1Hail! hail to the Sadguru Sainatha! I bow down and place my head at your feet. You who are Immutable, Eternal and One with Brahman, have mercy on the one who has surrendered.
2Sachhidananda, Treasure House of Bliss, Grantor of Happiness to those who are scorched by the troubles of the world, Destroyer of Duality by the knowledge of advaita, even for those who are slow of understanding.
3Those who are experienced and are fortunate have delineated your image and spread it like the sky in every nook and corner.
4God appears on earth to protect the virtuous and to annihilate the evil. Saints however are different.
5For the Saints, the virtuous and the evil are the same. They do not know the difference between the great and the lowly. For them, both are the same.
6Saints are greater than God. They set the evil-doers on the right path. Their hearts ache with love and compassion for the suffering.
7They are akin to Agasti Rishi[1], for the ocean of existence. They are like the Sun which dispels the darkness of ignorance. God lives in them. In essence, they are one and the same.
8My Sai is one such! He has manifested for the sake of his devotees – the embodiment of knowledge, in whom the lustre of divinity is firmly established.
9He had great love for all living creatures, yet he was totally detached. Though he had powers he cared nothing for them. He had no animosity towards anyone and treated all alike.
10He, who had no feelings of enmity or friendship and treated the king and the pauper alike, such was Sai, the Magnanimous! Listen to the Majesty of Sai!
11Saints expend their store of merit for the love of their devotees. They leap over wells, mountains and valleys for the sake of their devotees.
12The ignorant do not understand what is ‘parmartha’. They are only involved in wife, progeny and wealth. Leave those who do not understand, alone.
13Those who are inexperienced and innocent, God mercifully caresses them. But those who are turned away from God, their pride sears them from within.
14If a Saint becomes fond and takes pity on the ignorant, immense faith will be developed. The pride of knowledge will be futile.
15Foolish pedagogues unnecessarily swell with pride of their dry knowledge. They scorn the way of devotion. Shun their company.
16Revolt arising from tumultuous intermixture of castes is not needed. False pleas of the pride of high caste is not needed. Do not become an overbearing bully on account of the four castes or dharma. Do not become a heterodox pandit.
17There is no hopeful state for the learned in Vedas and Vedanta or those full of pride in their learning. This comes in the way of the path of devotion.
18The ignorant, with the might of faith, will cross the ocean of
existence. But the enigmas of those learned in the Shashtras stand no such chance.
19The nescience of the ignorant disappears and the problems arising from doubts of those proud of their learning will be removed and purity of mind will be born, if they place their faith in Saints and surrender.
20May that be whatsoever! On one occasion, due to the workings of good fortune, a strange incident happened. It was written in the destiny of an orthodox Brahmin to have a rare meeting with Sai.
21His objective was different. By divine coincidence he had the opportunity of coming to Shirdi and to see his own Guru.
22Listen to this very interesting tale which illustrates the greatness of the Guru and disciple.
23An Agnihotri[2], surnamed Muley, an orthodox and pious resident of Nashik, came to Shirdi once, on the strength of his earlier spiritual merits.
24If he did not have that strength (of these merits), no one could stay a moment in Shirdi. No matter how strong the determination, only Baba’s will prevailed.
25One could think, ‘I will go and, stay there as long as I like’. But it did not depend on his choice. He was under total control.
26Many egotists were humbled when making such decisions, and making pronouncements of ‘I, I’. Sai was an unfettered entity.
27Till our turn comes, Baba does not think of us. When we do not even hear of his virtues, how can the desire for darshan arise?
28Many had longed for Sai Samartha’s darshan, but none got the opportunity till Sai’s Nirvan[3].
29Having continued to postpone the visit and procrastinated, many found it was too late, as Baba had passed away.
30They kept deferring the matter from to-day to tomorrow and so on. Ultimately they were deprived of the chance of a face-to-face meeting and repented for it. The darshan was irrevocably lost.
31The craving of such people will be partially fulfilled by listening to these stories with reverence and faith. They will have to be content with minor acquisitions[4].
32Those who went in good time, by good fortune, and were able to take darshan and touch his feet, were content, but did they stay there at their sweet will? Baba
had to allow them.
33None could go there of his own will or stay there at his own will. If allowed, then only could he stay, and left when told to go.
34On one occasion, Kaka Mahajani went to Shirdi from Bombay. He intended to stay for one week at Shirdi and then return.
35It was at the time of the festival of the
birth of Lord Krishna. The Chavadi was beautifully decorated. The cradle was hung before Baba and the devotees were dancing with joy.
36Kaka arrived at Shirdi at the opportune time of the Gokul Ashtami festivities, desiring to enjoy and witness the festival.
37Immediately on going for Baba’s darshan, Baba asked him: “When are you returning to your home?” Kaka was astonished.
38Kaka was surprised and perplexed at this question being asked at the first moment of the meeting, because he had intended to stay at Shirdi for eight days.
39When Baba himself has asked, it was obligatory for Kaka to answer. As if Baba himself suggested the answer, he gave a suitable reply.
40“When Baba grants permission, I will return to my home”. When Kaka gave the reply, Baba said: “Go tomorrow”.
41Obeying the order with profound reverence, bowing down to Baba, he departed the same day inspite of the Ashtami festival.
42Later on when he returned to the town and went to his office, he found that his employer was eagerly awaiting Kaka’s return.
43The Munim had suddenly taken ill and the employer needed Kaka. He had sent a letter to Shirdi to Kaka, recalling him.
44After Kaka had left from Shirdi, the postman had inquired and the letter was re-directed, which was received by Kaka at home.
45Now, listen to this short story which is the exact opposite of the one just narrated. Devotees did not realise their own good but Sai knew it clearly.
46Bhausaheb Dhumal, a well-known advocate of Nashik, who was one of Baba’s ardent followers, came only for Baba’s darshan.
47He intended to take a hurried darshan, bow down at his feet, take udi and blessings and return.
48On his way back, Dhumal had to stop at Niphad. It was necessary for him to go there, for the hearing of a case.
49Although this was his plan, Baba knew what was
right and wrong. When he asked for permission to return, Baba did not give it to him.
50He kept him for a week. He emphatically denied him permission. The hearing was postponed. This happened thrice.
51Dhumal was detained for more than a week. The judge had become unwell on the day of the hearing.
52The judge had severe stomach ache such as he had never experienced in his life. The hearing was naturally postponed and Dhumal’s time was spent fruitfully.
53So be it. Dhumal was able to enjoy Sai’s company. The client’s anxieties were over. This happened without any efforts, having faith in Sai.
54Later on, at the right time, Dhumal was given permission. All his work was accomplished satisfactorily. Strange are Sai’s deeds!
55The case continued for four months, during which time four judges were changed. But finally, came success. The accused was acquitted as being not guilty.
56Listen, how once Baba took the side of the wife of Nanasaheb Nimonkar, a great devotee; and, the way it was done.
57He was the holder of hereditary rights in Nimon village. The Government had appointed him magistrate. He was a very influential person.
58He was Madhavrao’s eldest uncle. He was old but an honoured person. His wife was very sincere and devout. Sai was their life’s governing deity.
59Having left their ancestral village, both had settled in Shirdi. Having full faith in Sai, they lived amicably.
60Getting up before sunrise, they took bath and said their prayers and came to the Chavadi to do the morning (Kakad) arati.
61Later, he would say his stotras. Nana would stay near Baba till sunset, always engrossed in Baba’s service.
62He would take Baba to the Lendi and bring him back to the Masjid. With a heart full of love, he would do any service that was required.
63Even his wife would serve Baba, in whatever way it was possible for her, full of great devotion, for the live long day, there.
64They would use their dwelling only for their baths, meals, cooking etc. or sleeping at night.
65The loving couple spent all their time, morning, noon, afternoon and evening, near Baba; that is, all the remaining time.
66May that be whatsoever. If I go on describing the services of both of them, this book will become exceedingly lengthy. Therefore, I shall relate only that part which is relevant to the present subject.
67The lady had to go to Belapur as her son was slightly unwell there. She made her preparations to go there in consultation with her husband.
68Later, Baba was consulted, as per the usual custom; and, as soon as Baba gave an affirmative reply, she told her husband.
69So be it. It was thus finally decided to go to Belapur. But then Nana said that she should return the very next day.
70Nana had some reason. Therefore he told her to go but return immediately. So his wife was in two minds.
71The next day was the Amavas of the Pola Festival[5]. To spend that day also there, was therefore the lady’s desire. But Nana was not agreeable.
72Besides, it was not considered right to travel to or from a place as it was Amavasya. Therefore, she faced a dilemma and did not know how to solve it.
73She could not be satisfied without going to Belapur. Nor could she hurt her husband’s feelings. The question of disobeying did not even arise.
74So be it. She made her preparations and set out to go to Belapur. Baba was on his way to Lendi and she bowed down to him.
75Before starting upon a journey, it is customary to bow down before God and pray to remove all obstacles on the way. This was also the tradition followed in Shirdi.
76But Sai was the deity there. Even if there was a hurry to leave, at the time of departure, they would bow down at his feet.
77In keeping with this practice, when Baba was standing in front of Sathe’s wada, for a moment, the lady bowed at his feet.
78Nanasaheb Nimonkar, and others, big and small, who had
gathered there to get a quick darshan, also greeted Baba.
79In front of such a group gathered there, and specifically in the presence of Nana, mark what Baba told the lady, with presence of mind.
80When she placed her head at his feet and asked permission to leave, Baba said: "Go early, as soon as you can. Take it easy.
81Now that you are going, stay at Belapur for four days at leisure. After meeting everyone and making inquires, return to Shirdi".
82So be it. Baba’s words gave unimaginable peace of mind to the lady. Nimonkar also got the hint. Both of them were satisfied.
83In short, when we plan we do not know the totality of the situation. The Saints know where lies our welfare and where
not. There is nothing that they do not know.
84The past, present and future is all clearly perceived by them, just as one can read the palm of one’s own hand. Devotees are benefited if they behave according to their guidance.
85So be it. Now we will revert to the original story and narrate how Muley was blessed and given the darshan of his Guru.
86Muley had intended to meet Shriman Bapusaheb Butti and to return immediately.
87So be it. Even though this was his intention, Baba had a different plan. Listen attentively to that miracle and its covert object.
88He met Shriman. Then the group headed for the Masjid. Muley also felt like accompanying them and he joined them.
89Muley had studied all the six Shastras. He was adroit in astrology and proficient in palmistry. He was enthralled by the darshan.
90Pedas, batasas, burfi[6], coconuts, fruits such as oranges were being offered to Baba by his beloved and innocent devotees, in abundance.
91Besides, female fruit vendors also came there. Baba purchased rose-apples, bananas, sugar cane, as he thought fit, with his own money.
92He also spent his money to buy baskets of mangoes and got lots of bananas and he distributed them to the devotees to his heart’s content.
93He would take a mango, one by one, would hold between his palms, pummel it till it became soft and then gave it in the hands of the devotees.
94Once the lips touched the mango, the juice would flow directly to the stomach, as from a bowl, and then the skin and the stone could be discarded.
95In the case of bananas it was an unusual manner. The pulp was given to the devotees and Baba would eat the skin thereof. Oh! How wonderful were his deeds!
96Baba distributed all these fruits with his own hands to everyone. Occasionally, if he felt like it, he would himself taste some.
97As was the practice, that day Baba was distributing to his devotees a basket of bananas which he had bought.
98Shastrybuva Mule was greatly surprised when he saw Baba’s feet. He desired to observe the dhwaja vajra and ankush lines[7] on Baba’s soles.
99At that moment, Baba’s devotee Kakasaheb Dixit was nearby. He picked up four bananas and placed them in Baba’s hands.
100Somebody earnestly pleaded with Baba, "Baba, this Muley Shastry who resides in a holy place, has attained your feet due to his merits. Won’t you give these fruits to him as prasad? "
101Entreaties or no entreaties! Unless it occurred to Baba himself, he would never give anything to anybody or do anything.
102Muley asked for his hand and not the bananas, for which he stretched out his hand. Baba paid no attention to it and kept on distributing the prasad.
103Muley pleaded with Baba. “I don’t want fruits, but give me your hand”. He said: “I know palmistry.” Baba did not give him his hand.
104In spite of that, Muley edged forward and stretched his hand to read the palm. Baba ignored him completely as if he was not concerned.
105Baba put the four bananas into Muley’s outstretched hand and asked him to sit down but did not give his hand into Muley’s.
106Sairaya, whose all desires were fulfilled and who had worn out his body in the service of the Lord, what need did he have for palmistry? He who was both mother and father to his devotees!
107Noticing Baba’s detached nature, and his indifference to palmistry, Shatrybuva drew back his hand and desisted from further importuning him.
108For a while he sat quietly, then went to the wada along with the rest of the group, took his bath, wore the ‘sovala’[8] and started doing Agnihotra.
109On the other hand, as was his custom, Baba started for the Lendi. He said : “Take some ochre powder with you. I wish to wear saffron coloured garments”.
110Everyone was surprised. What would Baba do with ochre powder? Everyone started thinking why was he reminded of ochre colour to-day?
111Baba’s words are euphemistic. What meaning could one derive? But if you bear them in mind after listening, the correct meaning would be revealed (in due course of time).
112Such are the words of Saints which are never futile. They are full of deep meaning. Who can evaluate them?
113First is the thought, then the speech. This is their normal practice. The conduct of the Saints is exactly in accordance with their speech.
114According to the well-known principle, the words of Saints are never meaningless. If we keep them in mind, at the right time they will become clear.
115So be it. Baba returned. The horn began to blow, as an indication. Bapusaheb Jog quickly made a timely suggestion to Muley.
116“It is time for the Arati. Would you like to come along to the Masjid?” But Shastrybuva found it a rather difficult situation because of his ideas of purity and cleaniness, as associated with his ‘sovala’
117In response, he said: “I will take darshan later in the afternoon”. Then Jog started to make preparations for the arati.
118Meanwhile, Baba had returned and resumed his seat, while chatting. Then everybody whose individual puja had finished gathered at the venue for the arati.
119Just at that time, Baba said: “Go and bring ‘dakshina’ from the newly arrived Brahmin.” Immediately, Bapusaheb Butti himself left to ask for the dakshina.
120Just then, Muley had finished his bath, worn his ‘sovala’, and was seated cross-legged, with a calm and tranquil mind.
121When he received the message, Muley had vacillation. "Why should I give dakshina, when I am a pure agnihotri?
122Maybe, Baba is a great Saint. But am I under his obligation in any way? Why is he asking for dakshina from me?" He began wavering thereby.
123However, a person like Sai was asking for dakshina. The message was brought by a millionaire. Though Muley was in doubt, he took the dakshina along with him.
124Besides there was a further doubt. How could he interrupt his own worship and go to the Masjid. At the same time he could not say no.
125A sceptic has no peace. His mind is always wavering. For him there is neither this nor that way. His state is like a Trishanku[9].
126Inspite of all this, he finally decided to go. He went inside the courtyard but stood at a distance.
127Thinking himself holy and pure and the Masjid otherwise, how could he go near Baba? He remained at a distance, joined his hands and threw flowers at Baba.
128At that moment, a miracle took place. In front of his very eyes, Baba disappeared from his seat and in his place there was his revered Guru Gholap[10].
129For every one else, it was Sai Samartha, as usual, but for Muley’s eyes it was Gholapnath though he had expired long ago. Muley was greatly astounded.
130Although the Guru had actually taken samadhi, he had appeared in front of his eyes. Therefore, Muley was greatly bewildered and naturally had doubts.
131If it was a dream he wasn’t sleeping. And if he was awake then, how could he see his Guru in front of him? There was confusion in his mind and he was tongue tied.
132He pinched himself and said to himself. ‘This is not an illusion. Why should I unnecessarily have doubts? I am present here alongwith everybody else.’
133Muley was originally the devotee of Gholap. Though he was in doubts about Baba, he later on became his firm believer and had no qualms about it.
134He was a chaste Brahmin of the highest order, well-versed in the Vedas and Vedanta. He was awestruck by the darshan of Gholap in the Masjid.
135Later he climbed up the steps, bowed down at the feet of his Guru and stood with folded hands, in total silence, being dumbfounded.
136When he saw Gholap Swami in saffron clothes and saffron upper garment of sanyasi, Muley ran forward and repeatedly embraced his feet.
137His pride about his high caste was torn to pieces. His vision was cleared, as it were, as soon as he saw his Guru who had attained realisation. He considered himself most fortunate[11].
138His doubting nature changed. He developed love for Baba. He gazed at Baba’s feet with half-closed eyes.
139The meritorious deeds of many former lives now bore fruit. His eyes had beheld Sai’s feet and been bathed with the charanatirtha[12]. He felt that his destiny had changed for the better.
140Many were surprised. What had happened suddenly? From throwing flowers at a distance, here he was laying his head at Baba’s feet!
141Others were reciting Baba’s arati while Muley was singing the arati in Gholap’s name, at his loudest voice, and was lost in overwhelming love.
142All the inhibitions about ‘sovala’ were abandoned and the consciousness about touchability and non-touchability disappeared. He prostrated himself and closed his eyes with joy.
143When he stood up and opened his eyes, Gholap Swamy had vanished and in his place was Sai Samartha, asking for dakshina.
144Gazing at Baba’s blissful form, and realising his inconceivable powers, Muley was awestruck and forgot himself.
145Such was Maharaj’s prowess that having experienced it he lost all interest in food and drink. Muley was deliriously happy because he had the pleasure of darshan of his own Guru.
146He was contented. He prostrated before Baba with his body fully out stretched. With eyes filled with tears of happiness, he put his head on Baba’s feet.
147Whatever dakshina he had he gave and again put his head at his feet. His eyes were wet with tears of love and his whole body trembled with intensity of emotion.
148He was choked with emotions and was overcome with the eight-fold form of devotion[13]. He thought to himself that now all my doubts have resolved and, above all, I have been able to meet my Guru.
149Everybody, including Muley, was overwhelmed with emotions when they realised Baba’s unique leela, understood the significance of ‘ochre powder’ and realised what had been meant.[14]
150It was the same Maharaj and the same Muley (yet what a change in the whole situation). What was there to be surprised at this time? Who can ever fathom Baba’s ways? His deeds are indeed unfathomable.
151Similarly, a Mamlatdar holding Sai’s darshan in great respect, set out for Shirdi along with a doctor friend.
152The doctor was a Brahmin by caste, a devotee of Sree Ram, regular and correct in the observance of prescribed rituals of worship in which he was well-versed.
153“Sai Baba is a Muslim and I am a devotee of Ram. I will not bow down to him”. He told this to his friend beforehand.
154“As I am not ready to bow down at the feet of a Muslim, I am hesitant from the outset about making a trip to Shirdi”.
155" ‘Bow down’ – no one will insist on that. Do not have any apprehensions. Do not be prejudiced. Have no doubts about it.
156Baba would never say: ‘Touch my feet’ ". Thus assured by the Mamlatdar, he decided to proceed.
157With this firm decision, he agreed to his friend’s suggestion and with no misgivings he set out to take darshan.
158But, the moment they arrived in Shirdi and went to the Masjid for darshan, right at the beginning he himself prostrated. His friend was greatly taken aback.
159Then he asked him “How did you forget the resolution and prostrate before a Muslim!?”
160Upon which the doctor told something marvellous. "I saw the image of the dark-skinned Rama, looking pure, handsome, delicate and lovely. So I immediately bowed down.
161Look he is still there on the seat and he is talking to everybody". While he was saying so, in a moment he began to see the form of Sai.
162By which the doctor was astounded and said: "Is it a dream? How can he be called a Muslim? He is an Avatar fully accomplished in all the yogas.
163Chokhamela was a Mahar[15], Rohidas[16] was a cobbler, Sajjan[17] was a butcher. Where is the question of their castes?
164Renouncing the attribute-less and formless nature, the saints manifest themselves in the world only to oblige mankind and help avoiding the cycle of birth and death.
165This is truly the Kalpa[18] tree. Sai, one moment and Ram, the next. By making me prostrate myself before him, he has punished my ego".
166The next day he took a vow. Unless Sainath did not grant his grace, he would not put a foot in the Masjid. He stayed fasting in Shirdi.
167Three days passed in this manner. And when the fourth day dawned, listen with rapt attention to what happened then.
168Unexpectedly, a friend of his who hailed from Khandesh arrived there for Sai’s darshan.
169They met after nine years. Their joy knew no bounds. The doctor also went after him unconsciously, into the Masjid.
170As soon as he reached, he prostrated. Baba asked: “Oh: doctor, did anyone come to call you? Why have you come? Answer me”.
171Hearing this pricking question, the doctor was overcome. He recalled his firm resolve and became penitent.
172However, that very night, at midnight he was graced and he had the experience of the sweetness of heavenly bliss, during his sleep.
173Later on, the doctor returned to his own town but continued to experience that completely happy state of mind for a fortnight. His devotion for Sai intensified.
174Similarly, the numerous experiences of Sai, each better than the other, if related would increase the importance of this book. But the narration will greatly increase, so I will cut it short.
175The listeners will be surprised by the story of Muley which was told earlier. But you must mark the significance and try to understand the moral of it.
176Have firm faith in him who is your own Guru; and, it should not be anywhere else. Bear in mind this deep meaning.
177There does not seem to be any other purpose in the leela of Baba. However reflective a person may be, he will derive only this meaning.
178Others may be more famous and your own Guru may not be at all. But our faith should only be in our own Guru. This is the only lesson from this.
179If you scan the old scriptures, they are full of the same advice. But if there is no firm conviction, then one’s faith does not become effective and is not strengthened.
180Though some people do not have full confidence in themselves, yet show off as being intent on the Self, their sufferings throughout their life can be seen at every step.
181Neither do they fulfil their desires here, nor do they attain freedom beyond. Till the end of life they go on worrying. They still brag about freedom without having experienced even a moment of quietude.
182Enough of this. The pleasure you will get from the next chapter will be better than this. Simply by taking frequent darshan of Sai, one has unlimited happiness.
183How Bhakta Bhimaji Patil’s tuberculosis was cured and his faith in Bhakta Chandorkar was strengthened by giving him a vision.
184Such is the power of that darshan that the sins are washed away, worldly pleasures are limited and rewards in the other world are granted infinitely.
185When a yogi casts a glance on an atheist, even he is freed from his sins. Then what can be said for a believer! His sins are most easily washed away.
186If there is one, whose mind is steady and has experienced indirect realisation, and then if he beholds him with his eyes, his insurmountable sins are wiped out.
187Such is Baba’s nature which is incomprehensible. Baba is loving to you all. Therefore, the learned and the ignorant all listen with a pure mind.
188Where there is a soul of love and devotion, where people are affectionately attached to Baba, there a tender yearning will manifest and there will be the pleasure of listening.
189Hemad bows down at the feet of Sai which are a haven of refuge for those who have whole-heartedly surrendered. He is capable of destroying the fear of this world, having limitless powers.