1Now to continue the story, of how the devotees faced troubles when they insisted on returning to their destinations without Baba’s permission.
2And also, of the mendicant life style of Baba which he had adopted and which he practised until the end, for the washing off of the five sins,[1] for the sake of the good of his devotees.
3Beginning from Brahman (the permanent and immovable) and ending with all immovable objects, Sai himself is manifest everywhere. Sai, being kind, imprinted (on all minds) that God exists in all creatures.
4Therefore, all you listeners, I appeal to you to listen with attention. By listening to these holy stories, you will accomplish your own well-being.
5This was a characteristic of the pilgrimage to Shirdi, that if a devotee would try to return without Baba’s permission, he would be inviting trouble.
6But, once permission is given, it was impossible to stay in Shirdi even for a moment. If one stayed on, difficulties would be faced. This was the experience of all.
7Those who disobeyed his wishes, suffered on the way. Some were robbed; and they remembered their experience till the end of life.
8If he asked them to eat a little and then leave, and if still a person hurriedly[2] left without food, he would not catch the train and would also go hungry. Many devotees experienced this.
9Once Patil, Tatya Kote, was going to Kopergaon where the weekly bazaar was held. On the way, he came to the Masjid.
10He asked for the tonga to wait; came and took Baba’s darshan, bowed at his feet and pretended to ask for permission to leave.
11The devotee may try to evade, but Baba was aware of the propitious moment or otherwise. Seeing that Tatya was in a hurry, he asked him to wait for a while.
12“Let the bazaar take place! Don’t leave the village”. But seeing that Tatya was very keen, he asked him to take Shama along.
13‘What is the point in taking Shama’! Thinking this, he disregarded his order and went and sat in the tonga and set off for the bazaar.
14Out of the two horses, one was very active and restless. It cost Rs. 300/-. When they neared the well at Sawul, it became unrestrained.
15The horse which never needed whipping and would reach the bazaar within an hour, suddenly got a catch in his back and began limping.
16So neither the market nor the shopping! Tatya remembered Sai Mother and felt that if he had obeyed timely, he would have avoided the accident. But nothing can be done about things past.
17On another occasion, a similar incident took place. Tatya set out to go to Kolhar village. He harnessed the tonga and came to seek permission and bowed at Baba’s feet.
18“I’ll just go and return”, he said. He had not got his consent, nevertheless Tatya went ahead and left. Listen to what happened next.
19The tonga had a horse which ran uncontrollably. The horse started rearing. He did not pay heed to the hurdles or obstacles on the way. It was a question of life and death.
20Be it so. With Sai’s grace that danger was averted. The tonga dashed against the babul tree. It was fortunate that it broke there. Further danger was averted.
21Similarly, an European gentleman, residing in Bombay, came for Sai’s darshan with some inner motives.
22He had some influence with Chandorkar, who wrote a letter to Madhavrao. He asked for a tent and stayed there comfortably.
23Could anyone dare to climb the steps of the Masjid and return after taking darshan, at one’s sweet will, against Baba’s permission? It was known to every one that this was impossible.
24He tried thrice to climb the steps of the Masjid but it was all in vain. The spirits of the guest were dampened.
25His inner wish was to climb up the steps of the Masjid, bow down to Baba by falling on his knees and sit down there after kissing his hands.
26That was his wish. But Baba did not let him come up to sit close to him in the Masjid, at that time.
27He should be down in the courtyard and sit there only, if he wanted. He could take the darshan from there only. But he should not come up.
28Be it so. Later on he thought of leaving. He came into the courtyard to take leave. Then Baba said he should go next day. Why is there so much of a hurry?
29A lot of people told him and requested him, in several ways, not to go. Those who left without permission had greatly repented, they said.
30Nothing can prevent what is fated! He did not follow the advice and left without permission. He suffered on the way.
31At first, the carriage went well. Later on, the horses left the track. When they were beyond the well at Sawul,[3] a bicycle came in the way.
32The gentleman was seated in the rear of the carriage. Suddenly the carriage gave a jerk. It lost its balance and overturned on the road.
33With great efforts the carriage was controlled. The man got dragged for some distance. Then he was picked up and put into the carriage, which then moved forward again.
34Shirdi was left behind on one side. Bombay was on the other side. The carriage[4] was then taken in the direction of the hospital, at Kopergaon.
35So be it. The man stayed there for some days, repentant and distressed. He was undergoing the punishment due to his disobedience, as per his destiny.
36There were many such instances. People began to have fear and apprehension and began to obey Baba’s wishes. They dared not disobey.
37In some cases the wheel[5] of the carriage came off; in some cases the horses got tired; in other cases they missed their trains, remained hungry and had to survive on puffed rice.
38On the contrary, those who respected his wishes were able to catch the trains even at odd times. They had a pleasant journey and remembered it throughout their life.
39If people have doubts about why Baba preferred to beg for alms, for years together, then get the doubts cleared, and bear in mind the clarification.
40If we look at Baba’s life-style, it seems that it was the right thing for him to do to beg alms; because it gave pleasure to the people, and would do good to them to fulfil their duties as householders.
41The one who surrenders body-speech-mind-wealth at Sai’s feet, such a devotee is deeply loved by Sai.
42The householder is in charge of whatever food is cooked in the home. He has to offer the food to a mendicant and a brahmachari[6] in the first place.
43The householder who partakes of food without giving it to them has to perform the Chandrayan Vrat[7], which is advocated by the Shastras as a means of three fold purification[8].
44It is forbidden for the mendicants and the brahmacharis to cook. If they do they will have to forcibly observe the Chandrayan Vrat.
45Therefore the Shastras have placed the onus of taking care of their needs on the householder. Mendicants never exert themselves to fulfil their hunger.
46Baba was never a householder and did not become a ‘Vanaprashthachari’[9]. He was only a brahmachari from his youth and also a sanyasi. Therefore, to beg alms was the rightful thing for him to do.
47“The whole universe is my home. I am myself Vasudev and all pervading God. I am myself the Parabrahma”. One who has such firm conviction,
48has the fullest right to beg alms. He believed in the philosophy that the whole world is one family. The others make a mockery of this philosophy, as can be seen, on all crossroads.
49At the outset, one should give up the wish for a son,[10] then lust for wealth and status. One who has given up these three desires, he only has the right to beg for alms.
50Otherwise, as Tukaram quotes: “Fie upon that life depending upon charity and begging”, because it is useless without understanding the meaning of such a life.
51The great Sai is a very great Siddha (or yogi). That is known to all, young and old. But we, who are full of worldly ties, do not devotedly attach to his divine feet.
52Without the five sacrifices[11], the householder is advised against eating of food. But Sai would perform these sacrifices[12] and get the food cooked and daily purified the meals.
53Everyday he would go to five houses and remind the hosts about the Attithi Yagna. So the persons were really fortunate who could sit at home and earn the ‘punya’[13].
54Those people, who after performing the ‘panchmaha yagnas’, ate the remaining food, were saved from the terrible and unknown five sins, because the sins were burnt.
55The well-known five sins are: “kandani” – pestle, “chulli” – lighting the hearth fire, “udkumbhi” – water pots; “peshani” – grinding, “marjani” – sweeping.
56The grains are put in the pot (ukkal) and the pestle strikes the grain so that the chaff is removed and unknowingly during this activity lives are destroyed.
57But the grains are not edible without the above-mentioned treatment. Therefore, the sin known as “kandani” is counted first in the list of “Panch soonas”.
58In the stove, wood is burnt and cooking is done. There also, without knowing, life is destroyed. This sin is known as "chulli’, the second sin.
59Even in a grinding stone or wooden grinding mill, when grains are ground, unknowingly innumerable lives are destroyed. That sin is known as “peshani”.
60When people bring water in the pots from a well, or a lake, or a tank, or when men and women wash clothes, innumerable lives are destroyed.
61While cleaning the pot, scrubbing and rubbing with the hands, unwittingly life is destroyed. This is the fourth sin of “udkumbhi”.
62Similarly, when bathing in lukewarm water or while sprinkling cow-dung (on the floor), life is destroyed pitiably. This sin is called “marjani”.
63In order to be free from these five sins, a householder has to perform these five ‘maha yagnas’, after which the sins are destroyed and he attains purity.
64This is the power of purity of mind. The pure knowledge that is gained is sinless. After knowledge, liberation is secured. This is the attainment of the goal of life.
65So be it. This was Baba’s philosophy of mendicancy, writing about which has increased the pages of this book. Listen to a different type of story. Then we will close this chapter.
66There should be only love in your heart. If any one sent anything (for him) with someone, and if that person forgot, Baba would not forget to ask.
67Whether it was a vegetable or ‘bhakri’ or sweetmeats, the devotion should be strong. When Sai came across such a devotee, in whom there was such faith, then his love would swell.
68This is the story of a loving devotee, which will be a pleasure to hear. If anyone forgets the task assigned to him, Baba himself guides him to the right path.
69His teaching was so agreeable. He gave necessary and timely awakening. Fortunate were those who experienced it and their bliss was inexplicable.
70For one of his leading devotees, Ramchandra whose father was Atmaram and whose surname was Tarkhad, Sai was a haven of refuge.
71But as he was known as Babasaheb Tarkhad by all, we will use the same name in this book, as it is not necessary to use the other name.
72With overflowing love for Sai, Tarkhad used to be overwhelmed and, as it were, be anointed by it; and when he described his experiences listening to them was a pleasure.
73Oh, how great was his devotion! At every step he would experience Sai, and each one would be more marvellous than the other. He would relate these experiences accompanied by appealing gestures.
74Babasaheb was an unparalleled devotee. He had a painting of Sai’s image, at his home in a huge beautiful sandalwood shrine, which he worshipped thrice a day.
75Tarkhad was very fortunate in having a son equally devoted to Sai. He did not even eat his food till he offered “naivedya” to Sai.
76Having taken a bath early morning, he would always perform the puja of the picture with his whole heart, mind, speech and body and offer “naivedya”, full of devotion.
77This was his daily routine, which was carried on without exception. His labour bore fruit. He had excellent experiences.
78Even his mother was a great devotee of Sai. She had a desire to go to Shirdi and the father wished that the son should accompany her.
79She wished to go to Shirdi – take darshan of the powerful Lord – spend some days there – and actually serve at his feet.
80Although his father wished it, the son did not wish to go, as he was worried as to who would perform the puja regularly at the home.
81His father was a Prathnasamajist[14]. Would it be right to ask him to take the trouble to do image worship[15]. This was a big dilemma for the son.
82Nevertheless, knowing his wishes[16], the son got ready to leave. He entreatingly and lovingly requested his father. Listen to that wonderful story.
83“Unless Sai is offered “naivedya”, no one should eat the food at home. Until this is promised, I won’t be able to go carefree”.
84The father already knew the son’s daily ritual; he said, "Go, I will do the “naivedya” regularly. You may remain without any anxiety.
85Before making the offering to Sai, no one will partake of the food. Take this as my word of honour and do not hesitate. Go at ease".
86Having been thus assured, the boy left for Shirdi. Then from the next day, Tarkhad himself did the puja.
87The next day, before starting the puja, Babasaheb Tarkhad came before the portrait, prostrated himself and prayed.
88“Baba accept my services in the same way, as my son was doing the puja. Let it not be just a drill, on my part. Pour your love into my heart”.
89Having bathed early morning, Tarkhad began doing the puja with devotion every day and offering naivedya also.
90Babasaheb used to offer a piece of rock sugar in the naivedya regularly. This practice continued uninterruptedly. But one day it was broken.
91Once, being pre-occupied with official matters, Tarkhad forgot and everybody had their meals without naivedya one day.
92Tarkhadsaheb was the Chief Officer of a big mill. Therefore, in the morning he had to go out every day for his work.
93Then by the time it was afternoon, he returned. As mentioned earlier about the sugar prasad, when he sat down to his meals, he partook of it.
94This was the usual practice. On one occasion he forgot. The sugar was not put in the naivedya, and he also did not get the prasad.
95Every day, the cook would serve the piece of sugar last, when he started his meals, as if it was the purification of the food.
96But on that day, at the time of the puja, there was some hurry, and the sugar naivedya remained undone. Therefore he also had no prasad.
97Immediately, Tarkhad left his meal, and being very repentant, bowed down to the portrait of Sai and with tears in his eyes said:-
98"Baba, what illusion have you shown! How did you cause this confusion of mind? How did you let me just do a drill! First forgive me.
99It’s not a mistake but a great sin. I am greatly repentant. A mistake; but I did not deliberately make the mistake. Please be merciful to me, Maharaja".
100He prostrated himself at the foot of the portrait. He was full of remorse. He said: “Maharaj, cloud of mercy, have pity on me”.
101Saying this he sent a letter to his son, in great humility and shame. "A great error has been committed by me. Pray that I may be forgiven.
102Have mercy on one who has completely surrendered. Pray entreatingly to Sai in these words. Ask for this humble servant, his gesture of forgiveness and his assuring words".
103This incident took place at Bandra, whereas Shirdi was a hundred kos away. But the news reached there immediately. Listen to Baba’s words about it.
104Now have the proof of Maharaj’s ability, of the knowledge without distortion, beyond time and place and about the past, present and future.
105On that day here, while the son was in Shirdi, at that very moment what happened when he bowed down at Sai’s feet, the listeners should hear carefully.
106The son, full of enthusiasm, came with his mother to pay homage. Listening to what Sai said to his mother astounded him.
107"Oh, mother! What should be done. To-day when I went to Bandra, as usual, I did not get anything to eat, or drink rice-water, and had to return hungry.
108Mark the bonds that we have from the past births! Even if the doors are closed, I entered at my own sweet will. Who can obstruct me?
109The master of the house was not at home. I was ravenously hungry. I had to return without food, in the heat of the afternoon sun".
110When he heard these words, the son immediately realised that his father perhaps had forgotten to offer naivedya.
111The son requested Baba to let him go home. But Baba did not allow him and got him to do the puja there only.
112That very day, he sent a detailed letter from Shirdi. On receiving and reading that letter the father’s heart melted.
113His letter was also received there (the letters crossed). The son was also surprised. His eyes also filled with tears, which rolled down.
114See the sport of Sai! Would love not gush forth? Who could be so stone-hearted, who would not melt by this?
115Now listen to the miracle about Baba’s favour shown to the loving mother of this very boy, once when she was in Shirdi.
116When she was in the kitchen and the leaf plates were set for the meal, in the afternoon, a hungry dog came to the door.
117A piece of the bhakri, which was in her plate, was about to be given by her to the dog, when a pig, bespattered with mud, arrived there, oppressed with hunger. (She fed both).
118This incident happened in its natural course. She did not give any importance to this or bear it in her mind. But Sai on his own opened this topic, when she was present.
119After the afternoon lunch, when the lady came as per usual practice, and sat in the Masjid at some distance, Sai said kindly –
120"Oh mother! You fed me to-day, because of which I am full upto my throat. I was overcome with hunger and you satisfied me.
121You must act like this always. Truly only this will prove useful, ultimately. Sitting in the Masjid, I do not ever speak an untruth. This is the universal truth.
122Know that this is the kindness which I preach. Give food to the hungry first and then eat yourself. Remember this clearly in your mind".
123What did Sai Samartha say? The lady could not understand anything. What was the implied meaning of this? His words were never futile.
124She said: “How could I have served you? How could it happen at my hands? I am dependent. I spend and eat whatever I can get”.
125Baba answering her said: "Savouring that lovingly given chappati, I became fully satisfied and I am still belching.
126When you sat down for your meals, you suddenly saw a dog come to the door, which was suffering from extreme hunger. I am one with that dog.
127Similarly, I am one with that pig bespattered with mud, which was also hungry and miserable".
128When she heard Baba’s words, the lady was very much surprised. Dogs, pigs, cats which wander – are they one with Baba?
129"Sometimes I am a dog, sometimes a pig, sometimes I am a cow, sometimes a cat, sometimes an ant, a fly or fish. I move about in different forms.
130That person who sees me in all the creatures, you must understand is my beloved one. Give up the belief in the two-fold nature, and worship me in this manner".
131These were not just ordinary words, but nectar. She was overwhelmed with emotions. Her eyes were filled with tears of happiness and her throat was choked with emotion.
132Similarly there is another story of this lady, which is wonderful and depicts love. It shows the oneness of the great Sai with his devotee; and that the two Atmas are one.
133Once when Purandare[17] with his wife and children set out for Shirdi, she[18] gave him brinjals with affection which she requested his wife to make "Bharta"[19],
134with one, for Baba, and “kacharya”, crisp and brown, from the other, and feed him heartily with them.
135His wife accepted the brinjals and when she reached Shirdi, after the Arati, at lunch time, she took the “Bharta”.
136As was the custom the lady offered “naivedya”, kept the thali[20] and left. Baba collected everybody’s naivedya and sat down for the meal.
137When he tasted the “Bharta”, he relished it and shared it with everyone. He felt like eating “kacharyas” and asked for them, at that time.
138A message was sent to Radhakrishan-ai, that Baba is waiting to finish his meal and he desires to have “kacharyas”. No one knew what to do about it.
139That was not the season for brinjals, so how could that preparation be made?! Therefore, a search for Purandare’s wife was made and for the ‘Bharta’.
140The ‘Bharta’ was in the ‘thali’ which she had brought. Therefore, it was possible that she might be having some spare brinjals.
141When she was questioned about it, all came to understand about the significance of the ‘kacharya’ and also about Baba’s keeness for them.
142The lady said that out of one brinjal ‘bharta’ was made and offered in the afternoon; and, had thought that she would take the ‘kacharya’ later on. Therefore, the second one had been cut up accordingly.
143Later on when this episode about the brinjals came to be known to everbody gradually, everyone was surprised at seeing Sai’s all-knowing nature.
144Again, in the month of December 1915, the same lady sent a ‘pedha’[21] for Baba, with great love.
145Since Balaram[22] had expired, to perform the last rites, his son had to go to Shirdi. He had come to take leave[23] and ask if there was any message.
146The son came to Tarkhad to say that he was leaving. The wife felt like sending something for Baba with him.
147Except for the ‘pedha’ there was nothing else to be found in the house. Moreover, the ‘pedha’ had already been offered in the naivedya. The son was also in a hurry to leave.
148Besides, the son was in the mourning period.[24] There was only one ‘pedha’ leftover. She sent that itself with him, as an offering for Sai to eat.
149She said she had nothing else. “Take this only. Give this with love to Sai. Sai will eat it with pleasure”.
150Govindji took the pedha with him. But when he went to take the darshan, he forgot it at the place where he stayed. Baba was yet quite patient.
151Afterwards, in the late afternoon, when he came into the durbar hall, like the previous time he forgot and came empty handed into the Masjid.
152“What have you brought for me”, Baba casually asked him. “Nothing at all”, said he, at which Baba tried to hint and remind him.
153“Has no one given you anything for me?” On his saying no, Sai Samartha directly questioned.
154“Oh, when you left home, did not mother give you a sweet lovingly?” Then he remembered.
155He was very much ashamed. How did he forget! With his face downcast, he asked for forgiveness and bowed down at his feet.
156He went running to his place, brought the pedha and gave it to Baba. As soon as he got it in his palm, he put it in his mouth and thus gratified the feelings of the mother.
157Such is the great Sai, Mahanu Bhav (Yogi).[25] He reciprocates the feelings, by giving the experiences, He increases the prestige of his devotee.
158The essence of these stories is that one should perceive God in all living beings. This is also acknowledged by all the Shashtras. The same is the doctrine of these.
159Now while listening to the next chapter, you will understand about Baba’s mode of living – where he used to sleep and at which place. Listen to that carefully.
160Hemad surrenders at Sai’s feet. Listeners, think about the foregoing stories with respect and meditation daily, and you will be benefitted.