We became Sai devotees because of our past good deeds and Sai will make sure that his devotees will easily achieve the supreme state of existence. The listeners who have full devotion and they will be freed from attachment. For those who are full of faith, they will receive happiness and peace; and for all, in general, contentment. Sai never wanted extravagant preparations in worshiping him and he always taught simplicity. In general it is a good idea to spend time in Godly activities but we have to be careful not to get carried away and lose sight of devotion. Our goal is to know God with in us and all the outward rituals will obstruct our path in increasing the rigidity. Then it will be difficult to get rid of the ego.
Lesson about simplicity:
Once, Das Ganu 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? ” 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, Das Ganu stopped wearing 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 ‘Naradiya 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.
Cholkar's devotion:
Once Das Ganu Maharaj was doing kirtan in Pune where Cholkar happened to be there. While listening to Sai stories from Das Ganu Maharaj he had goosebumps and developed some special attachment to Sai. He humbly prayed to Sai by saying " Baba, I am poor and have to look after a family. My life depends on my job. I have to pass an examination to become permanent. I have prepared with a lot of effort. I solely depend on passing the examination. Otherwise. I will lose this job which I hold on probation and I will be deprived of the little that I earn. If I pass by your grace, I will present myself at your feet and distribute sugar candy in your name. This is my firm resolution ”.
He postponed his resolution because of his poverty, but he decided to save some money by cutting his expenses. He stopped eating any thing made of sweet and having his tea without sugar. He started saving some money and once he got his promotion he went to Shirdi. He prostrated in front of Baba and with a pure heart he distributed sugar, offered coconut and said: “To-day all my wishes have borne fruit ”. He was staying with Bapu Saheb Jog and while they were leaving Baba told Jog to make sure Cholkar gets tea with lots of sugar. Jog could not understand what Baba was saying but Cholkar was moved. He understood the greatness of Baba.
Baba gave reassurance and said these words. "If you spread your palms with devotion before me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here physically, still I know what you do beyond the seven seas. Go where ever you wish, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart as well as in hearts of all beings. Blessed and fortunate indeed is he, who knows me thus". Such is the presence of Sai and all of us should have no second thoughts about this truth.
Two Lizards
once Baba was sitting in Dwarakamai and a lizard was making some kind of noise. One of the people there asked Baba whether this meant anything. Then Baba said this lizard is eagerly waiting for her sister to come from Aurangabad. They thought Baba was joking but after a while a gentleman came from Aurangabad on a horseback. He wanted to rest his horse and took a bag of grams from his shoulders. From that a lizard jumped on to the wall and met the other lizard. Both lizards whirled around and danced with love. All this is really wonderful and proves the omniscience of Sai.
As Sai devotees, we have to learn to be simple in our worship and in our daily activities. We need to be humble and considerate. We need to understand the real meaning behind Cholkar's story. Here quitting sugar means we have to stop running after luxuries in life and not avoid difficulties in life. The hardships will teach us patience. Baba is always with us no matter where we are and he is always taking care of us.
OM SRI SAINATHARPANAMASTHU!
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