Dasganu Part 2

దాసగణు మహారాజ్ -2 

The past Karmas (Deeds) will prevent us and keep us away from God’s grace. We tend not to believe our guru the way we supposed to. The material objects and worldly issues distract us more than anything. We don’t long for Guru’s love. Our mind will wander in different directions. Dasganu also had similar tendencies and could not have faith in Baba to a maximum possible level. Guru always shows his leelas (Miracles) to make us believe and have faith in his works. This will give us some sort of direction. To have the grace of guru we need to have accumulated good deeds. Dasganu visited so many sacred places and worshipped his God (Vittal) with utmost faith. Guru always wants us direct towards self-realization so that we can be freed from this birth death cycle. This is where a disciple needs faith. Guru does his miracles in different ways.

The sacred bath in Prayaga:

Once knowing that it was “Parva ” (holy time), Das Ganu wished to bathe at Prayag Tirth and came to Baba to take his permission. Baba, in return said: “You need not go that far for it. This itself, is our Prayag bank. Have strong faith in your heart”. Oh, how can I praise Baba’s greatness! As Das Ganu put his head at Baba’s feet, water trickled out from both his toes as if it was the water of Ganga and Yamuna, oozing out. Having witnessed this miracle, Das Ganu was overcome with emotion. What a great favour was bestowed on him by Baba! Tears sprang from his eyes. His speech was inspired. Love brimmed up in his heart. He felt  satisfied only after describing Baba’s immeasurable greatness and wonderful deeds.

To gratify the eagerness of the listeners, I shall insert the sweet song composition here:-

O Sadgururaya, boundless is your power and marvellous your deeds, You are the kind one who is the ship which takes the animate and inanimate beings across the worldly ocean. (Refrain).

You transformed yourself into Venu-Madhav (Vishnu) and made your feet into prayag here. You showed the currents of Ganga and Yamuna flowing from your toes.

You are Brahma (born of the lotus), Vishnu (Lord of Kamala) and Shiva, the embodiment of the Trinity. And, on this earth, you manifest as Sai, the Samartha.

In the early morning, like Brahma you utter words of wisdom; And, sometimes, you exhibit your violent nature and frightening appearance of Rudra, resorting to the quality of Tamo guna.

Sometimes like Sree Krishna, you indulge in child-like pranks; And become the swan in the lake of the devotee’s heart.

If we call you a Muslim, then you have love for “Gandha” (sandalwood paste); If we call you a Hindu you always happily reside in the Masjid.

If we call you rich, you are seen going about begging alms; if we call you a fakir, then with your favors (your generosity) you have put Kuber to shame.

If we call your house a Masjid then fire is seen burning there; the dhuni (pit kindled with wood fire) always burns to distribute “U di” to the people.

From morning the devotees in their simplicity come and worship you; And when the sun is at its zenith at noon, your ‘arati’ is performed.

Devotees stand all around you, like attendants of Gods and holding whisks and swishes in their hand fan you.

Horns, Clocks, Shenai, Gongs, Bells resound; And attendants in Uniforms (mace bearers) wearing belts proclaim your glory at the gates.

At the time of the Arati you look like Vishnu; And at dusk, as you sit before the Dhuni, you appear as Shiva (the destroyer of Cupid). Such Leelas of the Trinity, manifested in you, are experienced by us daily, O Baba Sai!

Even when such is the case, my mind wanders idly. Now this is my request to you, Baba, make it steady.

The vilest of the viles, and a great sinner, I take refuge at your feet. Please ward off the three-fold afflictions of Das Ganu.

Be it so. To expiate the deadly sins, people take recourse to the waters of the Ganga. But Ganga herself resorts to the feet of the saints for washing away her own sins. Leaving the sacred feet, it is not necessary to go on pilgrimage to Ganga-Godavari. Listen to the sweet life and praises of Saint Sai with devotion.

7-Day Chanting and Vittal Vision:

In the age of Kaliyuga; we can attain salvation just by chanting God’s name. This was reiterated by so many great men. Baba always used to say “Allah Malik”. He asked his devotees to do the same. Whatever God they worship, repeating that God’s name was essential. When they recite this way Baba used to enjoy this day and night. Baba asked Dasganu also to do Nama Saptaha (7 day recitation). Then Dasganu asked Baba to give him darshan (Vision) of his Vittal. Baba laying his hand on his heart assured him with confidence and told him firmly “ Yes,of course, Vittal in person will appear. The devotee should be full of faith. Dankapuri of Dakurnath, or Pandhari of Vitthal, or Dwarka Nagari of Ranchod are here only, in search of which you need not go a long distance.Is Vitthal going to come from anywhere else, leaving his private quarters? He would appear here, springing up out of the intense devotion of the devotee. By serving his parents Pundalik captivated the God of Gods. Seeing Pundalik’s devotion, the Lord stood on the brick and waited” . After the seventh day of the chanting, Baba’s words came true and it is said that Das Ganu had darshan of Lord Vittal at Shirdi. Thus Baba’s prediction was experienced and verified.

  

Baba used the above incident to show us the greatness of chanting of God’s name. The name of Ram is powerful than Lord Rama himself, and this statement was proved to us by the great Hanuman. No matter how many bad deeds we have accumulated, by just repeating God’s name, we will be freed from all this. The name “Ram” changed Valmiki in to a great saint. Dasganu was asked by Baba to chant Vishnu Sahasra nama al the time. He did not let him stay at Dwaraka Mai with the crowds, instead he was asked to go to Vittal temple in Shirdi. There he used to recite Vishnu Sahasranama. Even Shyama was asked to do this also. Baba started Rama Navami festival at Shirdi and during his last days in flesh, he was listening to RamaVijaya.

Dasganu adored his Pandharpur Vittal. He believed that God means Vittal only and he is in Pandharpur. To get rid of this fixed thought from the mind of Dasganu, Baba did so many miracles. Once he was asked to do Bhagavat Saptaha (Reading of sacred book in 7 days). Then Dasganu again requested the vision of Vittal. Then Baba told him “If your intensity is strong enough you will have his vision”. He did the recitation for 7 days but no vision of Vittal. In that poor mental state he approaches Nana Saheb Chandorkar and told him that he was disappointed. Baba is not letting him go to Pandharpur. Then Baba realizes this and tells Dasganu to go to pandharpur. When he comes back he again asks Baba about the vision. Then Baba says “You are looking at Vittal by showing himself”. Baba wanted him to realize the concept of universal visualization of God but not limit himself to one statue or place”.

  Baba similarly tried to save Dasganu from being attacked by the inner enemies (Kama, Krodha) also. Baba set before him the ideal of being totally free from those six enemies. That, however, was no joke. Like so many other devotees, this apostle also had his slips. But Baba very kindly pulled him up and corrected him off and on. For instance, on one occasion there was a feast at Shirdi where sira was prepared and distributed. Baba asked Ganu, "Did you get sira at that person's house?" "No, Baba" said Ganu, "that man is my enemy and did not invite me." Baba, at once rebuked him and said, "What is this sira and who eats it? Do not say of anyone that he is your enemy". Baba wanted him to realize that he is the soul which neither eats nor has any other physical function and that all souls are in essence one and the same, viz., Paramatma. To one who has realized himself as Paramatma, there can be no enemy at all.

The truths taught by Baba are so peculiar to each and applicable and intelligible only in special circumstances. Hence, we must content ourselves with only one more illustration and stop. Dasganu Maharaj was a very severe critic and occasionally uttered words that wounded the hearts of others and produced other evil effects. On one occasion, he had used hard words and defamatory language against a devotee living at Shirdi, who had done splendid work to make Sai Samsthan highly attractive and who drew numerous influential and other people to Baba's feet. When Dasganu vented one of his frequent abuses against that devotee, Baba sent for him and pointed out that the work of attracting devotees to Baba's feet was rightly prized and practised by Dasganu himself on a vast scale and yet he was defaming a person who carried on the same work and he thereby hindered that work. Baba thus made him acknowledge his error and insisted on his prostrating himself before that devotee and begging pardon. So Dasganu adopted that advice and prostrated himself before that devotee and prayed for pardon. He thus gained more self-control and more humility, and also noted with appreciation the value of the lesson taught in Bhagavata llth Skanda.

Na stuvita na nindeta kurvatah saadhu asaadhu vaa

Vadato guna doshaabbyam varjitah samadrik munih"

 Meaning:”The sage must have equal vision and should neither eulogize the doers or utterers of good nor decry the doers or utterers of evil.”

Lesson about simplicity:

Once, Ganu Das was going to do a ‘Katha’ at Shirdi. So he set off properly dressed with a long coat, uparna, and pheta on head. According to custom, he happily went to Baba to bow at his feet. On seeing him, Baba said: “Oh, now you have adorned yourself like a bridegroom!  Where are you going so dressed up? ” Baba asked him. Das Ganu 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.

   Since then, till this day, Ganu Das wears no upper garment and makes no show. He carries ‘chiplis’ in his hands and a ‘mala round his neck at the time of kirtan. Though this is not generally accepted, it is of a pure origin. This was the tradition of Narada, the most enlightened of enlightened sages. This is the original school of ‘Naradiyan kirtan’ from which the Haridasas originated. They did not bother about the outward glamour but stressed purification of soul. Only the lower half of the body is covered. Chiplis are used and the veena is played. Hari’s name is loudly chanted. Such is the well-known and pure image of Narada.

With the grace of Sai Samartha, Das Ganu composed stories describing the saints and performed kirtans free. Thus, he became famous. He was truly instrumental in spreading the zest of Sai devotion. He brought to high tide, the ocean of Sai love and self – contentment.

OM SAI RAM!

Dasganu Maharaj Part 1

దాసగణు మహారాజ్ 

 Part 1

Dasganu’s real name is Ganapathy Dattatreya Sahasrabuddhe. Baba used to call him “Ganu” with lot of affection. He spread Baba’s miracles and his glory in the form of Kirtanas (Poetic songs) and story telling through out the state of Maharastra in India. He is the pioneer in writing Baba’s brief biographies in his books like Bhakta Leelamrutam, Bhakta Saramrutam and Santha Kathamrutam. He wrote these books when Baba was in flesh. Some of these books were given to Shyama by Baba.

     

Dasganu's ancestors - Sahastrabuddhes were the village chiefs of in Ratnagiri district. The great grandfather of Dasganu Maharaj - Shri Appaji Narayan Sahastrabuddhe moved to Ahmednagar from Karkamb. He served as a Tahasildar and after retirement, he took renunciation (Sanyasa) and went to Kashi to leave his body at the feet of Lord Vishweshwar. He had one son by the name of Shri Eknathpant. He worked very hard and made a very good name for the family. Shri Eknathpant had four sons. His fourth son Shri Dattatreya was the father of Das Ganu Maharaj. Dattopant was not a keen student. He neither bothered to take good education nor did he try to get a government job. He stayed back in his family house and looked after the family farms and property. He was very much interested in music. He was always surrounded by a number of music lovers. He did not pay much attention to his business. He was married to Smt. Savitribai. She was from a royal family, very well cultured, intelligent and pious lady. Since her husband was a happy go lucky type of person, she spent most of her time in devotion.

In the year 1867, Smt. Savitribai gave birth to our Maharaj. After the nativity, the child would not suckle the mother and started weeping continuously. Doctors were invited but no use. The child's grandmother prayed to Lord Khandoba with tears in her eyes. These fervent prayers were answered and the child stopped crying and suckled the mother. The child was named Narayan in Akolner but when it was taken to Nagar, his grandfather saw his big belly, big ears and a Siva Lingam type projection on his temple. Grandfather spontaneously named the child Ganesh.

Ganapati was more interested in singing and street plays as he was growing up. He did not show much interest in education. He used to play female roles in these street plays. He had utmost faith in Vittal as his deity. He was fascinated with Pandharpur where his Vittal is. After his initial education he joins Police department as a Constable. He was called as constable number 808. He always dreamt about being a Sub- Inspector and wanted to write departmental exams. Nana Chandorkar was one of his higher officers. He was asked to come to see Baba by Nana sahib. He met Sai Baba in 1892 AD. Even though Dasganu was not interested to meet Baba but Baba dragged him to Shirdi. Baba wanted to bring changes in his behavior so that he can advance in spiritual life. Baba knew that Dasganu will serve him in the future. He tells him to quit street plays and resign his job as police. But Dasganu tells Baba that he will leave the job after he becomes Sub- Inspector. Then Baba tells him that is not possible and he will never become a Sub-Inspector. 

Baba changing Dasganu’s mind about quitting his job:

First incident:

Dasganu loved to go on pilgrimages. Absenting himself from his duty, he used to visit holy places without taking the permission of his superiors, which would not be easily granted. On one such occasion, he had gone to a shrine in the "Nizam's State" and was returning. His fellow constables were highly envious of him, and they wanted to catch him red handed. So, when he was returning to his place, and when he was still on the Nizam's side of the river Godavari, the envious constables were on the other side waiting to catch him. Realizing this he felt that he would surely be dismissed. So, he took up the Godavari water in both of his palms and swore by that "Ganga" water, and said, "Baba, let me escape this time I shall certainly give up my police service". Then he went back into the Nizam's State just a short distance, when lo! and behold, there was proof of Baba's Grace! A village officer came to him and told him that certain dacoits were dividing their booty secretly and all that he wanted was a police gentleman with authority to arrest them. So Dasganu went, seized the dacoits and the booty, and proudly returned to his own station on the other side of the Godavari. When questioned how he went out without permission, his reply was that he had gone there for the seizure of dacoits and property—no doubt a falsehood. Thus he not only escaped punishment, but he thought he had a very good chance of rising in his profession. With that thought uppermost in his mind, he was riding past Shirdi to go somewhere. Just as his horse came to Shirdi, and when he did not want to alight there but to pass on without seeing Baba, Baba was on the road and made him alight.

Then Baba asked, 'Arre, who is it that swore with a palmful of water in his hand, man?' Then Das Ganu's reply was, 'What of that? Baba, I am going to resign after all, after I get the Fouzdarship'. Baba said that he would see to it that he resigned, and added 'Until a peg is driven into you, (i.e. pressure becomes painful), you will not obey'.

Second incident:

The next incident was with a notorious bandit named Kana Bhil who was robbing British and native states. For three years, police were on his track but failed to catch him. Kana Bhil one day came to shoot Das Ganu for he already shot the other three policemen put up on duty to keep track of Kana Bhil. Das Ganu went and bowed before Sri Ram and prayed for life the bandit let him off with a warning that he will be watched. When Das Ganu got information regarding this bandit he informed police who surrounded the hillock where Kana Bhil was hiding but, he escaped after a severe battle in which a number of police where shot. Das Ganu got a medical certificate that he has heart disease and escaped further detective duty. Nana chandorkar helped him with this issue. Even after this he did not want to resign his job as he promised Baba.

Third incident:

This time Baba really wanted to tighten the noose. When he was the second in command at the Station, the station Officer left him in charge. And Dasganu in a lordly way wanted to enjoy his time, and went home leaving a constable in charge of the station. Just at that time, a village officer had sent up a fine collected from some person against whom a warrant had been sent for collection. That money, Rs. 32/-, was left by the constable there in charge, without any person to witness. The constable told the person (who brought the money), that the Station Officer was on leave, that no receipt would be granted then, that he might go away, and that the receipt would be sent to the village in due course. So, that person went away, and the constable swallowed up the money. Dasganu knew nothing of this incident. However, the authorities finding that Rs. 32 had not been collected sent up a second warrant for the collection of the fine. The party showed the receipt from the Village officer. The Village officer, when asked, said that he had sent the money to Dasganu’s Station, and so the enquiring officer came to the Station and asked the Station Officer who pointed out that at the particular time and date when the money came, he was on leave. Then who was in charge? Dasganu was in charge. They blamed Dasganu for this mishap. He was asked for an explanation. He said he knew nothing. But there was no escaping the fact that money had been sent that day, and was paid at the station as there was proof. Then Dasganu, finding that there was not only no chance of his getting the Sub- Inspectorship but a good chance of his getting into the jail, solemnly swore to Baba that this time he would positively quit service. He went further and mentioned his willingness to resign to the enquiry officer who, thereupon, made him pay up Rs. 32, and then discharged him, taking of course his resignation also. Thus Baba succeeded in making Dasganu quit his job, a service, which would prevent Dasganu from becoming the high spiritual personage that he was subsequently to develop into.

Then he came to Baba and said “Baba, now my wife and I are homeless and have nothing to eat”. Then Baba assured him by saying “I will always make sure that you have enough to eat and will take care off you and your family”.  Afterwards until Dasganu left his body, he never had any trouble in his life. He was able to own some fertile lands also. His wife had some mental instability and she died in 1919. He had no children.  He was modest in his life and did not run after money.

OM SAI RAM      

Shyama Part 3

శ్యామా 3

Collection of Sacred books:

Baba gave some books to Shyama to save them for the future. Some of the devotees wanted to bring their books so that Baba can bless them. Sometimes Baba did not give the same book that they wanted. He gave some other book to their surprise. He knows what we need and when we should read a particular book. This way he gave few books to Shyama. He predicted that lots of people will come to Shirdi and they will do Jnaana Yagna (Recitation of sacred books). Then all these books will become handy. If we study these scriptures with devotion our minds will automatically think about Baba.

Books given to Shyama by Baba:

These are some of the books given to Shyama by Baba.

 Eknath Bhagavath, Vishnu Sahasranama, Viveka Sindhu, Santh Leelamrut, Bhakta Leelamrut, Pancha Ratna gita, Dasavatara Sthotras and Dasavatara pictures.

 

Vishnu Sahasranama – Ramadasi Sadhu Story:

Just as Shyama was an ardent devotee, so was Baba’s love for him. A desire, therefore, arose in Baba to put him to some regular practice for his spiritual progress.

The story from Satcharita goes as follows;

One day, in the masjid, there was a Ramdasi Bua. It was his regular practice to read the Ramayana. Early morning, after doing his ablutions, taking his bath and doing the Sandhya after applying the sacred ashes and wearing ochre robes, he sat at a fixed place to read.

He read the Vishnusahasranama and Adhyatma Ramayan6, thereafter. He read these books often and often. Madhavrao’s services had borne fruit. It was time now to put him into some regular practice and give him some prasad of the path of devotion, so that he would get relief in the worldly life. When Baba thought like this, he called the Ramdasi near him and said: “I have a shooting pain in my stomach. It is as if the intestines are tearing apart. Go, this pain in the stomach is not abating. Quickly bring some senna pods. Unless I take some small quantity, this vexing ache will not stop.”

After he left the Masjid, Baba took Vishnusahasranama book and gave it to Madhavrao (Shyama). Baba then said: “Shyama, you know this pothi. See it is very beneficial. Therefore, I am giving it to you. You should read it. Once I suffered intensely. My heart began to palpitate. I was restless and I had no hope for myself. Shyama what can I tell you of that experience? How that book proved useful! This life was saved by it. I hugged it to my heart for a while and immediately felt relief. It seemed as if Allah himself had come down and this life was saved by it. Therefore Shyama take it with you. Read it gradually. Every day, take one or two words. It will give you great joy.” Shama said: “I do not want it. The Ramdasi will be furious with me and he will say that I have behind his back, done this wrong. As it is, he is half-crazy, irascible, ill-tempered and ever complaining. Why, unnecessarily, pick up this quarrel with him? I do not want this annoyance. Besides, the pothi is in Sanskrit. My speech is crude and rustic. My tongue cannot twist round these joined words. I cannot pronounce them clearly”. Seeing all Baba’s actions, Shyama thought that Baba wanted to set him up against the Ramdasi but he had no idea of Baba’s heart-felt concern for him.

That Ramadasi returned soon bringing the senna-pods medicine. And found out what happened. The Ramdasi was, as it is, ill-tempered. Moreover, he had suspicions about Madhavrao. He said: “He made Baba the intermediary to snatch away my book”. He launched a vicious verbal attack on Madhavrao. His violent anger was uncontrollable and he showered a lot of abusive language on him. “The stomach ache was just a pretext. It was you who instigated Baba. You had an eye on my book. I will not tolerate it. I am a fearless Ramdasi, as my name itself suggests. If you do not return the book without creating any problems, I will dash my head in front of you and scatter my blood profusely. You coveted my book, planned out this insidious drama, and putting the whole blame on Baba, kept yourself aloof”. Madhavrao tried his best to make him understand but the Ramdasi would not be pacified.

Then listen to what Madhavrao said very calmly. “Do not falsely accuse me of being deceitful. Why are you fussing so much about that book of yours? It is not a rarity. Is your book decorated with gold and studded with gems? If you don’t have faith in Baba, despicable is your existence”.

Seeing the Ramdasi’s insistence, Baba very sweetly said to him: “Oh, Ramdasi, what is the problem? Why are you unnecessarily distressed?

Is not Shyama our lad? Why do you quarrel loudly and vehemently, for no reason creating a scene? Why are you always ready to fight? Can you not speak soft and sweet words? Though you read these books regularly, your mind is still impure.

Every day you read the Adhyatma Ramayan and recite the Sahasranama. Yet you have not discarded your passions which are uncontrolled. And you call yourself a Ramdasi! What kind of a Ramdasi are you? You should be absolutely detached; but you are not able to overcome your intense desire to possess the book. What name can be given for this behavior? A true Ramdasi should have no attachment but look at the young and old with equality. You are harboring enmity for this boy and coming to blows for this book! Go and sit in your place. Books can be had in plenty for money but not men, till the end of time. Remember this well. Shyama has no knowledge about the worth of your book. I picked it up, on my own and gave it to him myself. You know the book by heart. I thought of giving it to Shyama who will read it, repeatedly recite it and obtain the utmost benefit”.

Ramdasi realized the situation. Yet he said to Madhavrao with anger: “Instead of this book, I will take Panch-ratni Gita from you. I am telling you clearly now”. Madhavrao was pleased that the Ramdasi was pacified. “Why one, I will give you ten copies of the Gita,        instead.” Be it so. The dispute was thus resolved. The Gita was accepted as security.

But why did a man unacquainted with the deity in the Gita demand it?

One who constantly read the Adhyatma Ramayan in front of Sai, why should that Ramdasi be rude to Baba and quarrel right in front of him?

Later on, Shyama’s faith was developed. Dixit and Narke taught him to pronounce the words correctly, by repeating and conning them over and over again and to know their meanings. He learnt the book by heart.

Here Baba gave us an important lesson and told us about the greatness of Vishnu Sahasranama.  

Baba said that he will tie the necklace of this Vishnusahasranama around Shyama’s neck to free him from the miseries of the worldly existence by giving him a fondness for reciting it.

God’s Name can break down mountains of sin.

The Lord’s Name breaks the shackles of the body.

God’s Name pulls out millions of ill desires from their roots.

God’s Name humbles the pride of death and ends the cycle of birth and death.

The Lord’s Name chanted with full intent is very effective but even an unintentional pronouncement can be beneficial. Its power is manifested even when it is uttered unawares.

For the purification of the Inner Self there is not another simpler means than chanting the Lord’s Name.

The Lord’s Name is the adornment of the tongue.

The Lord’s Name sustains spirituality.

It is not necessary to have a bath to say the Lord’s Name.

Taking the Lord’s Name is not regulated by the rules of the Shastras (Scriptures).

The Lord’s Name destroys all sins.

The Lord’s Name is always pure.

The continuous chanting of My Name itself will ferry you across the ocean of existence. No other means are necessary to achieve salvation.

Whoever frequently repeats My Name, his sins will be burnt. I consider him more virtuous than the virtuous, whoever constantly hums my name’.

  

Shyama’s Life after Baba’s Mahasamadhi:

After Baba's Mahasamadhi, Shyama was asked to manage the Dixit wada. He was looking after the welfare of the devotees and resided in Dixit wada itself. After the formation of Sai Sansthan Committee, the Committee demanded agreement from him for his residence in Dixit wada. Shyama first refused. But later, Shri S. B. Dhumal and Shri B. V. Dec intervened and Madhava Rao gave the agreement.

After some days, the committee had vacated Shyama from his residence in Dixit Wada. Whne he was leaving, he took Baba's silver Padukas, Baba's Photos etc. to his house from Dixit wada. After knowing this, the Committee asked Madhava Rao to hand over the above articles of Baba to the Sansthan. He refused to give it to them. He told them that Baba gave it to him with love and he cannot return them. But Shri S. B, Dhumal went to his house with a big procession of bhajan, band etc. On seeing this procession Madhava Rao handed over all the above articles of Baba to Shri S. B. Dhumal. These Baba's Padukas were placed before Baba's Photo in Dwarakamayee wherein millions of devotees are taking darshan these Padu­kas. In a similar way other articles were also preserved.

Shyama then lived in his home and used to worship Baba. He shared his experiences with visitors. He also had some udi which was given to him directly by Baba. He used to give it to people and helped them in difficulties. He lived in Shirdi until he died in April of 1940.   

OM SAI RAM!

Shyama Part 2

శ్యామా2 

Faith in Baba:

Madhavrao was observing Sai for several years but never had faith. He used to go to him to smoke Chilim (Cigar) and thought that he is a mad Fakir. He was unable to recognize greatness of Sai. He used to worship his God Vishnu every day. His routine was doing worship in the morning, teaching kids at school and helping others in need. He was living a pious life. While Baba was there he almost did not recognize Baba for16 years. When he was 31 years of age, few incidents made him realize this fact.

Chidambara keshav Gadgil of Ahamadnagar District came to Shirdi. He was a secretary to the District Collector. He was told by a Guru from his place that there is a great Guru in Shirdi and to have his blessings. Then he approached Shyama. Shyama told him that we do not have any such great person.  But we have a mad Fakir living in a masjid. Gadgil went to see Baba with some questions in his mind. Baba told him that he is a Mad Fakir and he should not see him. He should go and worship the guru in Bhimashankar Temple. Then Gadgil realized how Sai was and he knew everything they talked about.

Another time, Shyama and Naduram Marwadi went to meet a swami by name Ananda Swami in a nearby place. After the meeting, Swami realized that they are from Shirdi and he wanted to come with them to meet Baba. He praised Baba as the Greatest Guru. 

In a similar way, Gangaghir Baba who is adored by Shirdi village, praised Baba as a Jewel. Devidas and Janakidas always enjoyed the company of Sai. After all these incidents, Shyama started seeing Sai as person with some powers. What changed him was another incident where a devotee of Sai sent a Money order of 2 rupees. But Sai was not there to take the money, Shyama signs for this and wanted to test Baba. So he hid 2 rupees in a secret place in the Masjid. Shyama had a break in and lost about 200 rupees worth of objects. Then he goes to Baba and complains that he lost all this. Then Baba says, “You have at least me to complain about your stolen stuff, but who should I report about my 2 rupees which was stolen 6 months ago”. Then Shyama realized that Baba knows everything. He never again doubted Baba again in his entire life. There is so much to learn from Shyama’s devotion to Baba and how we need to trust Baba in every situation.

Baba calling Madhavrao “Shyama”:

 Baba called Madhavrao “Shyama” and he told him at one point that their relationship is of 72 lives. Baba made Shyama as his representative and used to love him so much. Their relationship was like Lord Shiva and Nandi. To reach Shiva you have to go through Nandi first. In a similar way, people used to request Shyama first and then were able to see Baba. 

Why Baba called him Shyama? Baba should only know the answer. Shyama means Lord Krishna. Sacred River Yamuna is called as Shyama. In Ashwamedha Yagna, the horse is named as Shyamakarna. Sri Ramanananda Maharshi interviewed Manohar Marthand (Grandson of Mhalsapati) and he told him about Shyama’s name. Baba used to call the school as Sala and Madhavrao worked as a master in school. So Baba combined the first letters of Sala and Master as Sama (Shyama). Only Baba will know the real reason why he called him Shyama. Baba used to call him as “Maza Shamya” (“My Shamya” in Marathi) with great affection. At other times He would call him just Shyama

Once Shyama had faith in Baba, he never looked back and became a staunch devotee of Baba. In every walk of life, he asked Baba for direction and never wanted to do anything without Sai’s permission. He served Baba as his God and Baba was everything for him. That’s why Baba was very close to Shyama. Shyama always felt comfortable asking some difficult questions. Now Let us look at those circumstances.

Baba’s comments about 72 hours Samadhi:

When Baba came back following 3 days of Samadhi, people rejoiced and celebrated. But Shyama was different and he asked Baba several questions. He asked Baba “Deva! Where did you go? What did you do?

Then Baba replied “I went to Allah and I did not want to come back. But Gadadhar from Bengal wanted to merge in God first. Allah asked me to take all his past good deeds and his cause. So I have to come back to follow this”.

This incident happened in 1886 and Baba comes back at 3 AM and the same night Rama Krishna Parama Hamsa leaves his body at 1.02 AM. After this incident, Baba’s miracles extended beyond Shirdi and other states. So many devotees experienced Baba’s grace.

Shyama experiencing the 3 divine worlds:

One day Shyama was sitting with Baba and asked him whether Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva’s worlds are real. Baba told him to come near him and places his hand over his head. Then Shyama could see Brahma Lok and most beautiful diamond studded throne on which Lord Brahma was sitting along with his ministers. He was holding his court. Baba told him Shyama this is Satya Lok. Then baba showed him Vaikunta and Kailasa also. Shyama was overwhelmed by seeing all these divine worlds at once. He was like Arjuna after seeing Viswarupa of Krishna. So Shyama was very blessed by our Sai Krishna. After showing the three divine worlds, Sai again emphasized “Shyama all this is not for us, our goal is quiet unusual.”

Baba was reminding us that our goal is self-realization and we should never forget this goal. The scriptures say that who ever forgets this goal, it’s like they committed suicide.

Baba’s explanation of Bridge in Ramayana:

 

Shyama asked Sai Baba, "Deva it is written in Ramayana that Lord Rama got a bridge built by 1 crore (10 million) monkeys. This bridge (is called Setu) spanned the sea, so Lord Rama and his troops could cross the sea and reach Lanka. There he waged war with Ravana and vanquished him. Deva, is this true."

Sai Baba replied, "Yes this is true. The sea is real and Lord Rama was really there."

Shyama inquired, "Deva, where did so many monkeys sit? And how did they sit?

Sai Baba replied, "They sat on the trees and clung to the branches. They looked like myriads of ants."

Then Shyama asked Sai Baba, which perhaps only he could lovingly dare, "Did you see this with your own eyes?"

Sai Baba replied, "Yes, yes I saw them with my own eyes, Shyama."

Shyama again said what only he could lovingly dare, "When I first saw You, You hardly had stubble of mustache (a popular way in India to suggest youngsters). Then how and when did you go to see 'Vanara Sena (troops of monkeys)."

Sai Baba replied, "Shamyaa (as He lovingly called Shama) you and I have been together for many generations. I remember them but you do not."

In wonders Shyama asked, "How old were you then?"

Sai Baba, "Just as you see me now."

Shyama could not grasp the immensity of this spiritual fact or truth. He persisted, "Is this really true?"

Sai Baba as always, "Have I ever lied sitting here in the Dwarkamai? What I say is true. I swear by you."

Shyama did a great favor by asking these questions and we are blessed to read these answers that were given by our Sai Samardha.

 Shyama snores Baba’s name:

G.S Kaparde wrote in his famous book (Kaparde’s Dairy; dated December 8^th, 1911, Friday) as follows; 

“I saw with my own eyes, & heard with my own ears what I only read about but never experienced that with every outgoing & in drawing breath of Madhavrao Deshpande comes the clear sound of “Sayin Nath Maharaj Sayin Nath Baba” This sound is as clear as clear can be & when Madhavrao snores, the words can be heard even at a distance. This is really wonderful & he is in deep sleep all the time.”

This is incredible and amazing to read about this. Imagine how blessed Shyama is!

He was able to recite Baba’s name even in his sleep. 

OM SAI RAM!