guiding us with His invisible hands.
Knowing fully well, we still succumb to the temptations of
'Eswara Maya' (Illusion created by God).

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

___________________

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

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba's Incarnation - Reasons:

There are two important religions in our subcontinent Hinduism
and Islam. Due to mutual animosity, several quarrel involving
God took place between the people of the two religious sects.
Lord took the form of Sri Sai Baba to preach his message of
'Prema Tatoam' (Love towards all human beings) and even
extended this to all other living beings.
In the noon 'Aarati' (Prayer) at Shirdi, "JayaDevaJayaDeva"-*
it is said:
"Both religions (Hinduism and Islam) are the same There is
no difference between them -1 am the God for both This is the
truth - Don't' quarrel among yourselves by, misunderstandings."
Thus he corrected the behaviour of the people around him.

Great saints belonging to different religious sects always have;
the welfare of the people uppermost in their minds. It is
believed by the devotees that Kasi Ramananda Yogi and
Kabir were reborn. as Gopalarao Deshmukh (Venkusa) and
Sai Baba respectively. One! need not doubt the veracity of it.
A Godly person, if his mission on this earth is not completed
during his lifetime, will be born to complete it. A review of our
Vedas and Puranas bring out this truth. The unbroken
relationship of God and His devotees is seen in all incarnations.
We call those individuals (Holy saints) as God who brings
peace and tranquility to the agitated soul and inspire the people
up the path of Dharma. The sole objective of Sais incarnation
is to rectify the evil minded hearts rather than to kill the
wicked and destroy them. The message of Sai is to "Attain
the Heavenly Bliss u sing Love and Faith as Tools" using Love
and Faith as tools. There is nothing wrong in worshiping God
in any form and calling Him by any name, or in following any
religion. We need not change our religion. All religions lead us
to the same God. It is necessary for us to have, adaptability
and coordination in our efforts, failing which the fall is
imminent. The people of different sects/religions can go
forward according to their beliefs, leaving their hatred, and
shunning ill- will and jealousy towards others. "Ram, Rahim,
Krishna, Christ are all one and the same; they should not be
considered as different". Thus Sai made it very clear to us
that One can see the different forms of God in Him only.
Blessed are those people like Rege Maharaj who witnessed
Sri Sai Baba's divine acts and had first hand experience.

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

___________________

Satsang SMT. PARVATIBAI SAPATNEKAR

Next morning while I was narrating the dream to my mother-in-law,
Baba (my father-in-law) overheard it. He came in and inquired in
detail about the dream. He suspected therein some divine purpose.
He said to my husband, "Your wife had a great desire to visit Shirdi
and this dream may be on account of the same. So you go to Shirdi
again taking her with you. My husband was annoyed and replied,
"Why do you listen to her. The idea was in her mind all the time
and hence its appearance in the dream. I don't wand to get insulted
again," But my father-in-law quietened him and advised him to take
along his elder brother's wife also (who had only daughters and no
sons till then).

So accordingly we went to Shirdi, Shri Sai Baba was then returning
from Lendi Baug. On seeing him I was stunned.He was the same
fakir seen by me in the dream. Then looking at me He, holding His
abdomen started yelling, "Oh Mother dear! How much my
abdomen is paining and waist is aching too." I was baffled and
wanted to know what was wrong with Baba. But the devotees
nearby told me that Baba acted like this whenever His devotee
was suffering and the devotee was cured. I however could not
help laughing and enjoying the perfect acting of Baba. At that
time I failed to understand but after 2-3 months when the pain in
my abodmen and waist disappeared on its own, I realised that the
above acting was for my sake only and my heart was full of
gratitude and love towards Baba.

Later in the day after Baba had settled down in the Musjid, we
went to see Him with flowers and other offerings. As per custom
in those days my husband moved ahead and I followed him. The
moment my husband went near Baba, He greeted him as in the
past shouting, "Chal hat". But when my turn came, He quietly
allowed me to place my head on His feet. I was overjoyed and
forgot myself. Baba took handful of Udi, dubbed it on my head
and said, "Take. One, two, three, four. How many you want?"

My husband was very unhappy. Everybody else was enjoying
Baba's blessings but not he - for him it was only "Chal hat",
He started thinking and suddenly he felt that it may be the result
of his earlier doubt and wrong notion about Baba, So he decided
not to leave Shirdi unless and until he received Baba's blessings
and lo in a few days he got the opportunity. He once saw Baba
sitting alone in the Masjid. Immediately he ran and held Baba's
feet firmly all the while tears rolling out of his eyes. Baba placed
His hand on his head and made him sit next to Him. Meantime a
shepherdess arrived and started rubbing Baba's feet as usual.
Baba also started conversing with her and my husband was
surprised to hear the contents. It was all about his own story.
Baba was saying, "This gentleman says I have killed his son. Do
I kill other people's sons ? Alright, now I shall bring a son in his
wife's womb". My husband was full of joy and after bowing down
to Baba again and again, hurried to the place we were staying.

On meeting us he narrated the incident to us and asked me to
get ready for the Arati (waving of lights) quickly. He also asked
me to prepare 'Puran-poli' (sweet chapaties) as naivedya, but the
priest told us to prepare halwa. After the Arati all the naivedya
(prasad) thalies were placed before Baba. Our thali was quite
in rear of others, but to our great satisfaction Baba bent forward,
and picked and ate handful of halwa from our thali only.

Next day was Thursday and we waited to see the Chavadi
procession. ('Chhabina' was the word used by Smt. Sapatnekar).
How beautiful it was Devotees were walking ahead, dancing and
singing 'Bhajans' to the tune of cymbals and drums. Baba was
following. Chhatra (decorated umbrella), Chamar (Chowrie or
fly-whisker) and a palanquin. But Baba never sat in the palanquin.
If devotees lifted Him and put Him inside, Baba disappeared and
was seen walking at the back again. Baba Himself also used to
dance. Once this foot forward and then the other - like an expert.
What a pretty sight! I still can visualise it. And lo! On Baba's face
I actually saw the same shine on on Pandurang's face at Pandharpur.

Next day we were leaving Shirdi. While going to see Shri Sai Baba,
my husband said to me, ''I shall offer one rupee as dakshina to Baba.
If asked again I shall give one more rupee. But if He asks for more I
shall have to sell my gold ring and your bangles also". To our great
surprise, when my husband placed one rupee on Baba's hand. He
asked for one more only and said, "I shall not ask for more since you
will have to sell your ring and wife's bangles." Hearing this my
husband's doubts about Baba still lurking in his mind were cleared
and he was convinced about Baba's divinity.

(to be contd....)
Lt Col. M. B. Nimbalkar (Retd)
Pune
PUNE411 001.

___________________

Satsang Thought for the day

It isn't easy
to smile;
to apologise;
to be unselfish;
to admit mistakes;
to enjoy your work;
to laugh at yourselves;
to think and then act;
to forgive and forget;
to control and tamper;
to make someone happy;
to learn from mistakes;
to respond and not reach;
to be honest and truthful;
to refrain from criticisms;
to shoulder deserved blame;
to keep cool when provoked;
to listen without interrupting;
to respect other's point of view;
to do a little more than expected;
to be well mannered to near and dear ones.


But it is worth it.

___________________

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

Bhagavatha Purana says:
"Every Avatara or Incarnation has had a value, impeccable
prowess, fame, richness, wisdom and detachments in all actions')

In every Incarnation, God has exhibited Himself in all hid
actions to prove the validity and supreme nature of the Avatara}
for which he was born like amortal. We have to take it for granted
that God's divine powers in a small or large measure are always
manifested in the particular person or individual.

Our ancestors worshipped the five elements Earth, Air, Sky, Fire,
Water the Sun, the Moon, the Animals and even the Birds-on par
with God. Even today, certain people indulge in such worship.
Sri Krishna says to Arjuna about His divine manifestation in Gita
thus: (10-41)
"Know that all that is glorious, brilliant or powerful is only a
manifestation of My effulgence, and splendour'.

A doubt may arise as to why a person is considered to be an
ordinary one, if the Supreme God is present in the hearts of all.

The Vedas say; "Narayana is present everywhere and in all the
objects". Fire is inherent in wood but cannot be seen as it is
intrinsic and spread all over. When it is burnt the fire is seen,
till then it is wood only but not fire.

Similarly a human being also will be considered as ordinary
until Self
Realization comes to him
It is said in 'Prabhoda Sudhakaram': (Advaita chapter 192, 193).

"A piece of wood whether straight or crooked becomes fire when
it is ignited. The burning wood may retain its shape, straight or
crooked, but we cannot hold it in our hands. Likewise, a realised,
Self, may appear outwardly as a normal human being, but he is
truly 'God', in the form of 'Aatman' dwelling in the body."

Lord Krishna says: (Gita, 7-8) It is my opinion that a Gnani
(wiseman) is Aatman only"
Sruties say: "Gnanies who know about Brahmam 'are Brahmam
themselves."

Narada Bhakti sutras say : (14) There is no difference between
God and his Real Devotee" Saint Tukaram says; "The Saint is
God and God is Saint, Both are the same".

There is no difference between a Gnani (the wise), the Seeker
and the knower of Brahmam, a Real Devotee, a holy Saint,
and Supreme God. Among the holy Saints, there are some who
always immersed in the 'Self' (Aatman) and are in a state
Nirvikalpa Samadhi (constant bliss). We find some Saints very
benevolent. They constantly endeavour to uplift the poor and
downtrodden. Some possess all types of wealth and are
capable of achieving anything they wish. Verily, one who
knows God shall be the perfect embodiment of the Brahmam.
Wherever he is and whatever he speaks in any language,
becomes Vedas only.

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

___________________

Satsang Chapter 27 :Sri_Sai_Sat_Charitra_Concise(Version)

Om Shree Ganeshaya Namah

Om Sai Ram

Chapter 27:::

Glory of Sri Vishnu Sahasranama

Many used to bring holy books to Baba for blessings and take them

back for regular reading (parayana).

One Ramadasi (devotee of Rama) stayed for some time in Shirdi. His

daily routine was to read Ramayana and Sri Vishnu Sahasranama in

the masjid. One day Baba sent him to the market to get him some

seena seeds, saying that He had acute stomach pain. Once he left,

Baba took his Sri Vishnu Sahasranama book and gave it to Shama.

Shama was afraid of the wrath of the Ramdasi. Baba, however,

instead said: "Shama, This book is very useful. Once when I had

dangerous palpitation I kept this on my chest and Lord Hari Himself

descended from this book to save me. Read slowly, at least one

name a day," ( The inner meaning is that if one keeps Lord Vishnu's

name at heart nothing can harm him). When the Ramdasi returned

and heard the development he was charged with anger and sprang

on Shama for a quarrel. Baba told him that there was no use of his

calling himself a Ramadasi because a true Ramdasi would have

equanimity and not ego and silenced.

Once Baba gave a book titled 'Gita Rahasya' written by Lokamanya

Tilak with one rupee to Sri Jog.

Mr. Kharparde, a famous lawyer, stayed with his wife for seven

months at Shirdi. That lady would bring daily variety of food and

Baba would take them with relish. One day she brought sansa

(a sweet dish from wheat flour) and Baba almost devoured it

eagerly. Shama protested that Baba was partial to that lady and

asked Him to justify His special preference for her preparations.

Baba said that in previous briths that lady had born as a cow, a

Kshatria, a Brahmin lady and served Him very faithfully and as He

saw her now after a very long passage of time. He was thrilled

and consumed her preparations. The Baba sat in His seat. The lady

started massaging His feet while Baba Himself pressed her hands

affectionately and advised her that if she went on repeating "Raja

Ram, Raja Ram" she would get immense peace of mind.

Devotees were thrilled on seeing Lord and the devotee serving each other.

Let us also take delight by serving our Lord Sai mentally.

___________________

Satsang SMT. PARVATIBAI SAPATNEKAR

SMT. PARVATIBAI SAPATNEKAR

Wednesday the 13th September 1983 was a lucky day in my life.
Some months back I had learnt that somebody from the Sapatnekar
Family from Akkalkot mentioned in Chapter 48 of Shri Sai Satcharita
was staying at Shivaji Nagar in Pune and I had thought of looking them
up. I did not have the exact address. So I looked up the telephone
directory and hit upon Shri D.M. Sapatnekar 25/1, Shivaji Nagar,
Pune-5 (55485). The initial 'D' I thought might stand for 'Dinkar' - the
name of one of the sons mentioned in Ch. 48.

I rang up and Shri D.M. Sapatnekar himself came on the line. I told
him that I was a devotee of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi and was keen to
meet the family - having read about them in Shri Sai Satcharita. Shri
Sapatnekar was highly pleased and invited me to visit them with pleasure.
To my surprise, he added that he himself was 'Dinkar' mentioned in the
book and that his elder brother 'Murlidhar', who was born on account
of Shri Sai Baba's blessing, was also staying in Pune. Before I could
disconnect he gave me another pleasant shock. He told me that his
mother Shrimati Parvatibai (aged 88 yrs.) who had personally met
Shri Sai Baba and got His blessings, was also staying with him - not
very well and confined to bed only.

I was overjoyed and went to them on the same day at 5.30 P.M.
Shri Dinker Sapatnekar is a retired judge from Maharashtra State
Service. He is about 68 years old and hardly moves out having had
an attack of paralysis on his left leg. Immediately he took me to his
mother's room. The old lady was sitting on the bed. It suddenly flashed
to my mind that this was the most lucky and blessed lady to whom
Baba appeared in a dream, whose pain in abdomen and waist Baba
cured on His own and whose barren womb Baba blessed with a son as
per her wishes. I felt very happy to be in front of such a pure and noble
person and my head bent down in reverence and my hands stretched to
touch her feet. After preliminary querries about my family, she narrated
to me in detail her experiences with Baba. Even at that ripe age and frail
condition of her body, when she started the description in her clear and
sonorous voice with extreme enthousiasm and gesticulations of hand, I
was stunned to see a pleasant shine of devotion and joy on her fair face.
I started listening in rapt attention.

She said, "When I was married, I was hardly 13 years old and my
husband (Shri Mahadev Waman Sapatnekar) a windower of 33 years age.
He had lost his first wife and also a son due to a throat-disease. My
in-laws were staying at Madhegaon but my husband lived and practised
as a lawyer at Akkalkot (the then District Headquarters). He was already
disappointed in life having lost his first wife and a son. After words when I
too did not have an issue 4 - 5 years after marriage, he became very
miserable and started losing interest in life. Then (in 1913) my father-in-law
(we used to address him as Baba) asked him to go to Shri Sai Baba at
Shirdi. We had heard about Shri Sai Baba from my husband's friend and
one time co-student Shri Shevde. But my husband had no faith in Shri
Sai Baba and he did not wish to go. But those days how could a son dare
disobey his father? So at last, accompanied by his younger brother Panditrao,
he went to Shirdi. On seeing Shri Sai Baba my husband approached him to
bow down but Baba suddenly shouted, "Chal hat (Get away)" and pushed
him with such a force that his pugree was thrown away. My husband
became very sad and as after 2-3 days' stay also when the same thing
continued, returned to Madhegaon in a great disappoint; and anger
towards his father for sending him to Shirdi and getting insulted.

When my husband went to Shirdi, he had left me at Madhe-gaon
with my in-laws. I was very keen to go but in those days how could a
wife say anything to her husband? During nights we ladies (myself and
the wife of my husband's brother) used to sleep together. Once while
fast asleep I had a dream. Suddenly there was a very bright flash. In
those days there was a shortage of water in our village. Suddenly I
realised that there was not a drop of water in the house. So I took a
pitcher and started going towards a well nearby - known as
Lakkadsha's well. I was in a great hurry. In our times a daughter-in-law
was not supposed to go out of the house alone and hence" I wanted to
come back home before Baba (my father-in-law) returned from the
court. As I went near the well, I saw standing there a fakir with a
cloth tied on his head. He came near me and said, "My dear girl!
why get exhausted for nothing? I shall get your pitcher filled with pure
water."
I was really scared. I suspected a bad intention on his part and when I
also saw him raising up his kafni and sitting down to pass urine in front
of me, I was doubly sure of his indecent intention and ran towards our
house. He also followed me and continued to say, "Do not run away,
you will regret later. I have come to give you something." On reaching
home I closed the door firm and fast but the fakir came to the door and
continued to throw small pebbles through the slits all the time saying, "I
have come to give you something'.' I did not know what to do and was
about to shout when I woke up suddenly. Looking around I saw my
sister-in-law sleeping next to me peacefully as usual. I asked her what
was the time. She laughed and jokingly said, "Aren't you getting sleep?
Ah! quite naturally. Brother-in-law (my husband) has gone to Shirdi.
So you must be dreaming of him!"

(to be contd....)
Lt Col. M. B. Nimbalkar (Retd)
Pune

___________________

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

CHAPTER TWO
It is now established after a review of the issues dealt with in

detail in the earlier chapter that the Supreme God is only one;

He is the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer of the entire

universe and that He is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent

and the 'Inner Self' of all living beings.
My friend might have felt that Hindu Gods like Sri Vishnu,

Sri Krishna, Sri Sankara, Parvati, Sri Rama, Satyanarayana,

Ganapati etc., are worshiped as separate Gods when he enquired

"Are the present Gods not enough"? We now realize that all these

forms represent One and Only God but are known by different

names and different forms. The devotees worship them according

to their liking. The term God is beyond our comprehension and is

inexplicable.
God is nameless, formless, and He is Infinite. The God perceived

by our senses is the form we imagine Him to be. Let us realise

that Vishnu, Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Parvati, Sankara, Ganapati,

Buddha, etc., are all the incarnations of the Almighty, in varied

forms.
Avatars (Incarnations)
God who is endless, imperceptible and beyond the comprehension

of the mind and word, becomes the one who settles down at a

place with a definite objective in an Incarnation. The form, so

assumed can be within the powers of mind. An Avatara or

Incarnation is the expressive form of an inexpressive state.

He is all pervasive, yet He steps down from the formless state
(Nirakara) to a definite form (Sahara) in order to uplift the

demoralised, the oppressed and the suffering people. This

does confine to a particular place or time alone.
Lord Sri Krishna says:
Whenever there is decay of Dharma (righteousness) and rise of

Adharma (wickedness and cruelty) and people are tormented!

God embodies himself and takes birth age after age for the

protection of the good and for the annihilation of the evil",
(Gita 4.7.8)
These Incarnations of God are known differently by different

people, in view of the prevailing times, locations, and

conditions: We cannot think of one incarnation to be either

superior of inferior to the other. Each Avatara has a specific

role to play and once its objective is achieved, it disappears
from the scene paving way for the other.

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

___________________

Satsang Drawing Lots - At the Feet of Shri Sai Baba

When such clear-cut examples are before us, why should
we hesitate to make use of this device to solve our difficult
problems? Sometimes I feel that Shri Sai Baba himself must
nave prompted Hemadpant to narrate this method followed by
Kakasaheb Dixit in chapter 45 in detail so that His devotees who
would be groping in dark for want of this advice after His
Samadhi, could make use of this device to find solutions to their
doubts and difficult problems. I myself have followed thij method
for the last 7-8 years and found it most infallible.

To get the correct advice from Baba, I feel that the following
conditions must be fulfilled :-

(a) One must surrender completely to Baba with perfect
Shradha (Faith) and Saburi (Patience). Once the advice is
obtained through the chits, one must follow the advice given
thorough!; without hesitation even if it is against our wish and
even if constantly and hardly pressed to act otherwise by
friends and relations. In the initial stages the results may look
harmful; but one must have full faith that the omniscient and all
powerful Baba will always see that we are benefited and
protected ultimately.

(b) Similarly once a decision is obtained, a second consultation
on the same issue should not be sought because Shri Sai Baba
does not revise or reverse His decision.

(c) The advice should not be sought too frequently and on trivial
matters but should be sought on really difficult and genuine
problems. Asking Baba's advice for securing easy money through
lotteries or races and for ways and means to barm or infuse
others will not fetch a correct answer. Remember Baba never
liked such things. Doubts regarding spiritual matters would always
get a correct and prompt solution. As you know Baba was always
too happy to help such devotees.
(d) It is not necessary to go to Shirdi and draw lots by dropping
chits on Baba's silver padukas in the Samadhi Mandir. Actually
one should avoid this due to the constant rush at Shirdi these
days and for fear of causing inconvenience to devotees lining up
for Babas darshan. Baba's picture at home is as good as Baba
himself and putting chits in front of this picture will be equally
effective.

Lt Col. M. B. Nimbalkar (Retd)

___________________

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

Oh! Narada! When ever my devotee sings of me, I shall be
present there". He further says "The hearts of the Sadhus
are mine and I am in them". This is absolutely true. Just as the
fire is present everywhere in an abstract state, so also God is
present in the hearts of all in a blissful and unique form. He
manifests himself in the inner recesses of the hearts of all
devotees.

Sri Sankaracharya says in Prabhoda Sudhakaram:

"God is equally present in all. The devotees experience
blessings and benign looks. They exist with nobler feelings
and communication with the Almighty and enjoy the
eternal bliss'
The Sun's rays fall equally on wood, stone and mirror,
but the mirror only gives the accurate reflection. The
Sun's image, not seen on wood or stone. Like wise, though
God is present ii every one, He is not seen in the stony,
impure hearts of an atheist or a non-believer but is seen
only in the pure heart of devotee God dwells in the hearts
of devotees in the form in which the Worship Him.
While meditating, we should think of God to be universal,
Many founders of religions have taught us about the
Sagunopasana (meditating upon God possessing all attributes)
The seeker should realize that rewards are the same, whatever
path he follows.

The Supreme God is worshipped as Siva by the Saivites
Vishnu by the Vaishnavites, the Brahmam by all the
Philosophers, Buddha by the Buddhists, Karta (the sole doer)
by Vaiyayikas the Karma by the followers of Mimamsa, Allah
by the Muslims and Arhat by Jains.

I will worship the Lord Sai Prabhu who protects the pious
poor and weak, easy to attain representing all forms of God.

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

___________________

Satsang Drawing Lots - At the Feet of Shri Sai Baba

It was customary for the devotees during Baba's lifetime
to seek His permission while leaving Shirdi. In Chapter 9
of Shri Sai Satcharita there are various instances quoted
as to how those who left with Baba's permission had a safe
journey home and those who did not obey Him were faced
with obstructions, delays and accidents. We have read how
Tatya Kote Patil and the European visitor got into trouble
because they did not pay heed to Baba's advice not to
proceed. However, Kaka Mahajani and his friend who
returned to Bombay from Shirdi on Baba's orders inspite
of threatening rains and storm, reached home without any
hindrance. Once Kaka Mahajani wanted to stay on at
Shirdi for a week for Krishna Jayanti but Baba ordered
him to return the very next day. Kaka Mahajani accordingly
left Shirdi and on reaching Bombay learnt that his boss
wanted him badly on my and had already sent a letter to
Kaka to that effect. Once Shri R B Purandare of
Bandra wanted to go to Shirdi, but Baba appeared in his
dream and said, "Why are you coming to Shirdi? What is
there? Don't come. If you come I'll hit you" Purandare did
not go and next day he found that the workers in his
company, where he was employed, had gone on sudden
strike and if Purandare had gone to Shirdi, his bosses would
have suspected him to be cooperating with the strikers.

After Baba left His physical body in (A.D.) 1918, His
devotees missed this chance of taking His advice personally
both in temporal and spiritual matters. However on going
through Hemadpant's Shri Saisatcharita (chapter 45) and
H H Narsimhaswami's 'Life of Shri Sai Baba' (Vol. HI) we
find that Baba's prominent devotees like Kakasaheb Dixit,
Bhausaheb Dhumal, Ragbuvir Purandare and others had
devised an interesting method of still getting Baba's advice in
matters of difficult problems posed to them. They would put
two chits (one permitting them to follow a particular course
and the other asking them not to follow that course) in front
of Baba's picture and ask a small child to pick up one of the
chits - the contents of which these devotees considered as
baba's advice in the matter. As stated by some of these
devotees personally as late as (A.D.) 1930 (12 years after
Baba's Samadhi) to H, H. Narsimhaswami, the advice given in
the picked up chits, when followed was always found to be
beneficial and giving protection from mishappenings if any.
H, H. Naiasinhswami himself also followed this method to
consult Baba in difficult matters, (vide pages 31 and 32 of Sri
Narsinha Swamiji - Apostle of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi by
(Swami Saipadananda).

(to be contd....)
Lt Col. M. B. Nimbalkar (Retd)
Pune

___________________

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

Lord Krishna says:
"I consider him a great Yogi (sage) who reposes supreme faith
on Me, ever united with Me through prayer and worship and
keeps Me always in his mind". (Gita 12-2)
The best and the easiest path to attain God is to meditate upon
Him in Sahara state with unflinching devotion ant dedication
and also with a total awareness of his Nirakara state. The
fruits are same in any type of meditation.

Adisankara brought out the secret nature of God and his
relationship with His devotees in a nutshell as:

"Oh! God! I am your servant as long as I have the feeling
that the Body is mine. Once I get off this feeling of Body
Consciousness and realize the Consciousness of the Jiva in
me, You are the whole and I am a part of it. If I get rid off
the Consciousness of the Jiva also and reach the Soul
Consciousness. I am one with You; You and I are the
same. This is my firm belief. " The readers should realize
that this is the essence of Advaita philosophy as
preached by Sri Sankaracharya.

Why does God become Sakara?
(Having a physical form for the sake of his devotees)
God is the embodiment of Eternal Bliss and pervades
in the entire universe. Fire, in the form of Nirakara,
spreads in all things. It manifests only when certain
essential materials are assembled at one place and
ignited. The fire so manifested assumes gigantic
proportions, depending on the quantity and quality
of the fuel. But the Paramatma (God Divine)
spreads even beyond air and ether manifests
Himself to the seeker as Sahara in the form he
desires. God's all pervasiveness is greater than
that of Agni (Fire) or Vaayu (Air), as there is no
place without His presence. The entire universe is
enveloped with His May a (illusion). As said in the
Gita -"The creation of Maya around us, is only
God's will." Hence it is not at all difficult for Him to
manifest Himself before the seeker, when he comes
out of Maya. The happiness to the seeker is at His
will. God's pervasiveness all over as Nirakara is
possible always, but He reveals Himself to the
seeker, who is an ardent devotee. That God is
Omnipotent can be seen as One in Many and Many
in One. That is His wish, which is pure and noble.
The wish of a devotee will also depend on the wish
of God.

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

___________________

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

Let me cite an example to clarify the point. Imagine the way
in which one person who witnessed the beauty of the crescent
moon, a day after the new moon day, directs his accomplice.
He says: "Look at that tree directly and look a little above. You
will find the beautiful crescent moon". His accomplice had
concentrated as per his directions and felt happy at the sight the
crescent moon. Now let us analyse the facts. The moon was not
really above the tree. The planet moon was not so small as it
appeared to him. Nothing equals to the real form of moon. The
moon's actual nature is quite different from what the on looker,
behold. No one really understood its true nature and significance
The moon, its real glow, real form and nature were not at al
present in the crescent moon. Similarly, if realization of God is
our Goal, and we concentrate upon Him, we may be able to
reach our objective. Like the moon, God is also entirely different
from what we perceive him to be. God is not something that can
be explained or expressed in words. God or His real form will
be known only when we pursue our path with utmost devotion.
He is beyond our imagination.

Sruties say: "God is beyond description and imagination and
those who make Him their objective and meditate upon Him will
attain Him. The seeker need not change his path, once the goal
is established in his mind. He has to further strengthen it by his
faith and determination".

How to meditate upon God?

If one meditates upon God, in Sahara form (God in a
particular form) or Nirakara state (God without any form) the
results obtained are the same. The scriptures say that it is
difficult to meditate upon God without a form. The two ways
of meditation differ only in the way of the Sadhana. He who
seeks God in Nirakara state should continue to do so. He
who seeks God in Sahara form should continue his Sadhana
concentrating upon the form he has chosen. But it is good for
him to remember and understand the significance of the
Omnipresent state of God. For those who consider the body
to be themselves, it will be very difficult to do Sadhana upon
God who is Nirguna (without any specific attributes) and
Nirakara (form less).

Lord Sri Krishna says in Gita:

"The path of those who seek God in Nirakara state is difficult
as such a way of reaching the goal is very hard for those Who
have attachment to the body." (Bhagavadgita 12-5)
Some meditate upon God in its pure formless state, while
others choose a specific form. Actually, the same God takes
the form of 'Sri Maha Vishnu', SriRama 'SriKrishna'. Similarly
'Devi', (Ganesha 'Siva', 'Surya' are also not different from
Maha Vishnu'. Sage Veda Vyasa had written the eighteen
Parana' describing acts performed by various Godly forms
for those who are interested in them. He has proved that all
these Godly forms represent one 'Supreme God* only, the
'Creator', the 'Preserver and the Destroyer. They differ in
name and form only. The seeker imagines the name and form
of the God to his liking. If one meditates upon a pillar as
God, it will become a God only to him, and his meditation
will bear the same results as to any other form of God. Only
one has to keep full faith and worship upon it.

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

___________________

Satsang Drawing Lots - At the Feet of Shri Sai Baba

Drawing Lots - At the Feet of Shri Sai Baba
(Shri Sai Leela May 1984)

In October 1S83 issue of Shri Sai Leela Magazine,
there is an article by Shri K. Vasudev of Bangalore in
which the author has narrated how he took Shri Sai Baba's
advice, when faced with a business problem, by putting chits
on the silver feet (padukas) of Shri Sai Baba at Shirdi. Initially
the author felt that this was a silly thing to do at the noble feet
of Lord Shri Sai; but in the end he was convinced that there
is nothing wrong in taking this liberty of asking approval of
one's plan of action from your father Lord Sai.

I quite agree with the author's later conviction. Actually
during Baba's life time His devotees used to approach Him
for such advice and found that it was invariably correct and
profitable. For instance in chapter 25 of Shri Saisatcharita,
Damu Anna of Ahmednagar asked Sbri Sai Baba through
a letter whether to join a friend in trading in cotton and grains
or not. Baba told him not to take chance and be content with
his present earnings. Damu Anna was unhappy at Baba'.-
advice, but nevertheless he listened to Baba and sure
enough his friend lost the deal and became a bankrput. Thus
Damu Anna was saved from insolvency.

Normally Baba being in the know of further happenings
and keenly interested in the welfare of His devotees, told them
on His own what to do and what not to do. For instance Baba
advised Rao Bahadur S. V. Sathe, who had crossed 50 years
of age already, to marry second time and assured him that he
will get a son. Shri Sathe re-married and got a daughter first
and also the second time; but Shri Sathe had full faith in
Baba's words and accordingly he did get a son third time.
The well-known pleader of Nasik, Shri S. B. Dhumal asked
Baba's permission by a letter to leave Nasik because of the
incidence of plague in the town, Baba did not give permission
and Dhumal also stayed on against the pleadings of his family
members Nothing happened to Dhumal or his family
members. Prof. G. G. Narke, an England returned intellectual
and son-in-law of Shrimant Butty, was jobless at Shirdi for
13 months. There were offers to him from Calcutta and
Burma for employment; but Baba refused permission. In
the end there was a vacancy in the Government Engineering
College, at Pune and although Narke had doubts about his
being selected, Baba asked him to apply and he was
promptly selected. Thus listening to Baba, Narke got a
permanent and well-paid job and quite close to his
hometown. Shri R. B. Purandare of Bandra once went
to Shirdi and while leaving asked Baba's permission to go
to Nasik on pilgrimage. Baba said 'yes' and told him to
stay there for two days. On reaching Nasik, Purandare's
younger brother caught fever. His mother and other family
members got scared and pressed Purandare to return to
Bombay immediately. But Purandare replied that Baba
had ordered him to stay for two days and he would not
move before that period. Next day his brother's fever
subsided and they returned to Bombay after two days
happily.

(to be contd....)
Lt Col. M. B. Nimbalkar (Retd)
Pune
___________________

Sri Sai Amrit Vani

Sri Sai Amrit Vani
25h May 2006

YOU MAY FORWARD THIS LETTER TO
OTHER SAI DEVOTEES

Jai Sai Ram
An other Usual Baba's day. But the
honey was missing. Honey did not oozed from any of the
Statue or the photo. Till Wednesday night there was no
Udi oozing from the Statue, giving us the hope that
honey may ooz from it. But it is Baba's Leela that we
were deprived of honey this Thursday. There were many
deveotees from the group also who attended the Sri Sai
Amrit Vani in person for the first time. Few devotees
were from USA too. In all there were about 100
devotees who participated in the Sri Sai Amrit Vani
this Thursday. After the Sri Sai Amrit Vani when the
box of Bhog, which was cotaining partially eaten
remains was taken out, The piece of Burfee was
partially eaten and it was having the clear shape of
Baba sitting on stone. HIS face, legs and even the toe
were clear. The dovotee who offered the bhog of burfee
was so overwhelmed that she remained in the mandir for
a long time before Baba and thanked HIM. She stayed so
long and had lunch with us. After the Sri Sai Amrit
Vani we few regular devotee take lunch together.

We were able to see the following
Leelas of Baba on Thursday the 25th May 2006.

1. This Thursday Udi started appearing and oozing from
the photos on the walls and in the mandir from
Wesnesday morning. As usual the words formed with
Udi were again 'RAM' and 'SHAM' 'OM' and Trishool.
2. Udi was missing from the big Statue of Baba in the
mandir giving the hope that honey may ooz from the
Statue, but Baba did not showed us this leela this
Thursday.
3. On one photo it was swastic and OM formed with Udi.
4. There was lot of Water from the Charans this week
also. This water was collected in the plate. The
taste of water was similar to gulab jal and kewara.
After Amrit Vani this water was given to the devotees
and again the plate was filled with water.
5. On Thursday as soon as Bhog was offered it was
duly accepted by Baba and when after the Sri Sai
Amrit Vani we noticed that the box was blessed with
Udi and partly eaten and partly remained pieces of
items in the box, which were placed before HIM. Only
small pieces of items were left in the box. Part of
Bhog was also on the lips of many photos and statue of
Baba. These parts of remains in the box were given to
the devotees who offered that item of bhog to Baba.
The burfee was in the shape of Baba himself, sitting
on the stone.
6. All the boxes of Bhog which were kept on the table
were blessed with Udi, which the devotees collected on
papers.
7. Lap of Mrs Gupta was filled with lots of Udi
during the Sai Amrit Vani. Besides Mrs. Gupta many
devotees also had Udi in their books of Sri Sai Amrit
Vani. Which they also collected on papers.
8. Many devotees felt the presence of Baba during the
recitation of Sai Amrit Vani in different ways. Some
felt Baba walking through them. Some felt that Baba is
also reciting the Sai Amrit Vani along with us all.
Some felt the rings from the temple.
9. The Charnamrit of Baba was also sweet as if some
honey has been mixed into it.
10. The Mark sheets Letters and papers placed before
Baba by Mrs Gupta of devotees were blessed with Udi.
11. Idol and few copies of Sai Satcharitra were
placed before Baba by Mrs Gupta were blessed by Baba
with Udi within no time.
12. Few Devotee arrived late after the start of Sri
Sai Amrit Vani and had to sit in the other room as
the hall was already packed. They were for the first
time and did not knew the rules for the bhog. They
brought boxes of bhog for Baba. Their boxes were
placed by Mrs Gupta before Baba and in no time Udi was
on the sweets. The box was returned to the devotee and
was not distributed. As it is difficult to distribute
the loose bhog.

Jai Sai Ram

Sri Sai Amrit Vani started exactly at 11:04
AM and Noon Aarti exactly at 12:00 Hrs. followed by
brief Meditation and the prayer, Prayan from Sai
Satcharitra and finally distribution of Prasad.
Prayers and thanks were offered by Mrs. Gupta to Baba.

Next Sri Sai Amrit Vani on 25th May again
will be held in Sidhartha Extension, New Delhi.
Devotees interested in attending it in person may
contact on phone nos 26346942, 9810714688 or
9312494767. They should NOT bring any bhog with them
and be in time. Kids are also not allowed in the hall.
On their request and the assurance of
reciting/reading/listening Sai Amrit Vani on Thursday,
received till Wednesday night, following Sai devotees
were included and they participated ( in Absencia) in
the recitation of Sri Sai Amrit Vani. The names had
been sorted out, according to their email ids, to
avoid any duplication. Devotees are requested to P L
E A S E, give the names along with place, for
inclusion in the Sri Sai Amrit Vani in absencia only
of those devotees, ---------------- WHO WILL
RECITE/READ OR AT LEAST LISTEN TO SRI SAI
AMRIT VANI AT THEIR PLACES ON THURSDAY
AT ANY TIME-----------.
However all Sai devotees are prayed for by Mrs Gupta
during Sai Amrit Vani, when the feeling of presence of
Baba is very strong.

Devotees participating in Sri Sai Amrit Vani
on Thursdays, in absencia are requested to pray for
themselves also and recite/read or listen Sri Sai
Amrit Vani at their place, Links of Audio MP3 files
are given in the link section of the home page of '
mysaibaba20' yahoogroup. Hindi and English Script of
Sri Sai Amrit Vani are also there in the file section
of the home page. To go to home page of yahoogroup key
in or click http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mysaibaba20
. This activity of Sri Sai Amrit Vani will be in
addition to any other pooja or sewa or prayer that
you are doing.

Meaning of Sri Sai Amrit Vani in
English along with Romanised English Script of Hindi
is also available for those who do not understand
Hindi.

Jai Sai Ram.

Ashok Gupta
akg_vg@bol.net.in

___________________

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

Individual belonging to any nationality has got the liberty
to choose his own religion, his God. Others should not have
any say in this matter. All the religions in the world can be
broadly classified into two categories. Viz.

(1) Following 'Gnana Marga' (realization of God through
knowledge)
(2) Following 'Bhakti Marga' (realization of God through
prayers, devotion etc)

Similarly the philosophers who seek God also can be
classified into two categories.
(1) Dwaita philosophy (Dualistic) -to seek the Parabrahma
by the seeker.
(2) Adwaita philosophy (Non dualistic)-Realization of
Parabrahma and there by uniting himself with Him (God).

Vedas say essentially these are the two approaches. All
other religions preach in between these two schools of
thought.

Sage Veda Vyasa says:
"Listen to the principles of Dharma from all the religions
and put them into practice. Know that what is harmful and
painful to you is equally harmful and painful to others.
Therefore do to others what you would like others to
do to you. In short this is the essence of 'Dharma'. Any
other practice has a shadow of selfishness. How can any
one think of killing or harming others, when he himself
wants to live happily. You should try to provide others,
what you would like to have for yourself."

How to realize God?
In order to realize 'God' one should do 'Sadhana'
(particular way of devotion, prayer, meditation
tapasya etc.) The sages an philosophers say like this:
"A Sadhaka (seeker) may do Sadhana in his own
way which is most suitable to him with intense fait
and determination. There can not be any mistake in
his way Sadhana. When viewed from a different
angle with a different notion, one may come across
several defects in it. It is, therefore necessary that we
should have a clear objective before practice Sadhana
and our own goals. It should be remembered that the
'Almighty' may be altogether different from what he
perceived about Him. Sadhana is the sole technical
path to realize the existence of 'Paramatma'. But let
us not think that we should first overcome all our
blemishes, doubts before performing an 'Sadhana'.
We can rectify our shortcomings later. Truth dawns
on us as we relentlessly pursue our path and
approach our 'Goals

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