PREVENT PRIDE – ERASE EGOISM

PREVENT PRIDE – ERASE EGOISM

 

 

"Pride or egoism won't help you." – Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. II.

 

 

A woman traveled from Philadelphia to New York by train every day.

 

One day, she was a little late arriving at the station, and managed to board the train just in time.

 

She found herself in a compartment that seemed virtually empty. Seated in front of her was a heavy-set gentleman – there were just two of them in the compartment.

 

The man lit a cigar and began to puff.

 

The woman was annoyed. She hated tobacco smoke; it made her cough. Wishing to show her displeasure, she began to clear her throat and groan loudly. She thought this might make the man put away his cigar. The man continued to puff away at his cigar, lighting a fresh one when the first one was over.

 

The woman was incensed. She marched up to the face of the stranger and said to him, "Probably you are not aware of it, but there is a smoking car up ahead. Why don't you go in there if you wish to smoke? You cannot smoke in any compartment you occupy: it's an inconvenience to other passenger!"

 

The man cast a questioning glance at her. Then wordlessly, he stubbed his cigar out, and started to read. A little while later, a conductor entered the compartment. He was startled to see the woman.

 

"You are not supposed to be seated here, madam," he whispered to her. "This is General Grant's private carriage."

 

With great respect, he pointed to the heavy-set man who sat in front of her. The lady got up and made a hasty exit. The General did not even glance at her as she left, for he did not wish to embarrass her.

Meher Baba on Saibaba

Meher Baba on Saibaba

 

 

Shirdi was not a big or famous town then. The entire village turned out to welcome the visitors, little knowing what a distinguished guest they had among them. As the wedding procession passed by the Khandoba Temple, a Hindu priest named Bhagat Malsapati caught sight of the young fakir and called out for the first time the words, "Hah Sai, hah!" – "Welcome, Lord, welcome!" From that day on, the young fakir of only sixteen whose name no one really knows, came to be known as Sai.

 

The young fakir did not remain in Shirdi long, however, and began his wandering from place to place in Maharashtra, begging along the way. Finally, he wandered among the hills surrounding the ancient Ellora caves at Aurangabad, where he entered a small cave atop a hill in Khuldabad.

 

At the bottom of this hill is the tomb of the Sufi Qutub Zarzari Bakhsh. This Qutub's tomb has been a favorite spot of Mohammedan pilgrims in the area for over seven hundred years. Zarzari Bakhsh was the Master of Sai in a previous lifetime as a Sufi. Sai, inwardly drawn to be near his former Master, entered a cave overlooking the tomb. Sai became God-Realized during this period and stayed in this cave for several years in the state of majzoobiyat, never leaving the cave for food or water.

 

During these years the strong healthy physique of the young fakir turned into a living skeleton. The skeleton, however, had infinite light – as if Sai's flesh and bones had been transformed into light! But this emaciated fakir had lost his gross consciousness. He now had the body of a mature man, but he was a man who had no bodily consciousness! He had become a God – Realized majzoob. Sai was fully conscious of himself as God – "Anal Haq" – but for over four years was completely oblivious of his own human body and the world around him. Yes it was necessary for Sai to leave that cave; he needed to regain his gross awareness to be able to fulfill his destiny – to wipe away the tear of our Age – to bring the Ancient One into form.

 

When Sai finally left the cave, he was emaciated – a living skeleton. Inwardly drawn by the power of another Perfect Master, he wandered east to meet the Swami of Akalkot, and by this Hindu Sadguru's grace Sai regained normal human consciousness. In this village of Akalkot, in the mountainous range of Ajanta, the fakir had now become Sai – a Lord of the universe – a living Perfect Master – and his divine work on earth began. He was twenty years old.

 

Sai wandered back to Shirdi in 1858 and there he stayed, making this humble village his permanent headquarters. At first, it seemed as if a new fakir had made his residence in Shirdi; he kept aloof from the villagers, spending his nights under a neem tree in all seasons. His bodily needs were minimal; whatever food or tobacco he wanted he begged for. The fakir preferred to be alone and he made this known to anyone who invaded his solitude. It appeared he disliked the villagers.

 

After living for some months under the neem tree, Sai moved into a small tin shed which served as the local mosque in this poor village. Sai renamed the mosque "Dwarakamai Masjid" – the mosque of the Mother of Mercy. Here two men began – once in a glorious state he declared his divine state:

 

"I am the Attributeless One – the Absolute!

The universe is my abode.

Brahma is my father

and Maya is my mother.

By their interlocking, I got this body.

Those who think I reside at Shirdi

Do not know the real Sai,

For I am formless and everywhere!"

 

At another time, Saibaba declared his divinity;

"I am God. I am Mahalaxmi,

I am Vithoba…

Ganesha …

Dattatrey …

I am Narayan …

Why do you go to the Ganges River in Benares?

Hold your palm at my feet –

Here flows the Ganges!"

 

http://www.lordmeher.org/index.jsp?pageBase=page.jsp@nextPage=75

Why do you have to lie for such an insignificant thing?

 

Why do you have to lie for such an insignificant thing?

 

 

Shirdi was a humble, poverty stricken village. There were very few shops in the village. Those few were mostly the grocers. Sai Baba would daily beg oil from the shopkeepers to light the lamps at the Masjid. In the same manner he would light lamps in the temples too. He used to conduct the festivals of lighting lamps at these places of worship. The shopkeepers were irritable at his begging for oil every day from them.

 

One day they all got together and discussed the matter. "From where can we give this man free oil every day?" They decided not to give him any more oil. When Baba went to beg for oil, he got the same answer everywhere. "There is no stock, we are out of oil" Baba was surprised, "Why do you have to lie for such an insignificant thing?" said he and went back to his Masjid. It is because of deceit and untruthfulness that people are submerging in the ocean of sorrows and becoming estranged from God. They are being entangled in karma of their own creation and are falling from the right path. The foremost sin is untruthfulness. God's grace is never upon those who tell lies. He is the slave of those who are ever truthful and honest. The sadhanas of japa or penance are nothing when compared to the sadhana of being honest and truthful. Truth is the basis and foundation of all dharma. Truth is the easy way for moksha. Truth is eternal bliss. Never forget truth and ever abide by it.

 

Sri Sainatha had thus returned to the Masjid without speaking harshly to the merchants who he knew were telling lies. He then did a wonderful thing. He placed the earthen lamps all around the Masjid and placed wicks in them. The whole village had come to know by now and had gathered at the Masjid to watch the fun. They talked amongst themselves. "How can lamps be lit without oil? This Sai seems to be very insane. Does the lifeless seed ever sprout? Does the barren woman ever give birth to a child and fill the household with joy?

 

Do the wise ever believe these to be possible? This mad man is trying to light lamps without oil. He is indeed without doubt the king amongst mad men and emperor of the insane" The villagers started to heckle Baba thus. Baba took the tin, which had a little oil remaining at its bottom, and went back in to the Masjid. Nanasahab Dengale saw the people making fun of Baba and insulting him. He said, "You people are blind. Do not heckle him and make fun of him in your ignorance. Only the God knows the extent of his power. Do we mistakenly discard in haste the jewel, which has fallen down amongst the rocks? Do not judge him in a hurry. Let us wait a while and see what this fakir will do. Why should we be in such a haste to condemn him?"

 

All were seated silently in the Masjid. Baba had sufficient oil to light only one lamp in his tin. Baba poured a little water, approximately half the volume of oil, into the tin of oil and closed his eyes in meditation. He took a little of the mixture of oil and water into his mouth and spat it back into the tin after gargling. He poured the mixture in to all the lamps. Incredibly there was sufficient oil for all the lamps now. He lit the lamps and they burned brightly throughout the night. Dengale was wonderstruck at this example of Baba's divine power. He reverently saluted his feet. The people were all stunned by this wonderful miracle of Baba. They exclaimed, "How wonderful is this Baba's leela? Baba is none but God." They all knelt in front of Baba. "Baba, we have committed a great sin by making fun of you. We are all your children. You are our real mother. Please do not be angry with us. Sai Maharaj, Oh! Mountain of compassion, please excuse our mistakes. You are verily the ocean of mercy; you are the effulgent sun shining in the sky of right knowledge. You are the vast sea containing all the good qualities. You are verily the mountain of peace."

 

They all prayed to Baba not to be angry with them and to protect them. Baba spoke thus, "Hear and heed my words, Oh people. Behave always in the manner pleasing to the almighty. Never tell lies. If you stick to the truth, God will be pleased and stick with you. Do not cause any hardship to anyone. Give to the poor in charity as much as you can. You will gain merit by such charity and good will happen to you. By such conduct God will be pleased with you and give you his Divine vision at the end. This is the truth. Embed these words of mine in your hearts and follow them always." The people of Shirdi listened very happily to the teaching of Sri Sai Baba and went back to their homes contentedly.

 

(SRI SAI GURUCHARITRA - by devotee Ganpatrao Dattatreya Sahasra-buddhe better known as Das Ganu Maharaj)

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 1 Assigned for January 31, 2016

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana,

Chapter – 1  Assigned for January 31, 2016

Salutations -- The Story of Grinding Wheat and Its Philosophical Significance

DIRECT DOWN LOAD LINKS IN MAJOR INDIAN LANGUAGES:

Shri  Sai Satcharita in English Ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMVVUMS1FUTV4UU0/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharita in Hindi Ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSndVX2ZidV9lelU/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharita in Marathi Ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdnZ0b0MtSVgtaFU/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharitra Tamil Ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsbjEzeEZNY19tQXM/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharitra Telugu ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsWXNQZnZRRlNkdzQ/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharitra Malayalam ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsZTJYaFctLUFiNGs/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharitra Kannadam ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsV214Wk1NRXFQQTg/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharitra Konkani ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSEJ0U19TX01Ea0E/view?usp=sharing

Shri  Sai Satcharitra Bengali ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOWkySExlSElYSk0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Gujarati ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscmNaOElHeTliUFE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Odia ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMDN4ek4zQTAwLXc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Punjabi ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSWg5azdjX2xnOWM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Sindhi ch 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMEZtWkF1bGVwM00/view?usp=sharing

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Nepali

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb0Q4T0JfR3dlY2M&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in German

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsRXd1TW5QSWhjN1U&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in French

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsY0JCdGdsYV9lWUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXJSaVBSZjN2ckU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Urdu

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsclNCdlBjTlA3X1U/view?usp=sharing

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN AUDIO MP3 FORMAT:

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSmd1d2FockRhTVU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csd0JHQTJST21pcEE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch. 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsT004Tk85MUQ1WGM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsZkJ4dUpZYk1BMFU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 01

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsaGh3UkpMTmF4a1U/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsbDFlZVRpN1lpXzA/view?usp=sharing

Chapter I

Salutations -- The Story of Grinding Wheat and Its Philosophical Significance.

According to the ancient and revered custom, Hemadpant begins the work, Sai Satcharitra, with various salutations.

First, he makes obeisance to the God Ganesha to remove all obstacles and make the work a success and says that Shri Sai is the God Ganesha.

Then, to the Goddess Saraswati to inspire him to write out the work and says that Shri Sai is one with this Goddess and that He is Himself singing His own life.

Then, to the Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shankar - the Creating, Preserving and Destroying Deities respectively; and says that Sainath is one with them and He as the great Teacher, will carry us across the River of Worldly Existence.

Then, to his tutelary Deity Narayan Adinath who manifested himself in Konkan - the land reclaimed by Parashurama, (Rama in the Hindi version) from the sea; and to the Adi (Original) Purusha of the family.

Then, to the Bharadwaja Muni, into whose gotra (clan) he was born and also to various Rishis, Yagyavalakya, Bhrigu, Parashara, Narad, Vedavyasa, Sanak, Sanandan, Sanatkumar, Shuka. Shounak, Vishwamitra, Vasistha, Valmiki, Vamadeva, Jaimini, Vaishampayan, Nava Yogindra etc, and also modern Saints such as Nivritti, Jnanadev, Sopan, Muktabai, Janardan, Ekanath, Namdev, Tukaram, Kanha, and Narahari etc.

Then, to his grandfather Sadashiv, father Raghunath, his mother, who left him in his infancy, to his paternal aunt, who brought him up, and to his loving elder brother.

Then, to the readers and prays them to give their whole and undivided attention to his work.

And lastly, to his Guru Shri Sainath - an Incarnation of Shri Dattatreya, Who is his sole Refuge and Who will make him realize that Brahman is the Reality and the world an illusion; and incidentally, to all the Beings in whom the Lord God dwells.

After describing in brief the various modes of devotion according to Parashara, Vyasa and Shandilya etc., the author goes on to relate the following story:

"It was sometime after 1910 A.D. that I went, one fine morning, to the Masjid in Shirdi for getting a darshan of Sai Baba. I was wonder-struck to see the following phenomenon. After washing His mouth and face, Sai Baba began to make preparations for grinding wheat. He spread a sack on the floor; and thereon set a hand-mill. He took some quantity of wheat in a winnowing fan, and then drawing up the sleeves of His Kafni (robe); and taking hold of the peg of the hand-mill, started grinding the wheat by putting a few handfuls of wheat in the upper opening of the mill and rotated it. I thought 'what business Baba had with the grinding of wheat, when He possessed nothing and stored nothing, and as He lived on alms!' Some people who had come there thought likewise, but none had the courage to ask baba what He was doing. Immediately, this news of Baba's grinding wheat spread into the village, and at once men and women ran to the Masjid and flocked there to see Baba's act. Four bold women, from the crowd, forced their way up and pushing Baba aside, took forcibly the peg or handle into their hands, and, singing Baba's Leelas, started grinding. At first Baba was enraged, but on seeing the women's love and devotion, He was much pleased and began to smile. While they were grinding, they began to think that Baba had no house, no property, no children, none to look after, and He lived on alms, He did not require any wheat-flour for making bread or roti, what will He do with this big quantity of flour? Perhaps as Baba is very kind, He will distribute the flour amongst us. Thinking in this way while singing, they finished the grinding and after putting the hand-mill aside, they divided the flour into four portions and began to remove them one per head. Baba, Who was calm and quiet up till now, got wild and started abusing them saying, "Ladies, are you gone mad? Whose father's property are you looting away? Have I borrowed any wheat from you, so that you can safely take the flour? Now please do this. Take the flour and throw it on the village border limits." On hearing this, the women felt abashed and whispering amongst them, went away to the outskirts of the village and spread the flour as directed by Baba.

I asked the Shirdi people - "What was this that Baba did?" They replied that as the Cholera Epidemic was spreading in the village and this was Baba's remedy against the same; it was not wheat that was ground but the Cholera itself was ground to pieces and pushed out of the village. From this time onward, the Cholera Epidemic subsided and the people of the village were happy. I was much pleased to know all this; but at the same time my curiosity was also aroused. I began to ask myself - What earthly connection was there between wheat flour and Cholera? What was the casual relation between the two? And how to reconcile them? The incident seems to be inexplicable. I should write something on this and sing to my heart's content Baba's sweet Leelas. Thinking in this way about this Leela, my heart was filled with joy and I was thus inspired to write Baba's Life - The Satcharita.

And as we know, with Baba's grace and blessing this work was successfully accomplished.

Philosophical Significance of Grinding

Apart from the meaning that the people of Shirdi put on this incident of grinding wheat, there is, we think, a philosophical significance too. Sai Baba lived in Shirdi for about sixty years and during this long period; He did the business of grinding almost every day - not, however, the wheat alone; but the sins, the mental and physical afflictions and the miseries of His innumerable devotees. The two stones of His mill consisted of Karma and Bhakti, the former being the lower and the latter the upper one. The handle with which Baba worked the mill consisted of Jnana. It was the firm conviction of Baba that Knowledge or Self-realization is not possible, unless there is the prior act of grinding of all our impulses, desires, sins; and of the three gunas, viz. Sattva, Raja and Tama; and the Ahamkara, which is so subtle and therefore so difficult to be got rid of.

This reminds us of a similar story of Kabir who seeing a woman grinding corn said to his Guru, Nipathiranjana, "I am weeping because I feel the agony of being crushed in this wheel of worldly existence like the corn in the hand-mill." Nipathiranjana replied, "Do not be afraid; hold fast to the handle of knowledge of this mill, as I do, and do not wander far away from the same but turn inward to the Center, and you are sure to be saved."

Bow to Shri Sai -- Peace be to all

TIRUMANTIRAM - TANTRA EIGHT - Verses 2512 to 2526 of 2648

TIRUMANTIRAM

English translation of the Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular

 

 

TANTRA EIGHT - Verses 2512 to 2526 of 2648

 

 

430 REFRAINING FROM VAIN SPEECH

 

2512 You Can See Lord Only if You Hold Him in Your Heart

 

"I shall smite the hare in the moon"

Thus saying

A man unsheaths his jewelled sword;

Unto him are they

Who say,

"We the blue-throated Lord will see,

We know the Way;"

Such shall never see,

As in their hearts they hold Him not.

 

 

2513 Lord is Remote and Near

 

The black-footed Garuda bird

Across the sky passes;

The black-hued serpent in deep well dies;

Stop bragging of your greatness, O heart!

Be unto the river

That into the wavy ocean merges.

 

 

2514 Perform Tapas

 

If you seek your enemies (Malas) to perish,

Why fight at the Gate of Birth?

Silly heroism indeed!

If suitable the Tapas of holy ones are,

He, who all gifts gives,

Will with Celestials seat them.

 

 

2515 Seek and Be in Bliss

 

Be not in contentions lost;

Our Lord pervades worlds all

He is Siva--

Thus you hold;

Then the very Heavenly Hosts Eighteen

Will worship at your feet;

Seek Him, seek Him;

You shall in bliss be.

 

 

2516 Contemplate on Him

 

The Lord who is dearer than dearest life in me,

The Pure One who is brighter than purest gold

The Great One, in all life, unvarying glows,

On Him contemplate, in ways appropriate.

 

 

2517 Adore Him in All Ways

 

Standing, sitting and prostrating

Well may you, the Pure One adore;

Though learned you be,

Do conquer your Senses Five,

And quick sunder contending Pasas;

Thus seek Him and know Him,

He in you one will be.

 

 

2518 He is Pervasive Knowledge

 

My Father, My Lord

As subtle Knowledge He stood;

As pervasive Knowledge, engrossing

The Seven Worlds, too, He stood;

He knows melodies all;

Sing His praise,

The Celestials will you in endearment hold.

 

 

2519 Think of Him Continuously

 

He whom even Celestials know not,

Think of Him, in the waking dawn,

Continuous think of Him morn, noon and eventide

If thus you perservere,

You shall become the very Paraparam.

 

 

2520 He is of Infinite Grace

 

As One He pervades the seven worlds all,

He, of yore, His Grace on Jiva conferred;

He, Lord of Grace Infinite;

Goodly is He in Jnana

Of the holy ones of constant heart;

He who is festooned in flower unfading,

He, the Famed One.

 

 

2521 Witness Dance of Siva

 

"Hail, my Father! Hail His golden Feet!"

Thus I praised;

And as I praised,

The radiant lamp

Of life within sparkled;

And then I heard the bewitching sound,

That my body in rapture immersed;

And lo! there was His Dance!

 

 

2522 God Vision in Yoga Way

 

I sought my Nandi within

And there I met Him;

They seek Him not within their hearts,

And so know Him not;

In yogic way I entered within

And ascended Adharas;

And eyes closed in trance

I saw His Form Divine;

And the Seven Worlds too.

 

 

2523 Vision of Lord Within

 

I behold the Little Mount within

In it was Divine Glory,

Abiding Jnana and nectar sweet

For them that realize Him in (love) unfaltering,

He creates the very Heaven within;

He, the Compassionate One.

 

 

2524 State of Quiescence

 

Of Wisdom infinite,

The Tapasvins great in wisdom stood,

Pure as moon's rays they beam;

In Transcendental bliss they are;

Themselves Divine Jnana becoming,

They encompassed in Consciousness

The Universe Cosmic;

And entering Upasanta

They freed themselves of Malas,

And State of Quiescence reached.

 

 

2525 Siva Siddha State

 

They abandoned Muktis three as vain;

They dispelled enticing darkness of Pasa,

They rid themselves of Anava,

They transcended "I" and "mine" consciousness,

They in constancy remained,

They, verily, are Siva Siddhas.

 

 

2526 Siddhas Are Like Sadasiva Himself

 

Siddhas are those who Siva saw;

Soaked in Suddha-Asuddha,

Yet soaked are not;

Muktas are they,

And source of Mukti, too, are they;

Possessed are they of Muladhara prowess

Alike are they unto Sadasiva.

 

 

 

WEIGHT OF PRAYER

WEIGHT OF PRAYER

 

 

"He alone knows the knack of getting things done, as He likes." _ Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. III.

 

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her a requested that she leave his store.

 

Visualizing the family needs, she said: "Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can."

 

John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer-man that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

 

The grocer-man said in a very reluctant voice, "Do you have a grocery list?"

 

Louise replied, "Yes sir!"

 

"O.K." he said, "Put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries."

Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

 

The eyes of the grocer-man and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer-man, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, "I can't believe it."

The customer smiled and the grocer-man started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer-man stood there in utter disgust.

Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: "Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands." The grocer-man gave her the groceries that he had gathered and placed on the scales and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store.

The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to John as he said, "It was worth every penny of it."

 

It was sometime later that John Longhouse discovered the scales were broken, therefore only God knows how much a prayer weighs.

 

Let the exam dates pass away, you don't worry, you stay in Shirdi calmly

Let the exam dates pass away, you don't worry, you stay in Shirdi calmly

 

 

In an earlier post it was narrated that Kakasaheb lived in Shirdi leaving behind his family and children in Vile Parle in Mumbai. Kakasaheb was engrossed in Baba's company the whole day.

 

The only aim of Kakasaheb's life was to serve Baba whole heartedly and thus proceed to the path of Sadgati.

 

Kakasaheb's son Ramkrishna was not well in Mumbai. A letter informing this was sent to Kakasaheb in Shirdi. Kakasaheb wished to go to Mumbai, but Baba said, "What's the use of going to Mumbai? Instead call your son to Shirdi."

 

Kakasaheb sent a letter to Mumbai to bring his son to Shirdi as per Baba's orders. Kakasaheb's brother Rajaram Dixit was present in Mumbai after hearing about his nephew's illness. He opposed saying, "Why should this poor boy be taken to Shirdi?" But Kakasaheb's wife had strong faith in Baba's words and she was determined to go to Shirdi with her son.

 

They hired a tonga from Kopergaon. As soon as the tonga reached near Nanduram's shop, the boy jumped from the tonga with fullest energy. The fever had vanished and he was hale and hearty as before. What is the power of Shirdi's soil!! He had grown much weaker due to his illness, but he regained energy as soon as he breathed in Shirdi and his feet touched the soil of Shirdi. All sorts of medicines (allopathy and homeopathy) were given to the boy, but he was cured by a special type of medicine 'Namopathy'. As per Kakasaheb Dixit, 'Namopathy' was the best medicine to cure any disease. Namopathy means remembering Baba's name with complete faith. Such was Kakasaheb's devotion and faith towards Baba.

 

Ramakrishna and his mother passed twenty days in Shirdi serving Baba in their own way. Meanwhile a letter addressed to Kakasaheb was received from Mumbai. It was advised to Ramakrishna to immediately return to Mumbai as his exams were starting from November 3, 1913.

 

Kakasaheb went to Baba with the letter. Baba said, "There is no need to go to Mumbai". Kakasaheb was a very learned and intelligent person, still he never argued in front of Baba. Kakasaheb followed the practice of following the words of Baba, considering it as 'Brahma Vakya' meaning words of Lord Brahma.

 

But it was the question of his son's future. Once exam dates are announced there was no possibility of its changing. Thus Kakasaheb's devotion also started doubting at such words of Baba. At last, Kakasaheb came to the decision to behold Baba's words with complete faith and left the responsibility of his son's future on Baba's shoulders.

 

The date of examination i.e. November 3 passed away. Again a letter from Mumbai was directed to Shirdi. The exam was postponed as plague epidemic had spread and so exams were starting from November 6. Hence it was advised to Ramakrishna to reach Mumbai before exam date.

 

Now only one day was remaining for the exam, so Kakasaheb went to Baba to take permission to leave. Baba answered, "Let the exam date pass away. You don't worry, you stay in Shirdi calmly. Allah is Malik, He will take care".

 

Baba was fully aware of the happenings in Mumbai. To save Ramakrishna and his mother from the epidemic, He did not allow them to leave Shirdi. Again a letter from Mumbai was sent to Kakasaheb informing the final dates of exam i.e. November 13. This time Baba allowed them to go to Mumbai. Due to illness and stay in Shirdi, Ramakrishna was not well prepared for exams,  but he passed with outstanding marks by Baba's grace.

 

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter - 50 Assigned for January 30, 2016

 Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana,

Chapter - 50 Assigned for January 30, 2016

 

Stories of (1) Kakasaheb Dixit (2) Shri Tembye Swami (3)Balaram Dhurandhar.

 

 

DIRECT DOWN LOAD LINKS IN MAJOR INDIAN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharita in English Ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMFkzaDBVNUtwT1E/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Hindi Ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscHpkd3hWeHUwSDA/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Hindi Ch 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsaW1xSDMwdTdQZWM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Marathi Ch 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsV3czTUhQU1NleFk/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Marathi Ch 53

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsaEtSQ3pSdkJ6dGs/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Tamil Ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsTl9WUHlaZzZOanM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Telugu ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsV1QyeW9ZRDBMeVU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Telugu ch 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsNUhObjlyc2oxWGs/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Malayalam 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsX2hCaU9uZzZ0bWs/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Malayalam 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdWJNQVFQUTh4cDA/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Kannadam ch 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdS1BV3VDUzh0OXc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Kannadam ch 53

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSGdCcDMyWk9NSDg/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Konkani ch 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsVkVCVDdqQnRsTE0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Konkani ch 53

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSVExOWVZM3dNM0E/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Bengali ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CseTRMN2VTZE9MX3M/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Bengali ch 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsTFhfQS1CWTdXTGc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Gujarati ch 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscWhENFVNOGdJRGM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Gujarati ch 53

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMDRHckNoY2dNcVE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Odia ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csb3FWcFhKZUJnbGM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Odia ch 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CselFfU3k0UHVSV2c/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Punjabi ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsZlZuU1BkY1ZIT0U/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Punjabi ch 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsaFBhQjdGOGNKdnc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Sindhi ch 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsWWY2V2tTQWdJSHc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Sindhi ch 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CseUhOYUNPdzNPdkU/view?usp=sharing

 (In English, Hindi, Tamil and Nepali total chapters are 50, there are 51 chapters in Sindhi, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Telugu and Hindi, 52 chapters in Malayalam and 53 chapters in Marathi, Kannadam, Konkani and Gujarati. Last few chapters are adjusted to have 50 days parayana cycle)

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Nepali

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb0Q4T0JfR3dlY2M&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in German

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsRXd1TW5QSWhjN1U&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in French

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsY0JCdGdsYV9lWUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXJSaVBSZjN2ckU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Urdu

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsclNCdlBjTlA3X1U/view?usp=sharing

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN AUDIO MP3 FORMAT:

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 50 & 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsRjNNOGUxd2hxV1k/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdUpZbTlRb2xyWDg/view?usp=sharing

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsbE5XYWxEZ1NUQVk/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csa2kwUmo2dnVUVnc/view?usp=sharing

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSmd4c3NSVDc2QjA/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch 53

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsRzBQYlNRRlV0dzA/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch 54

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsUVpMYnpIS3RCMFU/view?usp=sharing

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMko2dGxPTjdwSWM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMGVQT3pubWc5cUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 52

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsbWxqb2ExQXhpZlU/view?usp=sharing

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 50

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csd0ZjdXFnMTg3Rk0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 51

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csa2VpNkZRamFLMHM/view?usp=sharing

 

  

Chapter L

 

Stories of (1) Kakasaheb Dixit (2) Shri Tembye Swami (3)Balaram Dhurandhar.

 

Chapter 50 of the original Satcharita has been incorporated in Chapter 39, as it dealt with the same subject matter. Now, Chapter 51 of the Satcharita has been treated here as Chapter 50. This Chapter gives the stories of (1) Kakasaheb Dixit (2) Shri Tembye Swami (3) Balaram Dhurandhar.

 

Preliminary

 

Victory be unto Sai Who is the main-stay of the Bhaktas, Who is our Sadguru, Who expounds the meaning of the Gita and Who gives us all powers. Oh Sai, look favourably on us and bless us all.

The sandal-wood trees, grow on the Malaya mountains and ward off heat. The clouds, pour their rain-water and thereby, cool and refresh all the people. The flowers, blossom in the spring and, enable us to worship God, therewith. So the stories of Sai Baba come forth, in order to give solace and comfort to the readers. Both, those, who tell; and those who hear the stories of Baba, are blessed and holy, as also the mouths of the former and the ears of the latter.

 

It is well-established fact, that though we try hundreds of means or sadhanas, we do not attain the spiritual goal of life, unless a Sadguru blesses us with his grace. Hear the following story in illustration of this statement

 

Kakasaheb Dixit (1864-1926)

 

Mr. Hari Sitaram alias Kakasaheb Dixit was born in 1864 A.D., in a Vadnagara Nagar - Brahmin-family, at Khandwa(C.P). His primary education was done at Khandwa, Hinganghat, and secondary education at Nagpur. He came to Bombay for higher eduaction and studied first in the Wilson College and then in the Elphinstone College. After graduation in 1883 A.D., he passed his LL.B. and solicitor's examination; and then served in the firm of the Govt. Solicitors, Messrs Little and Co., and then, after sometime started a solicitors' firm of his own.

 

Before 1909 A.D., Sai Baba's name was not familiar to Kakasaheb, but after that he soon becomes His great devotees. While he was staying at Lonavla, he happened to see his old friend. Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Both spent some time, in talking about many things. Kakasaheb described to him, how when he was boarding a train in London, he met with an accident, in which his foot slipped and was injured. Hundreds of remedies gave him no relief. Nanasaheb then told him that if he wished to get rid of the pain and lameness of his leg, he should go to his Sadguru-Sai Baba. He also gave him all the particulars of Sai Baba and mentioned to him Sai Baba's dictum "I draw to Me My man fram far off, or even across the seven seas, like a sparrow with a string fastened to its feet." He also made it clear to him that if he be not Baba's man, he would not be attracted to Him and given a darshan. Kakasaheb was pleased to hear all this, and said to Nanasaheb that he would go to Baba, see Him and pray to Him to cure not so much his lame leg, but bring round his lame, fickle mind and give him eternal Bliss.

 

Some time after, Kakasaheb went to Ahmednagar; and stayed with sirdar Kakasaheb Mirikar in connection with securing votes for a seat, in the Bombay Legislative Council. Mr. Balasaheb Mirikar, son of Kakasaheb Mirikar, who was a Mamalatdar of Kopergaon, also came at that time to Ahmendnagar in connection with a Horse-Exhibition there. After the election business was over, Kakasaheb Dixit wanted to go to Shirdi and both the Mirikars, father and son were also thinking in their house about a fit and proper person, as a guide, with whom he should be sent there. There Sai Baba was arranging things for his reception. Shama got a telegram from his father-in-law at Ahemdnagar, stating that his wife was seriously ill, and that he should come to see her with his wife. Shama with Baba's permission went there, and saw his mother-in-law and found her improving and better. Nanasaheb Panshe and Appasaheb Gadre happened to see Shama, on their way to the Exhibition Dixit there and take him to Shirdi along with him. Kakasaheb Dixit and the Mirikars were also informed of Shama's arrival. In the evening Shama came to Mirikars, who introduced him to Kakasaheb. They arranged that Shama should leave for Kopergaon with Kakasaheb by the 10 O'Clock night train. After this was settled, a curious thing happened. Balasaheb Mirikar threw aside the veil or covering on Baba's big portrait and showed the same to Kakasaheb. He was surprised to see that He, Whom he was going to meet at Shirdi, was already there in the form of His portrait to greet him, at this juncture. He was much moved and made his prostration before the portarit. This portrait belonged to Megha. The glass over it was broken and it was sent to Mirikars for repairs. The necessary repairs had been already made; and it was decided to return the portarit with Kakasaheb and Shama.

 

Before ten O'Clock, they went to the station and booked their passage; but when the train arrived, they found that the second class was overcrowded; and then there was no room for them. Fortunately, the guard of the train turned out to be an acquaintance of Kakasaheb; and he put them up in the first class. Thus they travelled comfortably and alighted at Kopergaon. Their joy knew no bounds when they saw there Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who was also bound for Shirdi. Kakasaheb and Nanasaheb embraced each other, and then after bathing in the sacred Godavari river they started for Shirdi. After coming there and getting Baba's darshan, Kakasaheb's mind was melted, his eyes were full of tears and he was overflowing with joy. Baba said to him, that he also was waiting for him; and had sent Shama ahead to receive him.

 

Kakasaheb then passed many happy years in Baba's company. He buit a Wada in Shirdi which he made as his, more or less, permanent home. The experiences he got from Baba are so manifold, that it is not possible to relate them all here. The readers are advised to read a special (Kakasaheb Dixit) No. of 'Shri Sai Leela' magazine, Vol 12, No. 6-9. we close this account with the mention of one fact only. Baba had comforted hi by saying that in the end "He will take him in air coach (Viman)", (i.e., secure him a happy death). This came out true. On the 5th of July 1926 A.D., he was travelling in the train with Hemadpant and talking about Sai Baba. He seemed deeply engrossed in Sai Baba. All of a sudden he threw his neck on Hemadpant's shoulder, and breathed his last with no trace of pain and uneasiness.

 

Shri Tembye Swami

 

We come to the next story, which shows how Saints love aech other with fraternal affection. Once Shri Vasudevanand Saraswati, known as Shri Tembye Swami encamped, at Rajamahendri (Andhra Country), on the banks of Godavari. He was a devout, orthodox, Jnani and Yogi Bhakta of the God Dattatreya. One, Mr. Pundalikrao, pleader of Nanded (Nizam State) went to see him, with some friends. While they were talking with him, the names of Shirdi and Sai Baba were casually mentioned. Hearing Baba's name, the Swami bowed with his hands; and taking a coconut gave it to Pundalikrao, and said to him, "Offer this to my brother Sai, with my pranam and request Him not to forget me, but ever love me." He also added that the Swamis do not generally bow to others, but in this case an exception had to be made. Mr. Pundalikrao consented to take the fruit and his message to Baba. The Swami was right in calling Baba a brother, for as he maintained an Agnihotra (Sacred fire) day and night, in his orthodox fashion; Baba too kept His Agnihotra, i.e., Dhuni ever burning in the Masjid.

 

After one month Pundalikrao and others left for Shirdi with the coconut, and reached Manmad, and as they felt thirsty they went to a rivulet for drinking water. As water should not be drunk on an empty stomach, they took out some refreshments, i.e., Chivda (flattened rice mixed with spice). The Chivda tasted pungent and in order to soften it, some one suggested and broke the coconut and mixed its scrapings with it. Thusthey made the Chivda mare tasty and palatable. Unfortunately the fruit broken, turned out to be the same, that was entrusted to Pundalikrao. As they neared Shirdi, Pundalikrao remembered the trust, i.e., the coconut and was very sorry to learn that it was broken and utilized. Fearing and trembling, he came to Shirdi and saw Baba. Baba had already received a wireless message, regarding the coconut, from the Tembye Swami, ad Himself asked Pundalikrao first to give the things sent by His brother. He held fast Baba's Feet, confessed his guilt and negligence, repented and asked for Baba's pardon. He offered to give another fruit as a substitute, but Baba refused to accept it saying that the worth of that coconut was by far, many times more, than an ordinary one and that it could not be replaced by another one. Baba also added- "Now you need not worry yourself any more about the matter. It was on account of my wish that the coconut was entrusted to you, and ultimately broken on the way; why should you take the responsibility of the actions on you? Do not entertain the sense of doership in doing good, as well as for bad deeds; be entirely prideless and egoless in all things and thus your spiritual progress will be rapid." What a beautiful spiritual instruction Baba gave!

 

Balaram Dhurandhar (1878-1925)

 

Mr. Balaram Dhurandhar belonged to the Pathare Prabhu community, of Santacruz, Bombay. He was an advocate of the Bombay High Court and sometime Principal of the Governament Law School, Bombay. The whole Dhurandhar family was pious and religious. Mr. Balaram served his community, and wrote and published an account of it. He then turned his attention to spiritual and religious matters. He studied carefully Gita, and its commentary Jnaneshwari; and other philosiphical and other metaphysical works. He was a devotee of Vithoba of Pandharpur. he came in contact with Sai Baba in 1912 A.D.. Six months previous, his brothers Babulji and Vamanrao came to Shirdi and took Baba's darshan. They returned home, and mentioned their sweet experiences to Balaram and other members. Then they all decided to see Sai Baba. Before they came to Shirdi, Baba declared openly that - "To-day many of my Darbar people are coming." The Dhurandhar brothers were astonished to hear this remark of Baba, from others; as they had not given any previous intimation of their trip. All the other people prostrated themselves before Baba, and sat talking to Him. Baba said to them- "These are my Darbar people to whom I referred before" and said to the Dhurandhar brothers- "We are acquainted with each other for the last sixty generations." All the brothers were meek and modest, they stood with joined hands, staring at Baba's Feet. All the Sattwic emotions such as tears, horripilation, choking, etc., moved them and they were all happy. Then they went to their lodging, took their meals and after taking a little rest again came to the Masjid. Balaram sat near Baba, messaging His Legs. Baba Who was smoking a chillam advanced it towards him and beckoned him to smoke it. Balaram was not accustomed to smoking, still he accepted the pipe, smoked it with great difficulty; and returned it reverentially with a bow. This was the most auspicious moment for Balaram. He was suffering from Asthma for six years. This smoke completely cured him of the disease, which never troubled him again. Some six years later, on a particular day, he again got an attack of Asthma. This was precisely the time when Baba took his Mahasamadhi.

 

The day of this visit was a Thursday; and the Dhurandhar brothers had the good fortune of witnessing the Chavadi, Balaram saw the lusture of pandurang on Baba's face and next morning at the Kakad-Arti time, the same phenomenon - the same lusture of his Beloved Deity- Pandurang was visible again on Baba's face.

 

Mr. Balaram Dhurandhar wrote, in Marathi, the life of the Maharashtra Saint Tukaram, but did not survive to see its publication. It was published, later on, by his brothers in 1928. In a short note on Balaram's life given in the beginning of the book, the above account of Balaram's visit has been fully corroborated therein (Vide page 6 of the book).

 

Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all