Preface

By the Author

This volume has been referred to in the “Introduction to Sai Baba,” as furnishing part of the evidence on which the conclusions in that booklet are based. Besides strengthening the faith of the reader in the facts mentioned therein and in the nature of Sri Sai Baba and his methods these pages may furnish hints to the careful reader on other matters also. For instance, the first statement here, which is that of an esteemed friend, a High Court Judge still in active service, would help a reader who first approaches Baba to get into close, nay intimate touch with him and derive the fullest benefit therefrom benefit greater, perhaps, than that the Judge has derived. It is a matter of regret to this writer that he has to present that Judge to the readers under a pseudonym. But as that gentleman felt it delicate to have his experiences published broadcast over his real name, that feeling had to be respected. The only other pseudonym in this volume (Part I) is “Mrs. Manager.” Indian readers would naturally expect and respect this feeling of delicacy in a lady at appearing before the public with her statement. The pseudonym given correctly indicates her status and that of her husband. These are regarded by all who know them as eminent devotees worthy of credit. The credentials of the other devotees whose statements are given appear on the surface and need no comment. Prof. Narke is clear, guarded, yet emphatic in all that he says. Rao Bahadur S. B. Dhumal, Mr. R. B. Purandhare and Mr. S. B. Nachne (who along with the Judge appear to be the most ardent among the lovers of Baba included in this part) have revealed the fact that they are constantly receiving Baba’s help ever since het y came under his care. An enthusiastic reader need not despair of achieving the same result for himself. Several Madrasee devotees who learnt of Baba within the last two years, i.e., after this writer’s articles appeared in the Sunday Times, Madras, (1936) have got into intimate touch with Sai Baba and are receiving his guidance and help, every day-nay every hour. The holy Swami Naraina Tirtha reveals how he was enabled by Baba to enjoy the mystic bliss of perceiving that all things are but his own self-that difference is really non-existent. The reader may be assured that such high advaitic flights are by no means confined to the older devotees that were privileged to see Baba in the flesh. The modern devotee can still derive similar and even higher benefits by concentrating his love on Baba. That Baba works greater wonders now than before his mahasamadhi may be illustrated by the following incident reported elsewhere by Sai’s devotees. Dr. Rane in spite of his English medical training and degrees, was helpless when his wife’s skin was seriously discoloured by leprosy after Baba passed away. But he and his wife stayed at Shirdi for six months; and during that period she had her daily bath in the Abhisheka water and used Baba’s Udhi. Some improvement was noticed. Then the couple went to Bombay and continued the use of Baba’s Udhi and Abhisheka Tirtha. In two years the natural colour of the skin was entirely resorted and the cure was complete. This was years after Baba’s mahasamadhi.

The other statements in this part speak for themselves-and show how far Baba helped in overcoming the unfortunate differences between the two great communities of India. The case of Abdulla Jan who came from beyond the Himalayas, with the view that Indians-especially Hindus-are natural enemies and prey of stronger northern races, and was so deeply changed by contact with Sai Baba as to regard Hindus as his brethten and internecine quarrels as destructive of the country’s welfare is by no means a solitary exception but typical of whole groups. Communal clashes between these two faiths are unknown to Shirdi, where Hindus build Baba’s mosque and tomb at which both communities pray or worship. A Brahmin devotee has constructed a mosque for his Moslem visitors at Sakori (Smiles from Shirdi) close to the Datta and Maruti temples there; and no disturbance of public tranquillity has occured or is apprehended. Baba combining in himself all that is best in Hinduism and Islam and being revered by both communities is the ideal link between them-a link forged not from worldly materials but from the highest elements of human nature.

The last statements are typical of the fellow feeling of Baba (and of the devotees following his noble example) towards other faiths, e.g, the Christian. The very few differences during Baba’s long stay at Shirdi that are mentioned in statements I & IX are the exceptions which prove the general rule of harmony. These and other important points would be further brought out in the subsequent parts of Devotees’ Expeirences that will be issued hereafter.

In closing this preface, the writer must gratefully acknowledge the kindness of the numerous devotees that have disclosed their experiences to him. One of these devotees requires special mention and that is Mr. P.R. Avesti, B.A., LL.B, formerly a Sessions Judge in Gwalior. But for his indefatigable exertions and great kindness in introducing this writer to scores of devotees, interpreting their statements when made in the vernacular and translating the vernacular books and documents about Sri Sai into English, this and other works on Sai could never have been written by this writer.