In this
chapter Baba himself narrated a story and we will talk about this now. Baba
says “Once, the four of us, having read the Shastras
and the Puranas, began to describe the Brahman, believing ourselves to be very
knowledgeable. One group quoted salvation by self-effort and decried the tendency
to depend on anyone else for one’s salvation. The second one replied that who
he controls his mind is blessed; and that we should be free from thoughts and
ideas and there is nothing in the world except our own self. The third one said
that the world is always changing. The formless is eternal. So we should discriminate
between real and the unreal. The fourth one did not approve of bookish
knowledge and suggested the prescribed duty should be carried out and we should
surrender our body, mind, and five pranas at his Guru’s feet. The Guru is God,
and all pervading. To get this conviction, strong unbounded faith is necessary.
There is no point in arguments and discussions when does not experience the truth.
All
these four people were wandering in the forest in quest of Brahman. In the
process they meet a Vanjari and he asks them ‘The heat is scorching. Why and
where are you going?’ We replied to him that we were searching the woods. The
Vanjari then asked us on the nature of our quest and we replied to him
ambiguously and evasively. They were moving around aimlessly and he advises
them that they should not wander like that as this is a dense forest and they
should have a guide. They had an arrogant attitude that they were very
knowledgeable and could find their own way. After wandering for a while they
came to the same place where vanjari was. He asks them to take rest and eat something.
They refuse to do so but Baba felt different. A guide is always necessary to
show the right way in small or great matters. No quest can be successfully
carried out on an empty stomach. The flaws of the intellect are strange. He who
loves others disinterestedly is really enlightened. I thought acceptance of his
hospitality was the best beginning for getting Knowledge. Then Guru came and
asks “Would you like to come with me and I will help you in your quest” So Baba followed him to a well where he was tied upside down for 5 hours with a
rope. He could not reach the water but just hanging above the water. The other
end of the rope was tied to a tree. After 5 hours Guru came and asked him about
his experience. Then I replied “I was in supreme bliss. The joy I experienced
is beyond my poor powers to describe”. Then I stayed with my Guru and attained
salvation.
Nothing appeared impossible. My evil tendencies vanished. My previous ‘karmas’ were wiped out. I thought I should embrace this Guru’s neck and remain staring at him always. The Guru was the sole object of my meditation. The entire universe assumed his form. I was conscious of nothing else. This is known as ‘Singular Devotion’. By the Guru’s grace, realization flashed upon me by itself, without effort or study. I had not to seek anything but everything became clear to me as broad daylight.
Sai
used this narration and told the story as he was part of it but he himself is
parabrahman. He is teaching us the path to reach the goal of life that is
realizing the self.
Baba
never fasted nor permitted others to remain hungry. The mind of a person
observing a fast is never at ease, then how can he attain his Parmartha? ‘God cannot be attained
on an empty stomach. First, the Soul has to be appeased (by satisfying the
physical hunger). When all the sense organs are strong and sound, then only it
is possible to practice devotion. If one feels weak by starving, then one is
unable to make progress towards the highest goal of life. Once a lady came to
Shirdi for Sai’s darshan and wanted to fast for 3 days. One day prior to her
arrival Baba said “Now during these Holi holidays, will my children go without food?
How can I allow it? Then why should I be here?” When she was serving Baba he encouraged her to
go to dada Bhat’s house and make puran polis. It was the time of holi festival.
Then she obeyed Baba’s order. She served everyone and ate herself. If one places
faith, in this manner, in the Guru’s words, then there would be no delay in
advancement.
Sai
tells another story making him as part of the story. “Once, when I was young,
and wishing to get a job to sustain me, I stinted on my own needs and set out. I
walked on and on and arrived at Beedgaon, where I rested. The Fakir (God) had
other plans for me. I was happy. There, I found zari (embroidery) work. I also
worked tirelessly and my efforts were rewarded. Behold the Fakir’s power! Those
who were employed before me were extremely clever and skilled. All four of us
worked there and our wages were fixed on the quantum of work done. One had done
work worth Rs. 50/-, the second had done Rs. 100/- worth; the third had done
Rs.150/- worth; and mine was twice more than all of them put together. The
owner was very pleased with my work and skill. He praised me a lot. Sai talks about the generosity of God and how
God provides and we always want to take. Baba feels people do not want to take
knowledge but they always ask for worldly things. He wants us to be careful
with Maya and not to fall for worldly ignorance.
In this
chapter Baba gave valuable lessons to the devotees on how to attain Moksha with
the help of a Guru. Important aspects are faith and patience. Unwavering devotion
to Guru is the utmost principle.
Om Sri
Sainatharpanamasthu!
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