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.