1At the end of the last chapter, we mentioned about how Thakur and others had darshan of a great person. Listen to the story attentively now.
2Wasted are the words of a speaker if by listening to them, a listener is not affected and does not show the sign that he is overwhelmed with emotions and gets goose pimples.
3A narration is worthless if the listeners are not in an ecstasy, not choked with emotions and if their eyes are not filled with tears of happiness.
4Baba’s speech was captivating. His style of teaching exceptionally good. His arguments were unique. I lay my head at his feet who reveals something new at every step.
5One can never be able to meet a holy man till fortune smiles on him. Even if such a person is very close, a sinful person is unable to discover him.
6There is no need to go far to find proof of this axiom because I am going to tell you about my own experience.
7There was a famous saint called Pir Maulana who was residing at Bandra. Hindus, Parsis and learned men from other religions used to come to take the darshan of that pure soul.
8I was a magistrate of that place. His Mujawar by name Inus, tried indefatigably to persuade me to come for darshan.
9‘Thousands of people come there. Why should I go there on account of the pressure, and spoil my name?’
10Some such thoughts came to me, and I never went for the darshan. I was, as it were, afraid of my own shadow and somehow ill-luck came in the way.
11Many years passed. Thereafter I was transferred from there. Later, when the opportune time came I became attached to Shirdi, for all times.
12In short, the unfortunate can never reach the vicinity of the saints. This most difficult of meetings can be accomplished only by God’s Grace.
13Now listen to a pleasing story about this. There are from times unknown such secret arrangements of saints, and they go on carrying their mission, while the world is unaware of it.
14As time flows, the saints choose the place of their liking and appear in human form, to fulfil some mission. But, in reality, they are not different from one another.
15The place – time – person, though different, a saint realises the essence of the personality of other saints. They are all united inwardly, as they are only one,
16like the outposts of an emperor situated at different places, with officers in charge to look after the population and its prosperity.
17Similarly, the emperor of boundless happiness manifests at different places and controls the invisible reins of his own empire.
18Once, a certain gentleman, who had the privilege of an education in English, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree, climbed step by step and became a big officer.
19Later on, he became a Mamlatdar and then rose to be an Assistant Collector. Because of good fortune, he came in contact with Sai Baba.
20Outwardly these posts look very attractive, like mountains from a distance, but if you go nearer to them, they are found surrounded by trees which give an itch. But at the same time these posts command prestige.
21Those pleasant days are long past when people used to crave for such posts. The general public, too, honoured the officers and mutually they were happy.
22Let us now talk about present conditions. Gone are those days when it was nice to be in Government Service. Now the responsibilities have increased and the emoluments are insufficient.
23In the olden times, the Mamlatdar was respected and the Collector was honoured. But that grandeur is no more though one works hard.
24Be it so. After all, by spending a lot of money on education and after studying very hard, one was able to acquire these high posts.
25First of all, one had to pass the Bachelor of Arts degree; then become a clerk in the government office; earn a monthly salary of Rs. 30/-. In this manner, one had to go on for some time.
26During the course of time, he had to go to the ghats, learn the surveyors work and live amongst them, measure lands and pass departmental exams.
27Later on, if a higher official in the service died leaving his position vacant, then he would be able to get that post.
28Enough of this lengthy and uninteresting narration. Why should I go on prattling about it unnecessarily? Listen to that story about how such a person met Sai.
29Near Belgaum, there is a town called Vadgaon. A team of surveyors had camped there.
30In this town, there was a saint staying there. They went to take his darshan, bowed their heads at his feet and received his blessings.
31That holy person was holding a book called ‘Vichar Sagar’ by Nischal Das[1], which he was reading to them.
32After a while, when these people started to take his leave, the saint spoke to that particular gentleman with great delight. Listen to that.
33"You may leave now. But be sure to read this book, by which your wishes will come true. Bear this in mind.
34Later on, in the course of your work, when you go towards the north, because of your good fortune you will have the darshan of a great man on the way.
35He will show you the path, further on, and will grant you peace of mind. He will give you advice and impress upon you the knowledge of the Self."
36The work there was completed; and he was transferred to Junnar. On the way to Junnar, he had to cross the Nane Ghat, which was a big obstacle.
37The road was very formidable and could be traversed only on the back of a he-buffalo, which was the only means of transport. So a buffalo was brought for him to ride on.
38Later on, the man may become a senior official and may get horses and carriages. But, presently, he had to satisfy himself with a buffalo. There was no choice.
39It was impossible to climb the ghat on foot. There was no other convenient transport. Such was the speciality of the Nane Ghat. Thus the conveyance was really unusual.
40So he took the decision, and a buffalo was made ready. It was saddled and with great difficulty he mounted on it.
41Though he did mount it, there was a steep climb. The vehicle being, of all things, a buffalo, he was reduced to swinging and swaying and he developed a pain in the back.
42So be it. The journey ended. The Junnar mission was completed. He got a transfer order and he moved from there.
43He was transferred to Kalyan, where he made the acquaintance of Chandorkar and heard of Sainath’s fame. A desire arose to have his darshan.
44That chance came the very next day because Chandorkar was planning a trip to Shirdi. He said to him "Accompany me on this pilgrimage to Shirdi.
45Let us take Baba’s darshan. Both of us could bow down to him, stay there for a day or two and return to Kalyan".
46But on that very day, in the civil court in Thane, a case was scheduled for hearing. Therefore he had to give up the trip in his company.
47Nanasaheb coaxed him. “Come along. Baba is great. He will fulfil your desire for darshan. The case is a trivial matter”.
48But, how could he be convinced? He was afraid of missing the date for the hearing. How could he avoid these futile visits, which heaven had destined for him!
49Nanasaheb Chandorkar told him of previous experiences of other people about how their desire for darshan was always fulfilled and the difficulties warded off.
50But he could not bring himself to believe. He could not help his own nature. He said: “First, let the worry get off my mind. Let the suit get over fast”.
51So be it. He then proceeded to Thane while Chandorkar left for Shirdi. When he returned after the darshan, something wonderful had happened here.
52Though he was present at the appointed time, the case was postponed. He had also missed going along with Chandorkar and thus he was full of regrets.
53He wished that he had believed in him. Chandorkar would have taken him along with himself and he would have had darshan peacefully at Shirdi.
54The case remained where it was and he had lost the chance to see a saint! Therefore, on the spur of the moment, he decided to go to Shirdi.
55He thought that perhaps when he reached Shirdi if he was lucky he would be able to meet Nana and he would take him to Sainath personally. Then, he would be very happy.
56‘I do not know anybody in Shirdi. I will be a complete stranger there. If I meet Nana it will be beneficial to me, though it is a remote possibility.’
57Thinking thus, he boarded the train and reached Shirdi the next day. Of course, Nana was not there.
58The day he left for his trip was the day when Nana had left Shirdi. By this he was disheartened and felt great disappointment.
59So be it. He met another friend, a nice man, who took him for Sai’s darshan and fulfilled his wish.
60The moment he set his eyes on him, he was overwhelmed with faith and he prostrated himself. The whole body had goose pimples and tears of love flowed from his eyes.
61While he was thus standing, hear carefully what Baba said to him with a smile of understanding, as he was omniscient.
62“The path of this place is not so easy as the teachings of the Kanarese Appa or even as the buffalo ride in the ghats. There is no alternative but to put in your best exertions”.
63When he heard these significant words, he was overwhelmed with emotions and realised that the words of the holy man whom he had met previously had proved correct.
64Then he folded his hands together and put his head at the feet of Sai. He said: "Have mercy on me, Sainatha. Accept me an orphan, at your feet.
65You alone are my great saint and guardian. Today I have fully understood the teachings in the book of Nischal with all its significance and divine meaning".
66Where’s Vadgaon and where’s Shirdi! What a union of spirits of the great saints! How brief, yet enlightening, is their speech! What a magnificent method of instruction!
67One advised reading a book and predicted a meeting with a great saint, who would give upadesh and advise further growth.
68By Grace of God, he has been met, and he had indicated that he is the concerned person by significant words. The book has been read but now it must be put into practice.
69Then Sainath said to him: “Whatever Appa has told you is correct. But when you put it into practice, then only your wishes will be fulfilled”.
70‘Nischal Das’ ‘Vichar Sagar’ was mentioned in Vadgaon. Some time, after repeated readings, and after a certain lapse of time, how to put it in practice was taught in Shirdi.
71First you must read the book carefully, then ponder upon it. With repeated readings, it will lead to total absorption in the subject.
72Just reading is not enough. It should be put into practice. Otherwise, it is like water on a duck’s back[2].
73Mere reading is a waste of time till the meaning is not experienced, for which the blessings of a Guru, who has the knowledge of the Brahman, is required. Mere bookish knowledge is futile.
74A simple story depicting the meaning will bring out the importance of faith, which is most essential for attaining the goals of life. Listeners should listen to it for their benefit.
75Once a resident of Pune, whose name was Anantrao Patankar, who had developed respect for Sai’s darshan, came to Shirdi soon.
76He had heard all the Vedas and read the original Upanishads, along with the commentaries; but his mind remained always restless and peace of mind eluded him.
77When he had taken Sai Samartha’s darshan, Patankar’s eyes were rewarded. After bowing down at his feet he worshipped him with ritualistic accuracy.
78Afterwards, with folded hands, he sat in front of Baba, very close to him. Anantrao, who looked very lovingly, asked him with extreme humility:
79"I have read many books, including the Vedas, the Vedangas and the Upanishads. I have listened to the holy Shastras and Puranas. Yet, why is my mind so despondent?
80I now feel that whatever I have read has been wasted. I think that even the illiterate devout devotee is better off than me.
81All my study of books, learning of Shastras is a waste. All this bookish knowledge is futile as long as my mind remains unsteady.
82Oh how empty is the effort I have made over the study of etymology; to what purpose is the japa and mantra which does not give peace of mind! How will I then ever acquire the knowledge of Brahman?
83By word of mouth I have heard that by Sai’s darshan all worries are removed and that you show the right direction even in your humorous talk, very easily.
84Therefore, Maharaj, treasure trove of austerities, I have reached your feet. Give me your blessings, by which I may have peace of mind."
85Upon which, Maharaj told him a humorous parable by which Anantrao was satisfied and enjoyed the fulfilment of his learning.
86Those few words are the entire essence of knowledge. I will tell you that story. Be ready to hear it. It is humorous but meaningful. Who can disregard such words?
87Baba said, in reply: "Once a merchant came along and at that time a horse passed nine balls of stool in front of him.
88The merchant was very efficient. He immediately took off his wrap, and spread it out, collected all the balls and tied a knot and was able to achieve concentration of mind."
89‘What has Sai Samartha said? What could be its meaning? Why the collection of the stool by the merchant?’ He did not understand anything.
90Thinking thus, Anantrao came back and related the conversation, from the beginning to the end, to Kelkar[3].
91And said: "Who was the merchant? What was the purpose of those balls of stool? Why was number nine mentioned? Please reveal the meaning to me.
92Dada, what kind of riddle is this? I find myself incompetent to solve it. Tell me something which will open Baba’s heart clearly to me, in plain words."
93Dada said: "I too, do not understand. Baba’s talk is always of this kind. But I will tell you whatever I am enable to understand, as he inspires me.
94The horse is God’s Grace. This is how the puzzle of the nine-fold devotion could be explained. Without devotion one cannot have a union with God and knowledge will not be acquired.
95
96With full faith, even if one of these ways of devotion is practised, Sree Hari who longs for devotion will appear in the home of the devotee.
97Chanting of the Lord’s Name, practise of austerities, keeping of vows, practising yoga, learning of Vedas and Upanishads, abundance of metaphysical knowledge and its various explanations – all this is a sham without faith.
98There is no need to be well-versed in the Vedas nor any need to be famous as a scholar. It is neither necessary to sing the praises of God without feeling. Only the loving sentiment of devotion is essential.
99Consider yourself to be the merchant and grasp the significance of that transaction. When the flag of devotion, in the form of the nine-fold Bhakti, flies high, then the Incarnation of Knowledge will be pleased.
100When the horse passed the nine balls of stool, the merchant eagerly went forward to collect them. Similarly the nine-fold devotion, when adopted, gives complete peace of mind.
101Only that will give stability to the mind, develop affection for every being, for which seriousness of mind is necessary. Otherwise waywardness is inevitable. This is what Gururaya said, with love".
102Next day, when Anantrao went to bow down at Sai’s feet, he was asked: “Did you gather up the balls of stool?”
103Anantrao then prayed: “Have mercy on this humble devotee. Then they would be collected effortlessly. Otherwise can one gather such great objects easily?”
104Then Baba blessed him and assured him with the words “May there be well-being”. Anantrao was pleased and enjoyed bliss.
105Now another short story. Listen to it respectfully. You will come to know about Baba’s omniscience and his endeavour to guide towards the divine path.
106Once a lawyer came and went to the Masjid, the moment he arrived. He took Sainath’s darshan and bowed down at his feet.
107He then gave dakshina, without being asked, and went and sat near by. He felt like listening to Sai’s conversation, with respect.
108Baba, then, turned his face and uttered words which were meant for the lawyer. The words pierced his heart and the lawyer was repentant.
109“What frauds people are! They touch my feet, offer dakshina also, and abuse me in the heart of hearts. How queer are their ways!”
110Having heard this, the lawyer kept quiet. But he fully understood the significance. He realised that the words were meant for him only. The essence of the words penetrated deep into his mind.
111Later on when he went to the wada, he told Dixit that Baba’s cutting words had hurt him but they were true.
112"As soon as I arrived, he fired me. But that was a kind of warning to me that I should never indulge in mocking or backbiting anybody.
113As our Munsif was not keeping good health and he was restless, he took leave from the office and stayed on peacefully here to improve his health.
114While we were in the chamber of the lawyers, the discussion turned around the Munsif and though we were not directly concerned, conjectures were made.
115‘Without medication, just by following Sai, can the physical ailments be cured? Does it befit him who has risen to the status of a Munsif (to behave in this superstitious way).’
116While he was being thus reviled, Sai was also belittled. I was also party to a small extent to all this and that fault of mine was pointed out (by Baba).
117It was not a scolding but a blessing in itself. One should not unnecessarily participate in useless discussion, malign or criticise others and pass bitter remarks behind the backs of people and should refrain from indulging in these bad habits."[4]
118Besides, this is proof that even if there is a distance of a hundred koss, Sai is omniscient and knows the heart of every person.
119Moreover, one more matter became clear that intervening hills and mountains could not hide anything from Sai. Securely hidden secrets were all open to him.
120Be it so. From that day onwards, the lawyer decided that in future he would never criticise or utter ill words. That was his vow.
121.‘Wherever and whatever one does, cannot remain unknown to Sai’, became a firm conviction. The bad habit was given up.
121He became conscious of doing good deeds because he knew that Sai, as it were, was watching him from all sides and who can be capable of deceiving Sai? He was thoroughly convinced of this.
122Though the story concerns the lawyer, it was meaningful in all respects, at all times, and for everybody!
123The lawyers, the listeners, the speakers and all the devotees of Sai should also take the same vow. I truly pray thus.
124When the cloud of Sai’s Grace showers upon us all, we will be contented. There is no doubt about this. All those who are thirsty will quench their thirst.
125Inexplicable is Sainath’s greatness; unfathomable is the meaning of his stories; boundless are the limits of his biography. He is the incarnation of the Supreme Brahman.
126Now listen to the story in the next chapter, oh you listeners who have faith, with respect. It will fulfil your desires and give peace of mind.
127Sai Samartha knows the future miseries in the lives of his devotees. He wards them off casually, joking and laughing, in the course of a light conversation.
128The devotee Hemad surrenders to Sai. Now the present narration is complete. The next story deals with the removal of the difficulties of the devotees.
129How Sai, the ocean of compassion, is aware of the terrible difficulties to befall his devotees in the future and how he removes them by giving a timely warning.