Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories

Celebrating 125 Years of Nirvikalp Samadhi of Shirdi Sai Baba on December 10, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:25:00 +0000

In chapter 43 & 44 of Shri Sai Satcharitra, Shri Hemadpant had written about the following incident, "Thirty two years before this, i.e., in 1886 A.D., Baba made an attempt to cross the border line. On a Margashirsha Pournima (Full moon) day, Baba suffered from a severe attack of asthma. To get rid of it Baba decided to take His prana high up and go into samadhi. He said to Bhagat Mhalasapti - "Protect My body for three days. If I return, it will be alright; if I do not, bury My body in that open land (pointing to it) and fix two flags there as a mark." Saying this, Baba fell down at about 10 P.M. His breathing stopped, as well as His pulse. It seemed as if His prana left the body. All the people including the villagers came there and wanted to hold an inquest and bury the body in the place pointed by Baba. But Mhalasapati prevented this. With Baba's body on his lap he sat full three days guarding it. After three days passed, Baba showed signs of life at 3 A.M. His breathing commenced, the abdomen began to move. His eyes opened and stretching His limbs, Baba returned to consciousness (life) again.

Lorriane Walshe-Ryan's "My Truth" Book and E-Book Released

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:32:00 +0000

Last year an experience was shared by Lorriane Walshe-Ryan and her friend Roshni ji on Devotee Experiences with Shirdi Sai Baba Blog. It described how Lord Sai Baba gave Lorraine ji His permission to continue with her third book. The second book's work is in progress. It contains experiences of devotees and it is being edited now. I guess readers must be knowing that she has written "I Am Always With You" book earlier. It is worth reading book for those who wish to know what relation prevails between Lord Sai Baba and His devotees. Every one of us share a unique and divine relation with Him. No matter of what age is our devotion, the relation matters. My belief is (gradually it is becoming stronger day by day) that since we were holding hands of Lord Sai Baba in our previous uncountable births, we are holding Them today and will be holding Them in future births too. Thus our relation is shared from past many births and will continue to be.

Shirdi Sai Baba Wallpapers and Screensaver for Free Download

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Happy Diwali to all Dear Sai Readers!

I found this interesting and suitable Deepawali quote for you all

The sun does not shine there, nor do the moon and the stars, nor do lightning shine? All the lights of the world cannot be compared even to a ray of the inner light of the Self. Merge yourself in this light of lights and enjoy the supreme Deepavali.

This Diwali Shirdi Sai Baba Life Teachings and Stories team brings Shirdi Sai Baba Diwali Wallpapers and Screensaver for Download. The pictures were exclusively designed for us. I am really thankful for contributors. I hope you like it and looking forward for your comments below. Lord Sai Baba lighted lamps with water on Diwali day, so emphasis is given to lighting lamps in pictures.

Revered Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta Merges with Shirdi Sai Baba

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:21:00 +0000

Writing on blogs is always a joyful act for me but today i have my eyes moist to write this blog post. Readers of the blog are familiar to legendary author Shri Suresh Chandra Gupta. His books were eye-opener in real sense. What actually is "devotion" has been defined by him. How and in what way a person, after treading on path of devotion has to act, can be learnt from his writings. In fact his contribution to Shirdi Sai Baba's awareness is commandable since he was the most instrumental person in construction of Shirdi Sai Baba temple of Lodhi Road in New Delhi, which is considered as first and foremost temple of Lord Shirdi Sai Baba in northern India. I have read and heard from many devotees that they found their real God/Guru in that temple.

Online Booking System For Darshan, Donation & Accommodation @ Shirdi is Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:22:00 +0000

A devotee visiting Shirdi is excited and eager to meet Lord Sai Baba but at the same time, he is worried about good accommodation facility which would fit his wallet with basic amenities. Also an insurity prevails whether he would get good darshan at Samadhi Mandir, Dwarakamai, Chavadi and various other places due to ever increasing crowd at Shirdi. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi do provide accommodation facilities at nominal rates, but procedure to get one is very lengthy. Though we are provided with online darshan of Samadhi Mandir, we have to stand in long queues for getting actual darshan.

Now we dont have to worry about any such queues as we can get online darshan passes and accommodation booked before leaving our homes straight away from our computer screens with launch of Sai Tech Project Online Booking System!

Sai Tech Project Details:

The Rs 22-crore 'Sai Tech Project' was inaugurated on July 15, 2011 by Maharashtra Speaker Dilip Valse Patil and state Agriculture Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, chairman of Shirdi Saibaba Trust Jayant Sasane told reporters.

Devotees of Sai Baba can now book online slots for darshan, reserve rooms and pay donations, thanks to a hi-tech project being developed by Pune-based Cognizant Technology Solutions, chairman of the temple trust said.

Gurupoornima Celebrations At Shirdi - 2011 Photos Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:14:00 +0000

We all celebrated Gurupoornima on July 15, 2011. It is the festival which was emphasized by Lord Sai Baba in His times and this tradition is followed even today in Shirdi. Thus Gurupoornima celebration is an integral part of celebrations at Shirdi in a year. During this festival, Shirdi Sansthan capture moments and upload on their official site. Pictures on the site are not in direct downloadable form. So here they are shared in direct downloadable form. Below the post, there is download link of zip file of all pictures for easy downloading. Here i am sharing only pictures of Lord Sai Baba. For other pictures of celebration, i request you to download the file from link given below.

Read more »

Briefs On Persons Who Lived With Sai Baba - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:46:00 +0000

With last post m and n we completed a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra" from Part 4 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi, thus concluding whole chapter. Chapter 6 i.e. Sutras of Sai Bhakti has already been posted at the beginning, so now an annexure is being taken up here on "Briefs on Persons who lived with Sai Baba
and whose names appears in this book". One who wish to read Chapter 6 (and of course all other chapters) can browse the links given towards the end of this post. With this annexure we are completed with "Fragrance of Sai Bhakti" as written by Shri Suresh Chandra Gupta ji who wishes that devotee readers should share their valuable comments about the book. I have personally liked it much and hope the same is for you. I wish we get more such books from the author in future also.

Briefs on Persons who lived with Sai Baba and whose names appears in this book

1. Baija Bai Kote Patil (बायजा बाई कोते पाटिल ) - Baija Bai had extreme love and devotion towards Baba and she used to prepare food and take it to Baba. Baija Bai, wife of Appa Kote Patil and mother of Tatya Kote Patil used to refer to Shri Sainath as her brother. She had taken a vow that until Sai Baba had his food she won’t take food. Such was her devotion to Sai Baba that she would carry food in a basket and went looking for him to feed him.

2. Tatya Kote Patil (तात्या कोते पाटिल ) - Tatya Kote Patil had a unique relationship with Baba and was under his protection from the age of seven. As a child, Tatya addressed Baba as ‘Mama’ (Uncle or Mother’s brother). They would play and romp together, with Tatya climbing on Baba’s back and sitting in his lap. Being so close to Baba afforded him privileges that few had. Only he and Mahalsapati were allowed to sleep with Baba in the mosque and this he did for 14 years until his father died and family responsibilities compelled him to go home.

3. Mahalsapati (म्हलसापति ) - Mahalsapati was the priest of the Khandoba Temple on the edge of the village of Shirdi. When Sai Baba first arrived in Shirdi, it was he who hailed the young Fakir in the words, ‘Aao Sai!’ (Welcome Saint), thus giving him the beloved name of Sai. Sai Baba used to call Mahalsapati as‘Bhagat’.

4. MadhavRao Deshpande alias Shama (माधवराव देशपांडे /शामा ) - Shama was among Baba’s most intimate devotees. He was regarded as the ‘Nandi’ of Baba and acted like his personal secretary. Baba once told Shama that they had been together for 72 generations. His parents had moved to Shirdi from Nimon (five kilometres away) when he was only two. He became a school teacher in a room next door to the mosque.

Part 8 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:29:00 +0000

Two points m and n from a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra" from Part 4 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi were posted. With three more points, we are concluding this chapter.

Part 8 - Sai Bhakti

Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’

(o) Baba’s ways of Teaching

To some he prescribed the Adhyatma Ramayan; to some the recitation of Dñyaneshwari; to some he suggested reciting the Harivarda and to some to read Gurucharitra.

He would keep some near him; ask some to go to Khandoba’s temple; to some he keenly suggested to study and memorise the Vishnu Sahasranama.

To some he suggested the Ram Vijaya; to some meditation; to some the power of the name of the Lord; to some he suggested the Chandogya Upanishad and Gita Rahasya and told them that through faith only they could understand the essence of all.

His ways of teaching were exceptional. Some were taught in a particular way, some in a different way. To some he taught directly and appeared in the dreams of others.

Many people from different castes came for his darshan and help. He even appeared in dreams to those who were fond of liquor.

He would sit on their chest pressing with his hands and feet and making them take a solemn vow never to drink again.

Like the pictures that are drawn by an astrologer on the walls of a house where a wedding is to take place he would write the mantra “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu” etc. in a dream vision on the walls of the house of another devotee.

If a person tried to practise the yogic aasana and also the difficult Hatha Yoga without Baba’s knowledge, Baba would come to know about it because of his extra-sensory powers and then he would rightly penalise.

He would catch hold of someone, whom he did not even know, and send a message: “Can you not sit quietly, and patiently eat your bread?” - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 19, Ovi 222-230)

To some he would give an ultimatum and tell him that: “I am a very strict person by nature. I will tell you mildly only once or twice and if inspite of that you don’t listen, at the end it will be very difficult for you. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 19, Ovi 232)

I will try to tell once, to tell twice, but if a person does not care to listen to my words, even if he be my kith and kin, I will not hesitate to tear him apart and throw him away”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 19, Ovi 232)

i) On Enjoyment of Senses

“Before the mind, the intellect and other senses enjoy their objects, remember me first so that they become an offering to me, slowly.

“The senses can never remain without their objects; but if these objects are first offered to the Guru, the attachment for them will naturally vanish.

“If you desire anything, desire me only! If you are angry vent your anger on me only! Offer me your pride and obstinacy. Be devoted only to me.

0“Whenever desire, anger, pride arise strongly make me the object towards which to direct them.

“In this way, one by one, the Lord will help you in eradicating all the ‘Vrittis’. The Lord (Govinda) will certainly calm the strong waves of these three venomous qualities.

“In fact, this disturbed mental state would be absorbed in my form or would become one with me. A state of peace will be yours at my feet”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 24, Ovi 46-51)

“Such a person (ignorant and confused) is not fit for Self-knowledge. False knowledge will overpower him. For him there is nothing in this world and in the next. For ever and everywhere, he is miserable.

“There is no point in establishing one’s own school of thought. And there is no need to refute the thinking of others also. There is no need to debate and prove someone wrong. These are baseless efforts”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 2, Ovi 87-88)

A disciple should be modest, able, free from envy, unselfish or disinterested, always ready to serve the Guru, eager to have spiritual knowledge and of steadfast temperament.

He should have no hatred, nor engage in loquaciousness. These are the qualities required to please the Gururaya. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 42, Ovi 124-125)

One whose conduct is always correct and good, who eats just enough to sustain his body, and is not attached to home or wife - such a person is blessed and a sage. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 37, Ovi 90)

ii) On Fasting

“Food and the one who eats it are the embodiments of Vishnu. Fasting, austerities, unsullied food, going without any food or water - Why indulge in this? What is the need for us to practice fasting and austerities?” - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 32, Ovi 142-143)

You do not need ceremonies to complete the rituals, you do not need fasting to torture the body; you do not need to visit the tirthas. It is sufficient to listen to the story. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 3, Ovi 182)

iii) Food to Hungry

“Oh mother! You fed me to-day, because of which I am full upto my throat. I was overcome with hunger and you satisfied me.

“You must act like this always. Truly only this will prove useful, ultimately. Sitting in the Masjid, I do not ever speak an untruth. This is the universal truth.

“Know that this is the kindness which I preach. Give food to the hungry first and then eat yourself. Remember this clearly in your mind”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 9, Ovi 120-122)

“When you sat down for your meals, you suddenly saw a dog come to the door, which was suffering from extreme hunger. I am one with that dog.

“Similarly, I am one with that pig bespattered with mud, which was also hungry and miserable”.

When she heard Baba’s words, the lady was very much surprised. Dogs, pigs, cats which wander - Are they one with Baba?

Sometimes I am a dog, sometimes a pig, sometimes I am a cow, sometimes a cat, sometimes an ant, a fly or fish. I move about in different forms.

“That person who sees me in all the creatures, you must understand is my beloved one.

Give up the belief in the two-fold nature, and worship me in this manner”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 9, Ovi 126-130)

“Why do you fret unnecessarily? Satisfying the hunger of this dog is the same as giving me appeasement. Bear this in mind.

“Isn’t this dog a living creature? All beings experience the same hunger. Though it is dumb and I can speak, is there any difference in the hunger that both experience?

“He who feeds those distressed by hunger really serves me with food. Know this and regard it as an axiomatic truth”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 42, Ovi 103-105)

iv) Dancing

He (Baba) behaved ordinarily with all people, witnessed the dance and frolic of the Muralis, listened to the songs and ghazals, swaying to them (with great relish) but his inner state of samadhi was absolutely undisturbed. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 4, Ovi 49)

Before moving into the Masjid, Baba stayed at the takia. He stayed there long, peacefully and untroubled by anyone.

Here, tying jingling bells around his feet, he would dance gracefully and sing melodiously with devotion to the accompaniment of a tambourine. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 5, Ovi 99-100)

v) Advice to Kirtankars

Where are you going so dressed up? Baba asked Das Ganu. He replied: “I am going to perform kirtan”.

Baba said to him, further: “Why have you taken so much trouble over dressing up? Why do you have long coat, uparna and pheta? We do not need all these things.

“Take them off in front of me. Why burden your body with them?” As per his orders, he took them off and laid them at his feet. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 15, Ovi 24-26)

vi) Reading of Books

Mere 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. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 21, Ovi 73)

Part 7 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:53:00 +0000

In last post, three more points j to l from a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’" from Part 4 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi were discussed. Below are two more such points which are equally interesting.

Part 7 - Sai Bhakti

Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’

(m) Baba’s Assurances

“Without some special bonds of past lives no one comes to us. May it be a dog, a pig or a fly. So do not repulse anybody. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 81)

“How will anyone be longing for worldly pleasures, who thinks of my name, worships me, studies me, whose holy readings are of me, who meditates on me and who continuously thinks of me? - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 16)

“I am under my devotees’ obligations. I am always beside them (standing close). I am always hungry for love. I am at their beck and call”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 11, Ovi 76)

Hold on to the good company of the Guru and the virtuous. Disentangle from the worldly ties. Definitely herein is your fulfillment. Have no doubts. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 10, Ovi 134)

“He, who constantly remembers me after completely surrendering to me, I owe him a debt which I will repay by uplifting him.

“I am in bondage to him who does not eat or drink anything without offering it to me first and who constantly meditates upon me. I act according to his wishes.

“I constantly care for him who only longs for me and for him no one is equal to me. I act according to his wishes.

“He who has turned away from mother, father, kinsmen, friends and relatives, wife and son alone is attached to my feet”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 44, Ovi 151-154)

“He who abandons all pride, is ever grateful to Him (God), and places all his burden on Him (God), will achieve his objective”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 34, Ovi 131)

“None can come here unless I bring him”, was what Baba said.

“Unless I so desire who can cross his threshold? Who will get ‘darshan’ by his own volition or come to Shirdi?” - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 35, Ovi 153-154)

“If anyone has given me one rupee as ‘dakshina’, I have to give ten times more in return, accurately.

“I never take anything from anyone gratis. I do not ask all and sundry. I only take dakshina from those to whom the Fakir points out. “The Fakir asks from only those to whom He is indebted.” - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 35, Ovi 129-131)

He will keep his hand of re-assurance on your head; will ward off bad omens; burn up heaps of all sins and anoint the forehead with ‘Udi’. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 17, Ovi 144)

“In the home of my devotees, food and clothing will never be lacking”. This is an assurance given by Shri Sai and the devotees were aware of this.

“Those who whole-heartedly worship me and lovingly always serve me, I look after their well-being. This I know to be my motto.”

This is also the affirmation of the Bhagvat Gita. Sai says to accept this as universal truth: “There will never be shortage of food and clothing. Therefore do not hanker after them.” - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 6, Ovi 33-35)

“Even when I pass away, believe in my words. From my tomb my bones will give you assurance.

“Not only I, but my tomb would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who surrender themselves whole heartedly to me.

“Do not worry that I shall be hidden from your eyes. You will hear my bones speak and discuss your welfare.

“Always remember me only. Believe in me heart and soul. Pray without selfish motives and you will attain your welfare”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 25, Ovi 105-108)

Part 6 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:03:00 +0000

Three more interesting points from g to i from a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’" from Part 4 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi were shared in last post. Further three are forwarded here.

Part 6 - Sai Bhakti

Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’

(j) Satsang

Such is the greatness of ‘Satsang’ that it completely destroys bodily pride or ego. Therefore, there is no other means than Satsang.

Always do Satsang. All other means have some faults. Only Satsang is flawless. It is pure in every way.
Satsang destroys the bodily attachments. Such is the power of its strength. Once there is firm faith in it, there is truly liberation from the mundane world. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 10, Ovi 141-143)

Because of Satsang bodily attachment is destroyed. It is Satsang that breaks the cycle of birth and death. It is Satsang that gains the treasure of supreme energy and separates one from the worldly ties immediately.

To attain the highest state, the company of a Saint is purifying. If one surrenders completely, our permanent peace is assured. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 10, Ovi 148-149)

If one is able to get the company of a Saint, even for a moment, the wayward mind becomes steady and immediately settles at the feet of God from where it is difficult to turn back. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 18, Ovi 34)

Part 5 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:44:00 +0000

In last post we had seen points d-f from a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’" from Part 4 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi. Today we shall see further more points.

Part 5 - Sai Bhakti

Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’

(g) Surrender

“He whose self is pervading in the universe, I am part and parcel of Him. Surrender at the feet of Sai. This will mean MY service.

“To serve ME and to sing my praises, to surrender to ME completely will lead to union with ME. So says Krishna in the Bhagwat. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 104-105)

Surrender to Sai. God will bless you. The ardent desire to listen to his praises will arise. This is the easy means to God. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 10, Ovi 133)

“Take my name and surrender to me” was told by him to everyone. But he asked those who wanted to know him to listen and meditate. - (Chap. 19, Ovi 220)

Discarding all pride, surrender to me who dwells in the heart. Ignorance will be destroyed immediately and there will be no need to listen to any instructions about knowledge. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 44, Ovi 160)

A devotee should surrender unconditionally and observe the remarkable results of devotion. Each day will unfold a new miraculous deed of Sai. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 19, Ovi 163)

Unless the false pride of the feeling ‘I am the doer, I alone am the enjoyer’ is left off, and one does not surrender to the Dweller in the Heart, one cannot attain self-liberation. - (Chap. 50, Ovi 87)

The one and only sure sign of the surrender at Sai’s feet is that the disciple becomes calm and peaceful and perfects his devotion with eagerness and joy. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 46, Ovi 13)

“It is my promise to redeem the one who, with faith sings my praises, totally surrenders to me, remembers me constantly and meditates on me. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 15)

He who surrenders to Sai, his ship will be able to cross the worldly ocean. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 17, Ovi 114)

Therefore, the easy way out for the householder is to surrender his mind to the feet of Sai Then he will bless you. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 10, Ovi 129)

Part 4 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:18:00 +0000

Points a-c has been covered from a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’" from Part 3 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi. Today we shall see further more points.

Part 4 - Sai Bhakti

Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’

(d) Dhyana

“True knowledge of the Aatman is to be desired the most and Dhyana is essential for this. During Dhyana one merges with the Aatman which leads to quietening of desire.

“Detach your mind from the object of the senses and concentrate on that All-pervading Power. Your meditation will be successful and you will achieve the goal.

“Meditate always on my formless nature which is Knowledge Incarnate, Consciousness and Bliss.

“If you cannot visualise that, then follow the physical image of mine. Bring my image from head to foot, in front of your mind’s eye, day and night.

“When you will thus concentrate on me, the functions of your mind will unite and the distinction between the meditator, the act of meditation and the object meditated upon will vanish.

“Once this trinity disappears, the person doing the dhyana will reach that Supreme Energy – this is the goal of dhyana. You will then be one with Brahman”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 19, Ovi 105-110)

“When with deep and intent contemplation, the difference between the meditator and the object of meditation disappears, the mind becomes like a lamp which is steadily burning. Peace prevails and that is itself Samadhi.

“Being absolutely desireless believe that He is present in all beings. When the state of oneness is reached, there is no fear and one is able to concentrate on Him as He comes in your meditation. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 19, Ovi 129-130)

Sai darshan is an exceptional experience. The whole nature changes with it. The memories of past deeds disappear and slowly a dislike develops for worldly pleasures.

The sins accumulated from many past lives were destroyed by the benevolent glance. Hope awakened of unending joy being received at Sai’s feet. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 2, Ovi 145-146)

The six Shastras and their six philosophies have avoided describing Him. The Puranas and the kirtans have also become weary. Praying with the heart, body and mind is the only means to understand Him. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 4, Ovi 20)

“Just as the worm by constantly thinking of the bee itself becomes the bee, in the same way, when a disciple constantly contemplates upon his Guru he becomes similar to his Guru.

“By using the word ‘similar’, still a distinction remains. Even that is not tolerated by the Guru, even for a moment, because Guru’s existence is not possible without the disciple; and the disciple is not separate from the Guru”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 106-107)

“The ‘You and I’ will disappear. The minds of the listeners will be absorbed in God. The mind will be a store of divine energy and full of single-minded and complete faith. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 19)

Part 3 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 02:25:00 +0000

We shall now see a topic named "Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’" from Part 3 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi, as we have completed part 2 of the same.

Part 3 - Sai Bhakti

Sai Bhakti as advocated in ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’

(a) Who is Sai?

“You may ask where I am now and how I can meet you now. But I am within your heart and we can meet without any effort”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 44, Ovi 162)

“In what manner should he worship? Who am I? How can he know with certainty? Sai’s body is perishable, while Brahman is imperishable”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 83)

“I see myself everywhere. There is no place without me. I fill all space in all the directions. There is nothing else but me”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 14, Ovi 48)

“The whole universe is my home. I am myself Vasudev and all pervading God. I am myself the Parabrahma”. - (Chap. 9, Ovi 47)

Sai pervades, perpetually, all that is visible and invisible, and is also the Supreme Spirit beyond that. Sai is He that is Unborn and Eternal. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant(Chap. 42, Ovi 115)

Sai had all the six great attributes which are the adornment of God - glory, wealth, munificence, knowledge, peace and detachment. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 41, Ovi 17)

Sai is Supreme Consciousness only. From the formless state, he took form. - Govind Raghunath Dabholkar alias Hemadpant (Chap. 50, Ovi 15)

He is the compassionate mother of all, who comes running at your call, takes pity on you and picks you up in her arms, understanding the need of the children. - Nanasaheb Chandorkar (Chap. 13, Ovi 58)

“He who thinks of nothing but Allah Malik, the Supreme Being and the Pure Consciousness, he has peace, has no desires and looks upon all with an equal eye. How can he have a separate identity from the Supreme Being? - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 101)

“Wherever you are, and whatever you may be doing, always bear it in mind that I shall continue to be informed of the minutest details of your deeds.

“In this manner, as I am described, I dwell in the minds of all. I am in the hearts of all, all pervading. I am the Lord of all.

“I fill the entire creation, within and without, to the point of overflowing. This universe is directed by God and I am the one who holds the reins.

“I am the Mother of all beings. I am the equilibrium of the three gunas. I promote the activities of the senses. I am the Creator, the Preserver and the Destroyer.

“One who concentrates on ME, for him nothing is difficult. But the moment he forgets ME, Maya will attack him.

“Whatever is perceived is my image only, whether it be a worm, an ant, a poor wretch or a king”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 3, Ovi 143-148)

“I need no conveyance - a carriage, or a horse, a plane or a train. I appear without an instant’s delay, when I am lovingly called”. - Shri Sai Baba (Chap. 40, Ovi 32)

Part 2 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:45:00 +0000

Last post consisted of Part 1 of Chapter 5 - Sai Bhakti the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi, we are now heading towards part 2 of the same chapter.

Part 2 - Sai Bhakti

(II) Highlights of Sai Bhakti

Shri Sai Baba:

“Such pious persons have become my followers whose sins have been destroyed and they have understood me.

If you recite ‘Sai, Sai,” always, I will take you beyond the seven seas. If you believe in these words, you will be certainly benefited.

Part 1 - Sai Bhakti - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:43:00 +0000

With completion of total four chapters of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi, Chapter 5 i.e. Sai Bhakti will be posted in parts now.

Part 1 - Sai Bhakti

(I) The Author's Note

“The joy of Bhakti is supreme and blissful. It elevates the ‘Aatma’, cleanses it, nurtures it and takes it to heights unimaginable”.

Modes may differ but the base of ‘Bhakti’ is and shall always remain LOVE - All encompassing love, selfless love, supreme love and love which knows no return. So also is the goal of Bhakti - ‘Aatm Samarpan’ (Self Surrender). The advantage to Sai Devotees is that it is only less than 100 years back that Baba had lived on this Earth and shown the path of ‘Bhakti’ to His Devotees. Infact, His devotees feel His presence even today.

Part 7 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:30:00 +0000

In last post we saw part six of Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi being completed, we shall see part 7 now which is last part.

Part 7 - On the Wings of Thought

31. Our ego is the base which makes us feel pleasure or pain in our day to day life. The situation which meets our requirement of happiness provides us pleasure and that which hurts our ego, gives us pain. The two have no value of their own. That which exists today shall end tomorrow. Moreover, the situation which seems bad and gives us unhappiness today may turn out eventually to make our life happy. This is our every day experience. If we acquire firm faith in the changeability of the situation, we shall make our life happy.

32. A few researchers have done a commendable work and gone deep into the life of Baba and have found facts contradictory to what is stated in the Shri Sai Satcharitra. As we all know Shri Sai Satcharitra has acquired the sanctity of an epic such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, Bible and the like for Sai devotees. The writing of this great work was started by Hemad Pant with the avowed concurrence and blessings of Baba and ever since its publication has attained the position of the ‘Adi Granth’ for Sai devotees who may not like to hear or know any facts, howsoever true they may be, the knowledge of which would strike at the very root of their bhakti. Moreover, it is not understood as to what useful purpose would be served to know that Baba was born in village ‘X’ instead of village ‘Y’. I for one wouldn’t like to know or hear facts which might strike at the root of my bhakti. Let us take for example, ‘Ram Charitra Manas’ which was written by ‘Tulsi Das’ in the 16th century and has become the life blood of millions of devotees of Lord Ram, who do its ‘Parayan’ every day and draw inspiration from every word of it. Many facts contradictory to what has been stated in this rendering have been discovered by researchers but those who have faith in this ‘Granth’ are not in the least bothered about them. We must, therefore, shun to bring out and express even the truths which affect the bhakti of a devotee and affect his faith.

Part 6 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Mon, 23 May 2011 20:23:00 +0000

With already five part of Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi being completed, today i am sharing Part 6 of the same.

Part 6 - On the Wings of Thought

26. The eyes that have adored their Sai
How could these now belong to some other?
The one who has tasted the waters of Lake Mansarovar,
How could he acquire taste for waters of other lakes?

The soul which is in the grip of the strong arms of Sai
How could it get absorbed elsewhere?

O’ you, wander not door to door in quest of Parmatma
When Sai, the Messiah of Kaliyuga is with you.
Sai has talked not of hard penances, churning of the self
Nor has he laid stress on the knowledge of Vedas & Shastras
He has conveyed to us in every day language
The deep and hidden truths, contained in Shastras,
With perfect serenity and one pointed attention
Surrender yourself to Sai
He shall take the burden of your life
On his shoulders
And you shall then be free to fly
Into the skies high
And a day shall come
When you
Taking the form of a star
Shall merge in your Sai

27. Penning down the thoughts arising within ones own self and on reading which, his own soul feels blissful, is not something which lies within one’s own domain. To put down on paper the sweetness of the joy experienced within, is not the writer’s own doing. This could only be possible with the grace of Sai.

Part 5 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:31:00 +0000

In last post we had seen part four Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi. Let's now go through part 5.

Part 5 - On the Wings of Thought

21. The intrinsic purity of my heart, its child like simplicity (निर्मलता), its sky like vastness and the overflowing pure love within are the steps leading to self surrender, and ascending on these steps a devotee could have the glimpse of Sai Tatva. Normally every devotee who takes to Baba does get satisfaction by having the feel of His Grace, but the four walls of my room, its roof, all are saturated with Sai Kripa - the bed lying therein and this physical frame resting thereon, then could these sometimes have the feel of emptiness? The body which remains enwrapped in the divine light (नूर) of Sai, the ‘aatma’ which remains glowing with the blissful mercies of Sai, could these be empty? It is however, a different thing that a vessel full has not the feel of its fullness.

22. Baba! You are the doer of every act concerning me but the credit for doing that, I get. What is this game that you play with me? But I know it full-well that this is your method of assessing me and weighing me whether there has been some reduction in my ego or not. But if after having been associated with your name for such a long time, my ego continues to persist unabated, I shall hold you only responsible for it. Why haven’t you been able to kill it? But I do perhaps forget that even this thought which is arising within me is infact a part of the process of your constant churning of my self. How could it be possible that the heart which Sai cleanses would remain unclean? In this context a thought arises within me: A few of your so-called devotees who have added your name as a prefix or suffix with their names - what a game are they playing with you? Some use the divine Udi from the fire lit by you in the Dwarkamai and claim that by the application of Udi by their hands all diseases get cured. O’ the fools, do think over within yourself. You are only deceiving your own self. You are a mere particle of dust. How could you deceive the omnipresent Sai?

Part 4 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:38:00 +0000

So far we have seen upto three parts of Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi. We shall now proceed to Part 4 of the same.

Part 4 - On the Wings of Thought

16. In quest of water to quench my thirst, I had been roaming around door to door all my life, but when I looked within me, I found ‘Gangotri’ - the very source of the Ganges. Now whenever I feel thirsty, I quench my thirst with the nectar within me. The need to search for water outside has ceased to exist.

17. A number of devotees adopt ‘Sai’ as a prefix or suffix to their name. Let us think over: Wouldn’t it be better if we make Baba the ornament of our everyday conduct? May be if we do so, there shall be no need left for adding his name to ours. It has also been observed that some devotees do not hesitate to use this prefix or suffix to their name for their personal worldly gains and the additional responsibility which has devolved on them by adopting Baba’s sacred name to their own, they are unable to discharge.

Let's Restore Divinity Of Ancient Shirdi

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:17:00 +0000

As a regular reader of this blog, one may have observed that postings are published on a very comprehensive topic "Complete Shirdi Guide". The reason for taking up such a topic which may be found on every blog written on Lord Sai Baba is that lakhs and lakhs of devotees are flocking to Shirdi with an ever increasing flow. The present day environment of Shirdi was prophesied by Lord Sai Baba Himself towards end of eighteenth century. After passing of a century, we realise that the words of Lord Baba are very much true. The prophetic words are already present as a post on another very interesting blog of Lord Sai Baba written by Sai devotee Alpesh Patel under the title Present Shirdi As Said By Sai Baba About A Century Ago. You may like to have a look at it. The words were uttered when Shirdi was not more than a hamlet with no modern amenities, electricity or water. At that time no resident of Shirdi would have thought that the small village in which they are residing under lovable shed of Lord Sai Baba's mercy and grace, will become a center of pilgrimage and every modern amenity will be easily accessible.

Before a century, modern technologies and science had not made incredible advancements unlike today. Certainly this may be also the reason that Shirdi was no exception to it besides being a small town of India. As time has advanced, with devotees visiting from every corner of the world, a need has arouse to make available ultra - modern facilities for "Guests" of Shirdi, as "Atithi Devo Bhava" is tradition of our country. Big buildings to accommodate pilgrims, large kitchen with latest technologies for mass feeding, good infrastructure of village, continuous supply of electricity, temple premises equipped with up-to-date security system, online donation facility for donors and much more which can be included in the list, are truely transformations needed.

Part 3 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Tue, 17 May 2011 20:23:00 +0000

With two parts of Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi being completed we shall now see Part 3 of the same chapter.

Part 3 - On the Wings of Thought

11. When a mere faith in Baba is capable of giving so much strength to the believer as is discernible all around us in his devotees, just imagine how profound his impact would have been when he moved about in flesh and blood on earth!! How fortunate the people would have been who lived, moved about and performed their daily chores around Baba. Even the imagination ceases to work, when the mind thinks of it.

12. The paths that I have traversed in life, I remember even today and the recollection of those provides me a pleasant feeling. The beauty of nature which has provided joy to my soul from my childhood; the divine memories of these still linger in my mind and shall remain the treasure of my life till death. I know not why Baba has filled my heart with so much love and affection (प्रेम और वात्सल्य) which knows no limits and even a glimpse of which provides solace to my ‘Aatma’. I wish I could share them with others liberally. But in that event, O’ my Sai, I might not have perhaps been able to have those feelings of love which you have bestowed on me and which have become the treasure of my life.

Part 2 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sun, 15 May 2011 20:06:00 +0000

Part 1 of Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi would have certainly interested you. Here is second part in today's post.

Part 2 - On the Wings of Thought

6. A Thought

Ram, Krishna, Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha were all ‘Purn-Brahm Parmeshwar’ (God Incarnate) and descended on earth as the Saviour of mankind according to the needs of the time, place, circumstances and similar other factors. In that very chain, Shri Sai Samarth appeared in Shirdi, grew up there, showed his leelas and left the world leaving behind his mark which has acquired eternity and which has become the need of the man of today. Sai established no new religion, no creed or a new school of thought. From looks he appeared a Muslim but claimed himself to be a pure ‘Brahman’ (a high class Hindu). If we attribute any particular religion to Baba, we shall be straying from the path shown by him. If we create a new creed in his name, we shall be striking at the very roots of his teachings. Every word and every thought uttered by Baba during his life lived on earth, is a living example of it. Baba was the embodiment of the God whose image we have been carrying in our heart and mind and yet different from it.

Today, there seems to be a conscious effort on the part of Sai devotees, to trap Baba in the limitations of our age old beliefs. By doing so we shall be doing injustice to him. To stop the worsening of this situation, the thinkers and researchers will have to go deep into the life and leelas of Baba and bring out his true philosophy and thinking. Today it is feared that we may change the peculiar recognition which Sai possessed. As we ourselves hail from the Hindu community, we seem to have bound Baba in the age old ceremonial practices, thoughts and beliefs of our community and made it our firm conviction that Baba’s real ‘Swaroop’ is that which is established in our minds. We are also not tired in repeating that Baba keeps on changing the Swaroop according to the desires of his bhaktas. For the sake of maintaining the real image of Baba and taking into account the needs of the time, we shall have to raise ourselves above these age old ways of thinking and change our outlook on Baba, otherwise we shall bring down our Baba from the high pedestal he is occupying and merely add his name to the list of already existing Gods, Apostles and Yug Purushas. The devotees of Baba are a witness to the fact that even the bones of Baba are ever worried for their welfare, which is a great boon to them.

Today, we have encompassed Baba in the circle of “You shall get what you desire”. Did we ever give it a thought that the above mentioned words of Baba reflect his concern for his devotees? Whatever words Baba uttered were mainly in the form of educative stories and if we take them away from the background in which they were said and project them according to our own interpretation, we might be doing injustice to Baba. Today it is absolutely necessary that a team of scholars should go deep into every word and thought attributed to Baba and bring out its correct meaning and interpretation otherwise the danger is that we might distort the real image of Baba and defeat the very purpose for achieving which he came into the world.

Experience shows that many words attributed to Baba today have been coined by devotees like I and you according to our own understanding and we are constantly engaged in the drill of coining more such words. The basis of every word attributed to Baba is either the ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’ or the books written by a few devotees who lived with Baba in his life time which are all available only in Marathi language, with which the growing number of devotees are not conversant. Every word uttered by Baba in my view, today needs to be given deep thinking, so as to bring out the real purport and depth of his words. Some authority some day shall have to take the initiative of starting this work which is the need of the day and which would reveal the greatness of this Saint as also maintain his uniqueness.

7. A bhakta radiates serenity, sublimity and solemnity. Baba’s silence speaks louder than words and his sublime looks pierce straight into the devotee’s heart.

Part 1 - On the Wings of Thought - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Sat, 14 May 2011 03:06:00 +0000

In the last post we completed chapter 3 i.e. Listen O' Fellow Travellers of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi. We are now starting with Chapter 4 - On the Wings of Thought of the same. Part 1 goes below.

Part 1 - On the Wings of Thought

1. Nowhere from, have I come into this world and nowhere to, shall I go. That was a pure illusion and so shall it be. The soul within me is eternal - Purity Incarnate!

2. The wealth of the poor is God ‘निर्धन के धन राम’ (Nirdhan Ke Dhan Ram), so go the strains of a song heard by me in my childhood. Herein also the name of Ram has been ascribed to the poor as if the God of the rich is someone different. The wealth, the poor possesses in forms other than riches, remains unsung, howsoever precious it may be. Isn’t it again a fallacy? Baba showed all his life lived on earth that there was no difference in his Darbar between the rich and poor. To Him the rich and the poor were all alike and the manifestation of the same God.

Part 14 - Listen O' Fellow Travellers - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Wed, 11 May 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Part 14 is last part of chapter 3 i.e. Listen O' Fellow Travellers of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi.

Part 14 - Listen O' Fellow Travellers

53. Adverse comments of a person hurt us for the reason that our ears have become used to hearing our praises and appreciations only. If we learn to take our criticism and praises in a detached manner, we shall not then have the feeling of pain on listening to our criticism. Analyze both situations within yourself and try to remain unaffected from the feelings of pleasure or pain. Try to develop ‘Samdrishti’ in all situations. Treading on the path of bhakti will certainly help you to maintain your cool.

54. We are always engaged in search of pleasure. Have we ever given a thought, how much the impact of pleasure would increase, if we off and on, keep on experiencing pain in life!

Part 13 - Listen O' Fellow Travellers - Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti

noreply@blogger.com (Hetal Patil Rawat) — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:34:00 +0000

This part i.e 13 is second last part of chapter 3 i.e. Listen O' Fellow Travellers of the incredible book Fragrance Of Sai Bhakti written by Shri. Suresh Chandra Gupta ji from Delhi.

Part 13 - Listen O' Fellow Travellers

49. In the glitter of social markets all around, we get lost and give up our real recognition. What a great delusion is it, that leaving aside the real, we run after the unreal? And by the time the reality dawns on us, it gets too late and we remain a mere helpless spectator of all that has happened.

50. When bhakti matures, external pretentious get automatically shed off. A Sai devotee needs not grow a beard and take to ochre robes. As bhakti gets deeper, life should attain ‘Sehajta’ (naturalness). When a gentleman in his new incarnation wearing a long beard and ochre robes came to me accompanied by a person who accosted him as a ‘Guru’, with folded hands I entreated the accompanying person to let his Guru remain a mere devotee and not help him in boosting up his ego. Later, it turned out to be as apprehended. The fellow accompanying him gave him such a jolt from which he could not recover in his short span of life thereafter. What to talk of being a Guru, he could not remain even his disciple. Faith in a person and respect for him should not necessarily be reflected in words but in conduct.