How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-36

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-36

Chapter 46 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

Hemadri Pant narrated interesting Sri Sai Leelas (Miracles) in this chapter. Shyama, who witnessed and experienced those Leelas, was indeed very fortunate. I am not anywhere near in devotion compared to Shyama, but Sri Sai has also made me experience what HE made Shyama experience in those days. I am going to narrate the experience given to me by Sri Sai. Hemadri Pant writes in this chapter thus – “Once Baba accepts anyone as HIS devotee, then HE will be with the devotee by day and night. HE will follow the devotee at his home or abroad. Let the devotee go to any place of his choice, Baba will reach that place before the devotee reaches and remains present there in some unimaginable form”. This aspect was proven in those days in the episode of Shyama’s pilgrimage to Gaya.

I prayed to Sri Sai in 1990 for a similar experience. My prayers did not go in vain. I was told in 1991 that the authorities, in the organization where I work, have decided to send me to Korea. Sri Sai entered my mind on that day and told me “ I will reach Korea before you and await your arrival there”. What a nice imagination! I spent the day with a thought that how nice it would be if such a thing actually takes place and then forgot about the matter. I reached a big hotel, in the city of Chang Wan in Korea, at 6 PM on 06-5-1991 and a room was allotted to me. I unlocked the room, entered it and switched on a table lamp. I noticed a flying insect, which went around the table lamp three times and flew out through the open door used by me to enter the room. My mind was filled with joy at the thought that Sri Sai, in the form of flying insect, reached Korea before me and blessed me on my arrival there. I bowed and prayed to Sri Sai.

Some people may say that this incident is coincidental. I will now narrate another incident that took place in the same room, for asserting that the earlier incident was not coincidental. My return journey to India was scheduled for 18 -5-1991. I woke up early on that day at 5 AM and switched on the table lamp for reading early morning Harati of Sri Sai. Surprise of surprises, the very same flying insect, seen by me on 6 May 91 evening, was there, it went round the table lamp three times and flew out of the open window. This gave me an impression that Sri Sai is returning to India before me. In those days Sri Sai told Shyama and others with him at that time – “As the pilgrimage to Kasi and Prayag gets over, I will be at Gaya before Shyama reaches there”. In my case Sri Sai reached the city of Chang Wan in Korea before my arrival and also returned to India before me. I can never forget this experience of mine in my life. This one incident is enough for me to explain Omnipresence of Sri Sai.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-35

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-35

Chapter-45 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

Let us recall from Shri Sai Satcharitra as to how Sai blessed two students and granted them success in their examinations. Babu Tendulkar believed the predictions by astrologers and got disheartened. He preferred not to write the examinations in Medicine. Similarly Shevade who was also taking Law examinations were equally graced and blessed by Baba to come out successfully in their tasks. I would like to humbly submit my similar experiences.

It dates back to the month of October 1990 when I was set out to go for a departmental promotion scheduled to be held in Madras (presently the city of Chennai). As a matter of habit, I was nervous. On the dawn of the day I was sitting on the lawns of the GuestHouse and going through the ritual of reading the Sai Satcharitra. The day's chapter turned out to be 45th one where in Kaka Sahib expresses doubt and Baba answers to Anand Rao in vision "go now, fear not, feel no anxiety, and you will attain your welfare". I could simultaneously hear a cuckoo singing. I took it as a good omen and blessings from Sainath. I faced the interview courageously and could come out successfully with flying colors. Happily I returned back to Hyderabad.

Again during the same month of October 1997 I moved out to Bombay for promotion to the next higher grade. I was relatively less qualified compared to all others in the fray. Sai must bless me this time also, otherwise it is simply impossible. After a shower in the morning, I sat down for the normal parayana of Satcharitra. By strange coincidence I was to read the same chapter i.e 45th one. Repetition of what is sited in the above lines - Kaka Sahib's doubt and Anand Rao's vision - Baba's unfailing words of assurance. Ofcourse this time it was not cuckoo but a pigeon's call. I am once again blessed and I leave it for any body to guess the outcome.

Repeat of 1990 in 1997 under identical situations and to be blessed on both the occasions is humanly not possible but for the divine intervention of Sainath. Recapture of these incidents rejuvenate my faith in Shirdi Sai Baba. I am sure every one can undergo his/her own experiences in his fold.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-34

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-34

Chapter 45 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

Hemadri Pant revealed a few details and aspects of Sri Sai in this chapter. Each Sai Bandhu (Devotee) must Remember words from this chapter – “ We must have complete faith in our own strength or power instead of depending on others”. I have taken these words as the words said by Sri Sai and I am living placing complete faith in Sri Sai. When we say that we have faith in Sri Sai, it implies that we have faith in ourselves. I will consider myself as lucky if this life continues on these lines. Sri Sai’s blessings mentioned in this chapter are applicable to my life and are unforgettable. The blessing is

‘Go now, you will be safe, there is no reason for being afraid or anxious”. This blessing literally applies to my life. I went on work related, to my office, to Madras in 1990 in connection with my promotion. The interview for the promotion was scheduled for early morning next day. I meditated on Sri Sai previous night and slept. I woke up early that morning and did my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. It was chapter 45 on that day. My mind was restless, while I was doing the daily devotional reading. A new enthusiasm crept into me the moment I read Sri Sai’s blessing in this chapter. I went for the interview with that enthusiasm and achieved success. I chanted Sri Sai’s name and meditated on it while sitting in the garden for a short while before proceeding inside for the interview. At that time I noticed a white coloured Koel (bird) perched on a tree, located across the place where I was sitting, and chirping / singing it’s typical sound Coo. This sight greatly astonished me, as the Koel’s body was white in colour whereas the head was black in colour. I had never seen such a strange bird in my life till then. A thought occurred to me that Sri Sai has appeared in the form of white Koel for giving confidence to me.

This aspect is beautifully amplified by Sri Hemadri Pant thus – Meditation on Guru’s name, while keeping only HIS form in mind, and chanting the name will make it possible to see HIM in all animate things such as animals, insects etc. This will give us everlasting happiness”. At the time when I was struggling with under-confidence, Sri Sai appeared in the form of a bird in front of me and bestowed confidence to me. Hemadri Pant says in this chapter –“ There are many realized souls in this world, but our Guru is the real father. Others may impart many good discourses but we must never forget our Guru’s words”. One must never forget these words. We cannot reach our destination in life when we forget these words and stray from our path. Whenever you have a difference of opinion with your peers try and recall Sri Sai’s words from this chapter –“ Whatever, good or bad, belongs to us it stays with us. Whatever belongs to others that will remain with them”. What a profound statement is this! Remember this statement and keep contemplating on it.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-33

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-33

Baba’s Passing Away--Chapter 43 &44 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

Sri Hemadri Pant wrote about Sri Sai attaining Mahasamadhi (soul leaving his mortal coil or body) in detail in Chapters 43 and 44. In last issue I had written about the incident wherein by Sri Sai’s grace my uncle Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu garu, who inspite of being on his death bed, was able to be present during Gruhapravesham of his new house and was taken into that house. Sri Sai temporarily took away the death warrant (issued by fate) so that the auspicious Gruhapravesham ceremony could be held without any hindrance.

If Sri Sai had not temporarily put away my uncle’s moment of death, my uncle would have passed away with a longing for entering the house built by him. He would then have to be born again for fulfillment of his wish to enter that house. Sri Sai knew the situation and hence ensured that my uncle’s ardent wish was fulfilled, thus paved the way for his passing away peacefully. Now I will write about these aspects. My uncle Sri Somayujulu garu, while lying on a stretcher, was full of enthusiasm on that day 29 Jan 92, he called by name each relative present on that occasion, talked to them and requested them to have lunch before they return to their homes. He called his sister and asked her to sing a devotional song very dear to him “Neevindedi Konda paina Nenundedi Nela paina (You reside on a hill I reside on earth)” and bowed to Sri Venkateswara Swami (Lord Venkateswara who resides on 7 hills). All relatives and guests finished having their lunch that afternoon and my uncle bade goodbye to them by asking them to return to their homes. He called me to his side and asked me to recite the afternoon Harathi of Sri Sai.

I was feeling sad at my uncle’s condition, still as told I recited and performed the afternoon Harathi to Sri Sai. He called me with love, took off his spectacles and put them on my face as a memento. He called his wife and my aunt and told her that after he passed away she should remove the ring from his finger and give the same to me. I was not able to see his suffering and prayed to God to relieve my uncle from his misery. I asked God for a sign to indicate whether HE has heard my plea or not, closed my eyes and opened Sri Sai Satcharithra randomly. It opened on a page in Chapter 26 with Sri Sai’s message – “You cannot escape the consequences of good and bad actions in your last birth. If you have not fully washed away your past sins by undergoing suffering and commit suicide for escaping such suffering, it is not going to help you. You will have to be born again to undergo the balance of the suffering. Why do you not accept the suffering as long as it lasts, caused by past sins of yours, before dying? Why not wipe away the sins of past lives? Let the consequences of past sins are wiped away permanently.” I understood this message, but I was not able to witness my uncle’s suffering and I returned to my home bathed and gave the night Harathi to Sri Sai.

At that time I saw a very grotesque black insect, with wings having an impression of human skull. This indicated that Sri Sai is going to grant liberation to Sri Somayajulu garu on Ekadashi day (an auspicious 11th day of moon in a 15 day cycle), such a conviction occurred in my mind. I could not sleep well that night.

I woke up on 30 Jan 92 Thursday, bathed, did the daily devotional reading and prayed for a message from Sri Sai. He gave the message from Chapter 27 “ Chant the name Raja Ram, if you do so you will attain your life’s aim and your mind will be at peace.” Immediately thereafter I went to my uncle Sri Somayajulu garu’s place, I was told that his condition deteriorated during the night and he was admitted in Gandhi hospital. I hastened to Gandhi hospital. He was fighting a war with his death. He was devoid of any energy and was speaking very faintly. I understood the situation, I asked for a few Tulasi (Basil) leaves and a glass of water. I sat near his head and recited the noon Harathi of Sri Sai.

I offered sugar to Sri Sai and put that consecrated sugar in my uncle’s mouth. He sucked the dissolved sugar in his mouth. Last moments of his life commenced from that time. I was uttering Raja Ram and Sai Ram in his ears and he was slowly repeating these names. Doctors put him on oxygen by 1 PM. The monitor near his head was indicating that his pulse rate at that time was180 per minute. Doctors were making all efforts to save his life. Then giving up hope they stepped aside. I continued to chant Raja Ram and Sai ram in his ears and he was repeating Ram with extreme difficulty. I poured Tulasi water in his mouth at 1:15 PM, he took one gulp, and I poured again Tulasi water in his mouth for the second time but this time the water flowed out of his mouth. He breathed his last breath at 1:20 PM and I could hear ah! sound loudly at that time. I understood that he passed away and is no longer amongst us. I could not with hold my sorrow and cried loudly. Doctors came and told me that I should not cry loudly in the ward. What do they know the agony and suffering in my mind? My Sai has left me and gone away. All relatives came and asked me about the time of my uncle’s passing away. I told them that he passed away at 1:20 PM on 30 Jan 92 Thursday. One of the relatives commented “ Somayajulu passed away on Ekadashi day just as Bhismacharya, how lucky was he?” Yes he started his fight with death on Dasami day, left the physical body on Ekadashi and merged with Sri Sai.

I consider this as his spiritual victory. In those days, Sri Sai attained Mahasamadhi on 15 October 1918 at 2:30 PM after completion of noon Harathi.

Sri Sai took his last sip of Tulasi water from Nanasaheb Nimonkar on a Dasami / Ekadashi day. Sai in my life, my uncle Sri Somayajulu garu took his last sip of Tulasi water from my hands on Ekadashi day. Sri Sai answered my prayers, kept his word and fulfilled my wish for experiencing the emotions felt by HIS devotees at the time of HIS Mahasamadhi in this way at the time of passing away of my Sai Sri Somayujulu garu. When mortal remains of my uncle Sri Somayajulu garu were placed on the funeral pyre at sunset time on 30 Jan 92, I remembered what Sri Hemadri Pant said in this chapter “The body made out of 5 elements will decay, the soul which is inside the body is the TRUTH, that soul is SAI”. Theday when all of us realize that Sri Sai is in you, in me and in everyone else, there will be no dearth of happiness and peace in this world.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-32

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-32

Chapter 42 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

I cannot express in words the relationship that exists between this chapter and my life. I have read with reverence Sri Sai Satcharitra many times. Whenever I did devotional reading of chapters 42, 43 and 44, I was transported to 1918 and used to contemplate on Baba’s attaining Mahasamadhi (soul departing from the physical body). Once when I was in such state on contemplation, a thought occurred in my mind – whether it would be possible for me to see, now at this present time, the scene of Baba’s attainment of Mahasamadhi in 1918? I prayed to Sri Sai thus – “Sainath you have attained Mahasamadhi in the year 1918. Even now your soul is moving amongst your devotees (Sai Bandhus) and is filling the void created by your not being physically present Among’st us. Can you please make it possible for me to experience at this present time that feelingexperienced by your devotees in 1918 when you attained Mahasamadhi?” thus I pleaded to my father Sri Sai. A conviction, that Sri Sai definitely satisfies the wishes of HIS devotees, took roots in me. That conviction of mine attained a form to become apparent in the month of January 1992. I am about to write the details of that experience, so please read on with devotion.

My recourse to Sai, who fed me, educated me and who was husband of my aunt (mother’s younger sister) was Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu garu. He became a believer of Sri Sainath in 1991 and undertook devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. He expressed a desire to go on a pilgrimage to Shirdi. He could not accompany me on the pilgrimage to Shirdi during December 1991 due to unavoidable circumstances. He became a grand father on 12 January 1992, and the newborn male baby was christened Sai Shankar. Days passed by peacefully. The sea is also calm and serene just before arrival of a storm. He became unwell, was suffering and expressed a desire on 23 January 1992 – Thursday – to see me. I went to see him at 10 AM on next day 24 January 1992. He embraced me with tears in his eyes and conveyed that he cannot explain and express the pain he was suffering from. We took him to a doctor in the evening. The doctor advised that he be admitted in a big hospital. We immediately took him to a reputed nursing home and admitted him there. A team of specialists examined him, and we were told that his condition is critical and sinking.

We were advised to intimate by telegram all relatives about the critical status of his health. A week earlier than this day an auspicious date, for Gruhapravesham (a religious house warming ceremony) of his newly constructed house, was fixed for 12 February 1992. He was suffering like the legendary Bhishmacharya (of the epic Mahabharatha), on the deathbed in the nursing home. Would it be possible for him to take part in the religious ceremony of Gruhapravesham of the newly built house, at an expense of Rs. 3 lakhs? Such a thought occurred in my mind. In the past when Sri Sai was unwell, Sri Gopal Mukund Booty and other devotees also harbored similar thoughts on whether or not Sri Sai will enter and sanctify the newly built Wada (stone masonry building) at an expense of Rs. 1 lakh by Sri Booty. Not knowing what I should do in such a situation I did Namasmarana (devotional chanting of Lord’s name). Thinking that it would be better if there was another auspicious day before 12 February 1992, I discussed the issue with his brothers and went to a priest’s house, which is situated close by to the nursing home. The priest called me to enter his Puja room (a room with altar where prayers are offered). I felt the feeling of being invited by the benign smile on the face of Sri Sainath’s portrait placed in the altar, and I considered that as a good omen. An oil lamp was lit in front of the idol of Sri Sainath in the altar; the light from that lamp lit a ray of hope in my heart. That priest fixed an auspicious time as 9:49 AM on 29 Jan 92 Dasami (10th day of moon in a 15 day waxing / waning period) for Gruhapravesam. I did shashtanga namaskar (An act of obeisance to the almighty by stretching oneself fully in prone position on the floor, to Sri Sai in the altar and walked out courageously.

I told all relatives that the auspicious moment for Gruhapravesham of the newly constructed house will now take place at 9:49 AM on 29 January 1992. I have also conveyed this piece of news to my ailing uncle. He expressed a doubt whether he would stay alive till that date. He was 73 years old, had no children of his own but had borne the expenses for feeding and educating many children of his relatives and extended family. I am one amongst those children who benefited from his generosity. These virtuous acts of his will make him go through the Gruhapravesham ritual of his newly built house on 29 Jan 92, as the revised auspicious moment for the occasion was fixed in Sri Sai’s presence. The Doctor was expressing no hope for the patient to take part in the ritual on this revised auspicious moment. We left the responsibility, for what and how the event is going to take place on Sri Sainath. 9th principle, out of 11 principles pronounced by Sri Sainath, is “ You transfer your burdens on to me and I will bear them.” The present situation is a test for Sri Sai, and also is a test for the faith held by Sai devotees. He, my uncle, stopped eating food from 23 Jan 92, was not in a position to eat anything. By the grace of Sri Sai he drank a glass of buttermilk on 27 Jan19 92. He was meditating on Sri Sai’s name and was eagerly waiting for the auspicious moment of 29 Jan19 92 to arrive. 27th Jan19 92 night went off peacefully. He commenced his fight with death with new vigor on 28 Jan 1992. All the relatives were apprehensive about the Gruhapravesham taking place due to his physical condition, hence were visiting him in the nursing home and going back. The doctors gave him a sedative to relieve him of the unbearable pain being suffered by him. He woke up with a charming smile on his face on 29 Jan19 92. Although there was a smile on his face, the expressions on the faces of doctors present there reflected anxiety indicating hopeless situation. There was still a period of 2 hours for the auspicious moment of Gruhapravesham. I was getting a feeling that the ray of hope in me was flickering and was about to be extinguished by wind. Patient’s eyes were reflecting his desire to be present at the Gruhapravesham of his newly built house.

I went to the priest’s house and saw the peaceful cum gentle smile on the face of Sri Sainath in the picture. HIS devotees are being thrown about here and there in a storm. What is the significance of the gentle smile on Sri Sai’s face? An unexpected courage surged within me. I narrated the situation to the priest. He referred to the almanac and said that Dasami (10th day of 15 days moon phase) commences from 9 AM and hence the Gruhapravesham ceremony can be performed soon after that. I returned immediately to the Nursing home, sanctified the patient by giving him a vibhuthi bath (an act of rubbing / smearing the body with sacred ash), made the patient to wear new clothes, brought an ambulance at 8:30 AM to take him to his newly constructed house. The doctors were not agreeing to the patient being moved in such a manner. I prayed to Sri Sai. This is a test put by Sri Sai. I gathered courage and took the patient to the newly constructed house. All relatives were eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sri Somayajulu garu. All eyes were focused on the patient being brought out lying on a stretcher from the ambulance, but the eyes of the patient were focused on his new house. I was silently chanting Sri Sai’s name every moment, the clock struck 9 in the morning, musicians started playing Sannayi / Shehnai (a wind instrument), the patient cannot walk, he is lying on a stretcher, his wife and my aunt was standing by his side with a pumpkin in her hands, the priest was standing next to her. All of us entered the new house together accompanied by priest chanting mantras and musicians playing Sannayi. I understood then the significance of the benign smile radiating from Sri Sainath’s portrait. We were all mentally disturbed and anxious to a great extent about what was going to happen but Sri Sainath smilingly accepted as well as took over the burden of Gruhapravesham and made HIS 9th principle come true. In other words Sri Sainath kept HIS word and ensured that the Gruhapravesham ceremony took place smoothly. Is not this a Sri Sai Leela (miracle)? Is not this a proof and witness to the 11 principles enunciated by HIM? Pause and think about what you have read so far. Develop faith and trust only in HIM. I will continue writing about the subsequent events in next issue (16-10-2010 The love of mother ShirdiSai)

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-31

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-31

Chapter 41 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

Sri Hemadri Pant dealt mainly about the Importance of Sri Sai’s picture, the method of serving Sri Sai without any intermediaries and books / treatises, which can be used for daily Devotional reading, in this chapter and nicely elaborated on these aspects. “ Framed pictures of many yogis (God realized souls) hung in the house of Sri Ali Mohammed were worn out due to wear and tear of time, but the framed picture of Sri Sai survived the effect of time wheel. This incident shows that Sai Baba is omniscient and omnipotent.” Similar incident occurred in my life. My father bought a small picture of Sri Sai and got it framed about 70 years ago. Today that frame is disintegrating after being attacked by termites but Sri Sai’s picture still looks new and with life. SriHemadri Pant says in this chapter “ Baba knows the past, present and future of everything. He adroitly manipulates the strings and fulfills the desires of His devotees.” There is absolutely no doubt regarding this aspect. Sri Sai knows every incident that occurred in my life.

Once when I was in meditation, Sri Sai said, “ What are your feelings after reading My Life Story? Don’t you feel and see MY INFLUENCE on your life?” In this chapter you can see the analogy between the questioning Balak Ram and stealing of rags that Baba did not like this attitude of asking others. “HE himself is ever willing to answer any question and hence did not like anyone asking others about Baba.” Even after being so written, so explicitly in Sri Sai Satcharitra, it is nothing but our ignorance if we approach others to learn about Sri Sai, HIS biography and HIS philosophy. Therefore every literate individual must read the version of Sri Sai Satcharitra in one’s own mother tongue and it is better to seek clarifications on one’s doubts directly from Sri Sai during meditation. Such Sadhana (practice) is very much essential to every seeker, as it is not possible to get answers through intermediaries. The fact that I did go to a couple of intermediaries, during 1989 – 90, for finding out more about Sri Sai is true. But I have discontinued such a practice there after. Now I meditate on Sri Sai, before retiring to bed at night, and pray to HIM to enlighten me on things baffling me. I place the problems faced by me before HIM and convey my doubts about spiritual matters to HIM and seek answers from HIM. Sri Sai with HIS abundant love for me, appears in my dreams and through such visions provides answers to my doubts. I pray that all Sai devotees adopt such a procedure and obtain peace and happiness in their lives.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-30

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-30

Chapter 40 of Sri Sai satcharita

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Sairam,

Sri Hemadri Pant narrated in this chapter40 an incident through which he experienced a Sri Sai Leela. The incident was Sri Sai’s arrival in the form of a photograph at the residence of Sri Hemadri Pant. I quote from the chapter "Sri Hemadri Pant unwrapped the newspaper, used to wrap the package, and found with delight a big framed beautiful picture of Sri Sai inside. He was immensely wonder struck; his heart melt and tears of joy flowed from his eyes. He had goose pimples, he bent forwards and touched with reverence Baba’s feet in the picture."

I have experienced a similar incident in my life. It was during the year 1990 I had decided to install a new-framed picture of Sri Sai on Vijaya Dasami day (10th day of the Dasara festival) in our house and do Anna Santarpana (feeding of the poor). I had bought a nice photo of Sri Sai and gave it for framing well in time, in fact 7 days before Vijaya Dasami, in a photo framing shop near our house and had even paid an advance amount of Rs. 50 to the shop owner. He promised to deliver the framed photo in 2 days time. He did not keep his word and the framed photo was not even ready on the penultimate day. I confronted the shop owner on his breach of promise and his response was " Why are you getting agitated? I will work in the night to complete the framing job and deliver the finished product at your doorstep tomorrow well in time for your Puja (ritual worship). This is my promise." I believed in his promise.

The next day dawned, it was Vijaya Dasami, the hour of worship was approaching and our house did not have a framed picture of Sri Sai Samadhi Mandir along with HIS idol. One had to go a long distance to a market for purchasing a ready made framed picture of Sri Sai for which there was not enough time. The time for the noon Harati was fast approaching and I did not know what to do. In that helpless situation I could not do anything but pray to Sri Sai from the bottom of my heart and asked for a solution to the problem faced by me. At that time I did not even possess the book Sri Sai Satcharitra, on the life of Sri Sai, and did not read that book. My thoughts were going haywire as I did not possess the desired framed photo of Sri Sai, did not know how to perform the noon Harati and unconsciously I picked up a book of pictures, purchased by me in 1989 during my first visit to Shirdi. The picture of Sri Sai on the cover of the book did not catch my fancy. I opened the book and saw the picture of Sri Sai, visualized by me, on the 1st page. At that moment I experienced the same feeling experienced by Sri Hemadri Pant in those days. Immediately I placed that picture on a table and gave the noon Harati. I did not know that that book contained a picture of Sri Sai as visualized and desired by me. I trusted that Photo frame dealer before Vijaya Dasami, but he let me down. I put all my trust and faith in Sri Sai as a last resort, at the time of noon Harati on that Vijaya Dasami day, and HE alleviated my mental anguish by HIS coming to my home in the form of a picture in that book. So you place your full faith and trust, from the depths of your mind, in GOD i.e. Sri Sai when you are cornered in a difficult situation and HE will come forward in some form or other to help you. You must believe in this principle.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa--29

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa--29

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 38 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

Sri Hemadri Pant elaborated, in this chapter, on Annadanam (offering of food to hungry) performed by Sri Sai at Shirdi, details of utensils used by HIM for preparing the food, the way HE cooked the Naivedyam (items of food offered to GOD) and the abundant LOVE Sri Sai had for Sri Hemadri Pant. All aspects of performing Annadanam have clearly been explained in this chapter. It is said - Feeding the hungry & poor (Annadanam) is the best amongst all varieties of charity-.

Now I will write about an incident that occurred in my life while performing Annadanam, so read on carefully. That day 17 October 1991 was Vijaya Dashami (last day of Hindu festival Dussera) and I prayed to Sri Sai, after the morning Harati, from the bottom of my heart saying - Baba grant me an opportunity to feed at least 10 people in my house today. I will eat only after feeding 10 people-. This was the vow taken by me that morning. I performed the afternoon Harati. Invited guests and visitors started arriving at our house for lunch. By 3 PM 9 guests have been fed and I did not have my meal as yet. I had vowed before Sri Sai that I will eat only after feeding 10 individuals and I was determined to keep my word. 10th guest did not arrive and it was 4 PM in the evening. Even my wife finished her meal and my determination to fulfill my vow increased. A fleeting thought crossed my mind that couldn't Sri Sai send 10 individuals to my house for a meal? I had been fasting since morning, was suffering from hunger pains in my stomach and was in mental agony, as the 10th guest did not arrive. Not knowing what to do, I looked at Sri Sainath's portrait with sad eyes. HIS bewitching smile was testing my patience. If the saying that Sri Sai never permitted anyone to fast was true, then why am I in this situation with hunger on this day? What is the significance of the bewitching smile on Sri Sai's face when I am suffering from hunger pains? I needed answers to these questions and was wondering on whom to approach for the answers. At that moment my eyes fell on the book titled Sai Baba of Shirdi - a Unique Saint written by MV Kamath & VB Kher, bought by me on 16 October 1991, in the bookshelf in front of me. I opened the bookshelf, took that book in my hand, praying wholeheartedly to Sri Sai - You came to my house yesterday in the form of this new book and I can visualize you in this book. You must give answers to my agonizing questions. This is not a test for me but a test for YOU. If you like your devotee to suffer by fasting, I can remain without food for a full one day. 10th guest has not yet arrived at my house for a meal. I will have my meal only after the 10th guest finishes his meal. It is for YOU to tell me what to do now-. Praying to Sri Sai thus, I held the new book in my hands closed my eyes and opened the book randomly. When I opened my eyes, the book was open at page No. 135 and I started searching for answers to my questions on that page. Sri Sai visualized in the form of last sentence on that page and gave answers sought by me thus - Do you want me to eat more? Go now and have your meal-. I was filled with unexplained happiness. Did Sri Sai himself arrive as the 10th guest in my house and had HIS meal? I could not believe it, as I have not seen any individual arriving as the 10th guest. I did not even see any animal coming to our house so HE could not have come in the form an animal. I was wondering about in which form had Sri Sai come and took HIS meal. It was then that my eyes fell on an ant, which was circumambulating round the plate, with food offerings, placed in front of Sri Sai's portrait. Sri Sai's words, contained in the 9th chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, came to my mind. These words were - Similarly cats, pigs, flies, cows etc. are all my forms. I am going around in these forms. I am present in all living beings-. I mentally paid my respects and thanked Sri Sai, realized that Sri Sai never made HIS devotees to undertake fasting and had my meal as 11th person at 4:45 PM on that day.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-28

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-28

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 37 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

Sri Hemadri Pant described Sri Sai's attributes and details of the procession to Chavadi (one of the 2 places in Shirdi where Sri Sai used to sleep) in this chapter. Sri Hemadri Pant writes - HE was never lazy, never dozed but was ever alert and was always present to the Aathma (Inner spirit)-. HE himself mended his worn out Kafnis (a type of robe worn by him) during afternoon hours when HE had free time from his devotees. HE never permitted his devotees, who volunteered to take on this task, to mend his old robes. In doing so HE has set an example to his devotees to give up laziness. We must understand, from this, that HE did not mend old torn robes but mended the broken lives of HIS devotees. Sri Hemadri Pant writes further - Let the knowledge, gained from association with HIM; be with us till our last breath! Let us forever serve HIS feet with devotion from bottom of our hearts! Let us see HIM in all living beings! Let us LOVE HIS name forever-! How fortunate was Sri Hemadri Pant, who put into practice each word said by HIM in his life and became an ideal to be followed by fellow Sai Bandhus (Sai devotees). If you can truly follow the path shown by him we will become a true Sri Sai devotee. We are all born after 1918 and hence were not fortunate enough to witness the procession to Chavadi of Sri Sai. Hence please read this chapter with full devotion and concentration fill your heart with Sri Sai and get a feel of the procession to Chavadi by visualizing the same. Sri Hemadri Pant describes the blessedness of Sri Sai's chillum (earthen smoking pipe) thus - Even the inanimate Chillum becomes blessed by coming into contact with HIM. Initially it had to undergo much turmoil's and travails. The earth was subjected to trampling by the pot maker, was dried in hot sun, was baked in kiln to finally become a Chillum and then became blessed by the divine touch and kiss of Sri Sai Baba-. I was meditating on Sri Sai and HIS devotees of those days, thinking about HIM. I then heard these words uttered by an unfamiliar voice - Your life is like a molten lump of iron, let it be beaten by sledgehammer on an anvil and then quenched by dipping in a liquid called Sai. See the form and color taken by that lump of iron-. That unfamiliar voice belonged to my ardent GOD Sri Sainath, the lump of iron is my life, sledgehammer blows are experiences of my life and I am eagerly waiting for that day for me to be immersed in a liquid called Sri Sai and thus become blessed. After completion of ritual worship of Sri Sai at the end of the procession to Chavadi, all devotees retired to their respective homes. At that time Sri Sai used to call Tatya and tell him - Take good care of ME. If you feel like you may go home but come once in the night to attend to my needs-. It is hard to hear these words of Sri Sai and comprehend them. Aren't you wondering that Sri Sai, who takes care of millions of people, is asking Tatya to take care of HIM? Now I will reveal a small secret. Sri Sai never slept at any time, even during night. He left HIS gross body at Dwarakamayi or Chavadi during nights (seemingly to be sleeping), and traveled millions of miles in HIS ethereal body to save and take care of those devotees of HIS earnestly requesting for HIS succour. At that time HIS gross body was in deep meditation. One should never speak to Sri Sai, when HE is in deep meditation. Erroneously if someone speaks to HIM at such times, Sri Sai's meditation gets disturbed and may result in harm to Sri Sai's devotees. Sri Sai sought help of Tatya and Mhalsapati to ensure that no one touches the gross body of Sri Sai or speak to HIM at such times when HE is in deep meditation. This aspect has amply been described in an English book titled The Incredible Sai Baba written by Mr. Arthur Osborne.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-27

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-27

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 36 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

This chapter contains description of mysterious ways of Sri Sai asking Dakshina (offering) and the means used by HIM for fulfilling wishes of HIS devotees. It becomes crystal clear that one needs experience in spiritual matters for understanding these phenomena. Contemplate on the reasons for Sri Sai accepting Dakshina (offering) from one gentleman and refusal to accept the same from another gentleman, narrated in the episode of two gentlemen from Goa in this chapter. There was also a similar event in my life. I went to Sri Ganesh temple, located near Secunderabad railway station, on a morning during 1990 and worshipped the Lord in the temple. When I came out of the temple, Sri Sai, in the form of an elderly gentleman, confronted me and asked me for an offering by stretching his arm in front of me. My spontaneous response was to give him one Rupee coin. I started to proceed towards Sri Panduranga temple, which was located close by, while mentally meditating on Sri Sai's name. I was thinking that I am always giving one Rupee coin as an offering to Sri Sai and why is Sri Sai not asking a bigger amount as an offering from me? I was inflated with ego and was walking with a thought in my mind that had Sri Sai asked me I would have given one more one Rupee coin as an offering. As I approached Gokul Lodge en-route, a 30year old young FAQIR glared towards me, called me with anger in his tone and uttered these words in Hindi -Do I appear like a beggar to your eyes? Am I starving and asking for an offering? What are you thinking? Give me an offering in the name of Sri Shirdi Sai -. I was greatly frightened when I heard those loud and angry words from a FAQIR in a public place. I asked mentally pardon for my arrogant thoughts, took out a two Rupees currency note from my pocket and gave it to the young FAQIR. I started walking briskly, with an agitated mind and praying to Sri Sai, and reached Sri Panduranga Vithal temple.

This incident generated a chain of thoughts in my mind. Sri Sai comes to know, very easily, our innermost thoughts. HE is Omnipresent and Omniscient. I came to a firm conclusion that HE is the ruler of every individual's heart. I believe that this incident in my life will make all Saidevotees happy and start thinking about spiritual matters. Sri Sai never accepted any money as alms from any one. HE accepted money only as Dakshina (offering) and that too for freeing the giver from his / her past debt. Even if you offer a large amount of money as Dakshina (offering) to Sri Sai, HE will not accept it. HE will accept only the exact amount owed by you and this is my firm belief.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-26

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-26

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 35 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

I believe that Sri Sai devotees, who have read Sri Sai Satcharitra, will consider this incident as a happy event. Sri Sai's words on contributions to good & righteous causes, contained in this chapter are - If I take one Rupee as Dakshina (offering) from anyone I will have to return 10 times that amount to that person. I will never take anything gratis-. Would you like me to write my views on this statement? OK, then read on. I get unknown happiness in my mind when I give one Rupee as an offering in Sri Sai's name to any aspirant on any day. I have never experienced shortage of food and clothing. Prior to 1989, I faced financial hardships, could not even afford to get my clothes pressed by washer man and suffered mental agony for selling the gold ring, worn by me, to make both ends meet. I did not face such a miserable situation after 1990. I settled all the loans taken for construction of my house. I did not have to borrow money or take loan in my life after 1990. I did not have any big bank balance. What I had was a huge balance called contentedness and deep satisfaction in my mind. Probably this state is the result of my offering one Rupee as an offering in Sri Sai's name to poor and needy whenever I came across them. The inner meaning of Sri Sai's words - I will give ten folds of what I receive - is that HE will give ten folds Happiness and Peace.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-25

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-25

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 35 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

I am writing my personal views in this letter. Incase you yearn and aspire for the divine grace of Sri Sai Baba, you make a personal effort to learn about HIM instead of seeking HIM through middlemen. If you feel so, you may listen to words uttered by middlemen, but please do not address them as Sadgurus (Good Preceptors).

Now-a-days one comes across many devotees of Sri Sai claiming them to be Sadgurus, by prefixing that title before their names. They claim that they are the only ones who have truly surrendered to Sri Sai and are getting accepted as such in the society. These may be Acharyas (Professors) in Sai University, but there is only one Chancellor who is Sri Sai Baba himself. Similarly there may be great many ardent devotees of Sri Sai, but these devotees cannot be called as Sadgurus. Listen to anyone speaking about Sri Sai; understand the good values from such speeches and Seeing Sri Sai in them pay your respects by touching their feet. Your salutations will reach Sri Sainath. Episode of Kaka Mahajani's friend, narrated in this chapter, contains the following words of Sri Sai - You take that away. Remove the wall of dualism separating us. Then we can meet face to face and see eye to eye-. Sri Sai devotees going to middlemen for finding out about Sri Sai, even after coming to know these words of Sri Sai, is utterly ridiculous. Now you may ask me to explain my conduct on this issue. I do admit that during the period: 1989 - 90 I did go to middlemen and the so-called Sadgurus for finding out about Sri Sai. Sri Sainath himself corrected this aberration of mine. Once we realize our mistakes and make amends, we will not normally repeat the mistake.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-24

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-24

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 34 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

Sri Hemadri Pant continued to describe the Mahima (supernatural power) of Udi (sacred ash) in this chapter also. Sri Sai Satcharitra is a treasure house for Leelas (divine occurrences) of Sri Sai before HE attained Maha Samadhi (an act of merging the spirit with the eternal spirit GOD). Sai devotees are witness to Sri Sai Leelas performed after the year 1918 i.e. from the time Sri Sai ceased to exist in HIS human form. Cultivate faith in words of Sri Sai quoted in this chapter. His words are - Those who step into Dwarakamayi in full faith, will never suffer from any disease or ailment in this life-. Prior to 1989 I suffered many a time with severe pain in my joints. I did not suffer any more from these joint pains after 1990 to this date. I attribute this improvement in my health to my visit to Shirdi, stepping into Dwarakamayi and surrendering myself at Sri Sai's feet in 1990. Note Sri Sai's words quoted in the episode of Dr. Pillai in this chapter. His words are - Tell him to be fearless. Why should he suffer for 10 births? I can mitigate all sins of his past lives in 10 days-. In my opinion an ordinary human being can never utter such words to generate courage in a hopeless situation. The supreme GOD incarnated as Sri Sai in a human form and only HE could forgive sins of devotees, mitigate consequences of such sins and bring relief. This way HE ensured that devotees developed unflinching faith in the supreme GOD. Sri Sai's words uttered in HIS human form showcase HIS divinity and humility. Note these words - I am not God, I am not Lord, I am only HIS obedient servant-.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-23

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-23

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 33 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

Sri Hemadri Pant described in this chapter the Mahima (supernatural power) of Udi (sacred ash) from Dhuni (eternal fireplace) at Dwarakamayi (Sri Sai's residence). You can understand the supernatural power of Udi when you read with devotion Sri Sai Satcharitra. I have adopted the ritual of applying regularly Udi on my forehead in my daily life. During my visit to Korea in May 1991, General Manager of a Korean company called SAMMI asked me a question. That question was - What is the significance of the two marks, one vermilion and the other white, on your forehead? I have met many Indians, some with a vermilion mark, some with a white mark and some with no mark on their foreheads. But I have not come across anyone with both vermilion and white marks before meeting you and hence my curiosity and the question. Why should anyone wear both the marks on the forehead and can you please enlighten me on this? I was lost in thought for a while on what should be my response to these questions. Then I recollected Sri Sai's words from this chapter - All the things we see in this world are not permanent, similar to Ash. Our body made out of five elements, after enjoying material comforts will ultimately disintegrate into Ash (concept similar to From Dust to Dust)-. I replied immediately - the vermilion mark on my forehead represents the spirit or life force that is within my body. Soon after the spirit or the life force leaves my body i.e. when I die, the body will be cremated and inevitably turn into ash. The white mark of ash on my forehead is for reminding me this eternal truth. Thus the vermilion and white marks on my forehead represent the cycle of life (birth) and death which are certain-. The

Korean gentleman was greatly astonished at my reply, and he immediately made a note of the same in his diary. I derived immense happiness at being able to tell the significance of Udi, as narrated by Sri Sai to Sri Hemadri Pant in those days, to foreigners in Korea during 1991.

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-22

How I See Sri Sai Satcharita -by Saibanisa-22

E-mail ID : saibanisa@yahoo.com

Chapter 33 of Sri Sai satcharita

Sairam

Sri Hemadri Pant narrated an episode concerning Sri Appasaheb Kulkarni in this chapter. After reading this episode I am reminded of an incident that occurred on 22nd March 1991 evening. I will write about this incident. 22nd March is my wedding anniversary day. Myself and my wife went to Sri Kanyaka Parameswari temple that evening. When we reached the temple, the priest had not as yet opened the doors of the sanctum sanctorum.

I was meditating on Sri Sai's name and at that time one recluse appeared at the entrance to the temple. He announced that he had come from Sri Kanaka Durga temple at Vijayawada and asked for Dakshina (offering). I gave him one Rupee coin, which he accepted and went away. A thought occurred, after his departure, in my mind that I should have given at least Rs.10 as an offering as it was our anniversary that day. I then resolved that if he came back I would give him Rs.10 as an offering. By that time the temple priest opened the sanctum sanctorum doors. My wife and me performed Kumkuma Archana (ritual worship of the deity using vermilion coloured powder), came out of the temple and sat on the steps outside. A Sikh recluse, wearing white clothes, went around the temple once and sat next to us. He had a cloth bag slung on his shoulder. He held a tin in one hand and a short stick in his other hand. The moment I looked at him I could visualize Sri Sainath in him. I asked the Sikh recluse wherefrom had he come. He replied stating that he came from an Ashram (hermitage) in Nasik City on the banks of Godavari River. I imagined him to be Sri Sai in that form, gave Rs.10 as an offering, which I had resolved to give the earlier recluse if he came back. The Sikh recluse accepted Rs.10 offering, blessed my wife and me and then left. When he was accepting Rs.10 from me the Sikh recluse appeared tome as Sri Sai himself.

Sri Hemadri Pant wrote about Sri Haribhau Karnik at the end of this chapter. After reading that episode I resolved in 1991 that I would offer clothes, in the name of Sri Sai, on every Guru Purnima day (a Hindu holy festival). It is for Sri Sainath to accept my resolution of offering clothes in HIS name on every Guru Purnima day. How Guru Purnima will be celebrated by me in future depends on Sri Sainath's grace and not in my hands.