1Sai Maharaj, Ocean of Mercy, Veritable Incarnation of God. Absolute Brahman, Great Lord of Yoga – I do my eight-fold obeisance before him!
2Hail! Hail to you! The Highest Adornment of Saints! Abode of All Auspiciousness! Sai Samartha, the Refuge of All Devotees! I bow to you, whose desires have been fulfilled!
3In the last chapter, there was a close study and narration of the wit and humour (of Baba). But this Sai, who is fond of his devotees, always kept his devotees pleased.
4Sai is the embodiment of immense compassion. What is necessary is a singular devotion. For the devotee who has faith and devotion, there would be no lack of fulfilment of desires.
5Krishna said to Uddhava: “The Sadguru is none but myself”. Such a Sadguru should be worshipped with love. This is known as singular or unparallel devotion.
6The desire rose within me to write about the life of Sree Sai. He chose the leelas which are very wonderful and worthy of being listened to and he immediately got them written by me.
7Though I did not have the powers nor the knowledge of the Shastras, he gave me, the insignificant one, the inspiration and got the book written by me, to bring about an awareness in his devotees.
8When the order was given to “keep the notes”, at that time my slight intelligence was enriched with knowledge and courage.
9Immediately, I was emboldened that this Sai, profoundly virtuous, would get his stories collected, for the upliftment of his devotees.
10Otherwise, would I have dared to enter this sphere of speech, as this biography is like nectar, that is, the ‘payas’[1] from the prasad offered at the feet of the saint.
11This story of Sai is for the devotees a place where water is given to the thirsty; but instead of water it is nectar! Drink to your fill, by Sai’s grace, for it removes the problems of the world.
12This is not a story but ‘Somakant’[2], from which the stories of Sai ooze like nectar from the moon, which the thirsty devotees, like the chakor, may drink to their fill.
13Now, loving devotees, with full concentration and without restraint, listen to these pious stories of Sai, which would destroy the sins arising out of kaliyug.
14Once there is singular faith, then all the calamities of that devotee are warded off and he is granted all that is desired deeply. All the difficulties are resolved.
15Here is a story to that extent, which will demonstrate Sai’s love for his devotees. If the listeners hear it with respect, they will feel happy.
16Therefore, listen with full involvement to this marvellous story, when you will experience what an ocean of compassion, Gurumaya is!
17It is a very brief story, yet without parallel because of the lesson it teaches. Pay attention for a while and all the problems will be driven away.
18One prosperous devotee called Damu Anna was a well-to-do bangle merchant of Ahmednagar. He was greatly devoted to Sai.
19The story of that excellent devotee would be a delight to listen to and Sai’s immediate protection of the devotee will be distinctly seen.
20At the Ramnavmi annual festival, two big new flags are taken in procession through Shirdi village. Everyone there knows about it.
21Out of these, one is from Nimonkar and the other one from this Damu Anna. This has been their practice since many years, carried out uninterruptedly with love and devotion.
22Damu Anna had two wives but no issue. After receiving Sai’s blessings, he got a son.
23It was then that he vowed to offer a flag for the Ramnavmi festival and the taking out of the flag in procession every year started from then.
24The preparations for the procession were made at Kondya, the carpenter’s house. From there, the flags are carried in a procession with the reverberations of the musical instruments.
25These long flags were tied to the two corners of the Masjid. Every year this is an auspicious signal of the beginning of the festival.
26The fakirs that came there were also sumptuously fed. This merchant observed the Ramnavmi, in this way, every year.
27Now, I present the story of that Damu Anna for the benefit of the listeners. If listened to carefully, you will realise the powers of Sai.
28His friend from Bombay wrote to him and asked him, if he should do a transaction which would result in a profit of two lakhs of rupees.
29"We shall be partners and each of us will earn one lakh of rupees. Send a reply immediately. The transaction is clear and there is no risk.
30We shall buy raw cotton now. The prices will rise sharply. If the transaction is not done at the opportune time, then we are sure to regret it later".
31Anna’s mind was disturbed because he did not want to miss this opportunity. He had full faith in his friend yet he was not able to firmly decide.
32Anna began to wonder whether to enter into this transaction or not. “Oh God! What will happen and how?” He was confused.
33As Damu Anna was a disciple, he wrote to Baba: "I have no independent judgement. You are my protection.
34On the face of it, I feel like entering into this transaction. But will it be profitable or cause loss? Please let me know".
35He addressed the letter to Madhavrao saying: “Please read it to Baba. Let me know his instructions. The business seems to be good”.
36The next day, in the afternoon, Madhavrao received the letter. He took it to the Masjid and placed it at Baba’s feet.
37“What is it Shama? Why this haste? What is this paper that you have put at my feet?” Baba said. “Baba, that Damu Sheth from Nagar is desirous of asking you something”.
38"What does he write? What does he plan now? It appears that he is trying to touch the sky. He is not contented with what God has given.
39Read, read his letter". Shama said: "What you have just said is exactly the meaning of the letter of Damu Anna, word to word.
40God, you sit quietly and put the devotees in a turmoil. Then when they are mentally disturbed, you bring them to your feet.
41Some you drag yourself and bring them here; for some you get letters written. When you reveal before hand the secret contents then why do you have the letter read?".
42“Oh Shama, read, read! Why do you believe me? I am just made this way, speaking out whatever comes to my mind”.
43Then Madhavrao read the letter. Baba listened attentively, and then Baba said feelingly: "The Sheth has taken leave of his senses.
44Tell him in reply – What is lacking in your home? Let him be content with half a loaf of bread, and let him not bother about a lakh".
45Damu Anna was impatiently waiting for the reply. He read it, the moment it reached him.
46Damu Sheth was disappointed on reading that reply. The fortress of his hopes was dashed to the ground. The tree of his expectations was uprooted.
47‘Now, if I earn one lakh, I will lend half of it on interest and immediately become a millionaire and live happily in Nagar’.
48The castles that he had built in the air collapsed on the spot. Damu Anna was greatly disheartened. 'What has Baba done?!
49I made a mistake in writing that letter itself! I have caused my own ruin. I have myself kicked the platter of served food, no sooner than it had come.’
50Be it so. In that letter to Damu Anna, it had been hinted that “there is a difference between seeing and hearing. Come here personally”.
51Such was Madhavrao’s indication. ‘I too feel that I should go personally. Maybe that would be beneficial. Perhaps he may give his consent.’
52Thinking thus, Anna came to Shirdi and sat near Baba, after prostration.
53He was gently pressing Baba’s feet, but had no courage to ask. He began to secretly think that he should keep a share of the profits for Baba.
54‘Sainatha if you help me in this transaction, I shall offer some part of the profits to you and always remain indebted to you’, he thought.
55He held Sai’s feet to his head and Damu Anna sat thus for a while. It is human nature to make decisions nd have hesitations. Such thoughts about the transaction were turning round in his mind.
56Devotees have desires without realising their true welfare. Only the Guru knows what is in the devotee’s interest, knowing the past, present and the future.
57However much anyone kept his thought hidden, Sai Samartha dwells within the hearts of everyone as the Witness and he knows the innermost thoughts.
58When anyone lovingly related his intentions and placed them at Sai’s feet, and asked for permission with full faith, Sai showed the right path.
59This was his vow and all his devotees knew it. He removed the obstacles of all who had completely surrendered.
60The Guru is the real mother and father. Since numerous births, he is the Guardian and Protector. He is Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar, the Doer and the One who gets everything done.
61A child wants sweets but the mother gives bitter medicine whether the child cries or writhes. This is her loving decision.
62How can the child know the properties of that bitter medicine and how it will be beneficial at the proper time? Only the mother knows the indications.
63Even if Anna kept a share, was Baba likely to forget himself? His love was not motivated by gain. He was ever ready to look after the welfare of his devotees.
64Money and gold were like dust to him, so what was the value of the share for him? These Saints manifest in the world only to uplift suffering humanity.
65He is a Saint who has control over his senses and is free from the vices of ignorance and envy and whose aim is to bestow favours on others.
66Though Damu Anna’s idea of giving a share was not expressed and was hidden, Baba gave an open reply. Listen to it with respectful attention.
67Baba was fully aware of the desires of all beings, present – future – past like an amalak fruit held in the palm.
68Baba knew very well the future of his devotee. Listen to how he gave timely warnings and spoke clearly.
69“Bapu, I am not to be involved in anything”,Baba informed him lovingly. ‘Sai does not think this transaction to be good,’ Anna thought and felt ashamed.
70Hearing these words of Baba, Damu Anna understood what was meant. He gave up the idea and sat quietly with his head downcast.
71Again, another idea occurred to him whether he should do some other business like dealing in rice, wheat and other grains. Listen to Baba’s reply.
72“You will buy five seers for a price and sell seven for the same price.” Hearing these words of Baba, Anna felt ashamed.
73Thus nothing ever happened which was not seen by Sai. Everything everywhere was known to him.
74On the other side, his friend (Anna’s) had troubled thoughts. He did not know what to do. There was even no reply from Anna.
75Then that Sheth wrote and told him all that had happened. His friend was surprised on reading it and thought ‘strange is fate’.
76'What a wonderful transaction had come our way! Why did he not think for himself instead of dancing attendance on the fakir?! He has unnecessarily lost the gains.
77God gives, but we lose by our own actions. The mind stops working when evil days are imminent. Why did this fakir have to come in the way of this clear business?
78What can he say who has given up the normal way of life and goes from door to door, like a mad man, to beg for morsels of food to feed himself?
79Let it be. He was not destined to have it, therefore, his mind acted thus. I should look for another partner. Whatever is not destined would never happen.’
80May it be whatsoever! Anna remained contented. Someone else became his friend’s partner whose karma dragged him into it. He got into trouble.
81They had hoped to make money but suffered reversals. They had losses, as if the fakir’s satka had beaten them.
82How fortunate is my Damu Anna! Very wise! Sai is a true pearl to him, wise and sagacious. How compassionate was he to the devotee!
83The friend said: "If he had followed my advice, then he would have lost heavily. He was saved because he followed the fakir. How wonderful was his faith!
84I laughed at his madness and was proud of my own cleverness! It was truly futile. That’s the experience I got.
85I reviled that fakir unnecessarily. If I had followed his advice, he would have given me timely warning also and I would not have suffered this loss".
86Now, I will narrate one more story and then bring to a close the narration about Anna. The listeners will be happy and will wonder at Baba!
87See, what happened once! A parcel came from Goa. A Mamlatdar named Rale, sent some famous mangoes.
88It was addressed to Madhavrao with the intention that they should be offered at Baba’s feet, with respect. They were accepted at Kopergaon and brought to Shirdi.
89When opened in the Masjid before Baba, the mangoes were found to be lovely. There were more than three hundred and the fruit was full of sweet aroma.
90Baba saw all of them and gave the lot to Madhavrao, who put four in the ‘kolamba’ (earthen pot in which Baba put all the food), and took the rest away.
91As soon as the fruit was put in the ‘kolamba’, Baba said: “Those fruits are for Damu Anna. Let them be there”.
92Two hours later Damu Anna arrived at the Masjid, to offer worship, with flowers etc.
93He had no idea of what had happened earlier. Baba began to speak loudly: "Those mangoes are for Damiya and not ours, even though people are casting covetous eyes upon them.
94He should take the mangoes for whom they are meant. Why should we have what is for another? He alone should eat for whom they are meant and then die after eating them".
95Anna naturally accepted them as being ‘prasad’. Anna knew fully well not to misinterpret the words as being inauspicious.
96Anna finished the worship and left. He came again and asked: “I do not know to which wife I should give these fruits – the older or the younger”.
97Baba replied: “Give to the younger one. She will have eight children. Four boys and four girls, all caused by this Amra (mango) leela”.
98Since he had no children, he had made a lot of efforts. He had invoked Saints and Sages to get their blessings.
99He danced attention on Saints and Sages for this purpose and to propitiate his planets he even tried astrology, to such a degree that he became an astrologer himself.
100According to the stars in his horoscope, he had no children. This was the outcome of the knowledge of astrology. Anna knew this very well and had given up all hopes.
101Yet, these were the words of assurance from the saint Sai. Hope dawned again as the Samartha was propitious.
102Be it so. After some time, Baba’s words came true. As the ‘prasad’ of the saint germinated and bore fruit, the children were born.
103It happened as it was said. Anna’s own forecast was proved to be wrong. Sai’s words turned out to be fruitful. Sons were born as he had promised.
104May it be whatsoever. This was Baba’s speech when Baba was in body. Later even after he left the body, he had determined the greatness of his speech.
105"Even when I pass away, believe in my words. From my tomb my bones will give you assurance.
106Not only I, but my tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who surrender themselves wholeheartedly to me.
107Do not worry that I shall be hidden from your eyes. You will hear my bones speak and discuss your welfare.
108Always remember me only. Believe in me heart and soul. Pray without selfish motives and you will attain your welfare".
109"O Sai Sadguru, the wish-fulfilling tree of the devotees, let not Hemad forget and lose sight of your feet.
110O Guruvara, the One who is Compassionate towards the devotees, make haste and reach us. There is no respite in the worldly affairs. Free us from this cycle of births and deaths.
111Our nature depends on our tendencies. Our senses are forever directed outwardly. Restrain us from the attraction of the objects of the senses. Introvert us.
112In the ocean of worldly existence, we are tossed around like waves in a whirlpool. Extend your timely help and relieve us.
113The senses run amok; evil practice overpowers us. Please dam up this unrestrained flow. Turn back the host of senses.
114If the senses are not introverted, there is no prospect of Self-realisation. Without that, how can there be Supreme Bliss? Life will be futile.
115Neither wife, nor son, nor numerous friends will be of any use in the end. You alone are the lasting friend for the final journey. You are the giver of joys and salvation.
116Unravel the net of actions and sins and free us from its misery. Uplift the poor and the meek with the power of your grace, Maharaja.
117Destroy from their roots evil tendencies and argumentative habits. Let our tongues get a passion for chanting the name, O pure, Sairaya.
118Grant to me the ability to love you so intensely that I may forget all my resolves, doubts, even my body and home. Take away my ego also.
119Make me ever remember your name and forget all other things. Remove the restlessness of the mind and make it steady and calm.
120If you just clasp us, the darkness of night of our ignorance will vanish and we shall live happily in your light. What more can we desire?
121That you made us drink the nectar of your life story and awakened us from our slumber is due to your grace. Isn’t this something extraordinary?"
122The next chapter is sweeter than this. The listeners’ longing will be satisfied. Their love at Sai’s feet will increase. Their faith will also be strengthened.
123Once, a devotee came for darshan after obtaining permission from his Guru. On bowing at Sai’s feet, his faith in his own Guru was strengthened.
124Similarly, another gentleman who was rich but having great problems came for Sai’s darshan with his son and his wife.
125How his desire was fulfilled and his epileptic son was cured by mere darshan! He was also reminded of an earlier experience.
126Therefore, Hemad surrenders to Sai and respectfully requests the listeners to become inclined towards Sai’s stories, and make the listening meaningful.