Faith without Devotion and Learning without Understanding are Useless

Whatever task we undertake, we should execute it with devotion. This, in turn, protects the practitioner. The lives of those with spiritual inkling becomes meaningful. When children are brought up with discipline, they have great future. Baba used to preach 'whatever task is undertaken, accomplish it with total devotion'. In prayer, the mind should meditate on God and while reading, the mind should not deviate from the subject. Baba loved such devotees. Likewise, adversities on the path of devotion should be treated as tests and with firm faith in the Merciful Baba, we should abide by His words to overcome the hurdles and get saved by Sai, our Saviour.

With great concern, Baba protects His devotees and cleanses their sins too. Even in the past, Sri Krishna, the Universal Teacher, acknowledged that only the sincere can acquire the knowledge of self. Baba admitted that Meghashyama, a great devotee of Baba, worshipped Him with pure devotion. The teachings of Sadguru may appear a bit tough and harsh. But, if followed with utmost sincerity, one could easily grasp the true essence. In the Bhagavad Geeta, Lord Krishna explained to Arjuna, 'Only the devout soul gets enlightened and experiences bliss'. Hence, faith without devotion and knowledge without understanding are useless.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Of What use is Your Hoarded Money?

God created this vast universe and gifted it to mankind to enjoy it. This is a common wealth. But, we, in our greed, would not like to share it with the needy but intend to enjoy it alone. This tendency creates many problems. We would like to hoard money earned as "wealth asset" and still aim at multiplying it. We want to transfer our riches as inheritance to our children, but never want to share our wealth with others, thereby ignoring a vital aspect here. The wealth amassed may slip into the hands of thieves or government. The river in which the water always flows would be fresh and pure. It is the nature of water to flow to make it remain normal. Likewise, money not spent for charities but hoarded will become waste and an useless asset.

Human beings should cultivate the habit of donating a part of what they earn. We have to donate to the poor, the old or the handicapped, either in cash or kind. Instead of donating, if we go on hoarding money, there would be no end to greed. At the end of the day, the money hoarded would be of no use. But, the money spent on the poor would become useful. From this, the satisfaction of rendering timely help to others would come. We have to learn that God gifted us with wealth for this noble purpose. Let us share our wealth with the less fortunate ones. Let us deserve the grace of Beloved Baba, our God. 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Baba, in Everything and Everywhere in Nature

When we look at nature, varieties of trees, mountains, multi-hued, fragrant flowers wafting perfume, tasty fruits, a host of song birds, animals, brooks, rainbows, and a plethora of pleasant sights greet us. What is the basis and who created them all? Who has taught the parrot to mutter sweet words, songs to a cuckoo and dance to a peacock? This wondrous creation bears an eloquent testimony to the creative genius of God. He pervades every atom of the Universe. Our minds enveloped in the darkness are unable to sense the Power of the Celestial Artist who drew the picture of the visible, marvellous creation on the canvas of the nature. God incarnates in the human form in order to dispel the darkness of ignorance in mankind and to light wisdom. Baba is the Heavenly Father in human form.

Is it not foolishness not to have developed a rock-like faith in Baba after reading Sai Satcharitra, a story of His mind-boggling miracles blessed to thousands of devotees. On a number of occasions Baba proved that He would be hurt or harmed if any living being is tortured or Mother Nature is polluted. With deep love for Baba welling up in our hearts, let us behold the Presence of Baba in every inch of Nature and let us serve Baba visible in every living being. This is the highest practice of sensing the Omnipresence of Baba, the fulfillment of human birth.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

When Baba is with us we can Easily Cross Over the Ocean of Worldly Life

We should keep our minds on God and always contemplate on Him in order to cross the ocean of life. If not, at every stage, there would be obstacles, failures, humiliations and insults, leading to chaos in life. For the believers in Baba, no troubles would cause harm. With minds fixed on Baba, if we move ahead with a feeling that "You are making me walk, Father", Baba will turn the abysmal ocean of life into a knee-deep canal and ensures smooth passage by holding and leading us by His Hand.

Though cursed by poverty, a devotee of Baba, Mhalsapathy's life never faced any troubles. At the very first encounter, he addressed Baba as 'Sai' and could as well recognize Baba's Divinity. We commit blunders with our limited knowledge by ignoring the enormous love and kindness of Baba. Do we have faith that our victory in every work is the gift of Baba? Do we show gratitude to Baba for every success and accept it as Baba's gift? We need to search our souls. Most of the devotees seek fulfillment of physical desires. Again, the devotees who would ask "Baba, I seek you, I need Your presence always, I have no other worldly desires" are very few. On focusing our mind on Baba, every step that we take will lead us on the path of devotion and helps us reach Sai, the Guiding Light of our Lives.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Baba's Miracle of Lighting the Lamps

Baba, the Heavenly Father in human form descended to Shirdi to protect the weak and the poor. He lit the Lamp of Wisdom to dispel the darkness of ignorance. Baba was fond of lights. Every evening He used to illumine every corner of Dwarakamayi by keeping lighted lamps in rows. He used to procure necessary oil to light the lamps from the local traders. One day the traders lied to Baba that there was no stock of oil. But Baba did not felt annoyed with them. He smiled and returned to the mosque with an empty oil can.
Curious as they were, the traders followed Baba to see how He would lit the lamps without oil. Baba poured water into the oil can with a couple of oil drops in it, shook it, drank the water, spit into the oil can and poured the water into the earthen lamps and lit them. Wonder of the wonders, the lamps burnt luminously throughout the night to the utter amazement of the traders who were awe-struck. Baba gently exhorted them, 'If you are unwilling to give, do not give. But do not tell a lie. You could as well say 'No'. Ashamed, the traders prostrated before Baba and sought His forgiveness. The lights of wisdom were lit by Baba in their hearts. In that celestial light, the people of Shirdi sensed Baba's Divinity. Baba is an embodiment of love. Is not He? They were all forgiven and embraced by the Merciful Baba.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

 

Welcome, Baba! Do Grace our Home

Sugar-candy, Baba's most favoured sweet
Worshipping Baba, indeed, is a real delight
Reason unknown, a person knocked at the door one day
On asking 'who', the visitor did not respond in any way
On opening the door, it was Baba in front, Oh!
Seeing me startled, sweetly He laughed, Lo!
Slowly He said, 'I would stay, stay with you'
Yes, Baba is in my companion, true, it's true
I feel so thrilled for Baba's stay with me
Heart echoes, there's no fear henceforth for me.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Sri Sai Satcharitra is an Open-Book for making Our Lives Fruitful

We usually worship God in whatever mode we like. We read spiritual books, conduct bhajans and offer worship. We have several great books, but only a few disclose spiritual truths and guide us to reach God and solve our problems. Baba appeared in the dream when a devotee Sathe, read Gurucharitra once. On knowing it, Hemadpant was upset that Baba did not bless him. Baba is the Omnipresent One. He sent Hemadpant to Shyama to have a chat with him and get money as an offering. With the words of Shyama, Hemadpant realized that reading a holy book with sincerity and devotion would yield great results.

It is evident that it is not the number of times that one might go through Sai Satcharitra, but with what devotion and faith one reads it that assures the beneficial effect. In times of trouble we should pray to Baba and read Sai Satcharitra to solve our problems. This is the personal experience of many devotees. At times, Baba's words are suddenly heard in our inner souls and at times Sai commands us when doubts arise. When devotees doubted Him, many a time Baba asked, "Don't you still believe me"? If we fill our minds and hearts with Baba's presence, it will take few seconds to hear His assurance. Sai Satcharitra is kept opened by Baba to guide us live successfully and joyfully. 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

 

Talent Devoid of Love is Futile

Several noble words that Baba spoke can be quoted by us in our speeches. They are of use only when we walk on the path of love as shown by Baba. We might have several virtues, a treasure of knowledge and attained a high status in our profession. But, only with a love-filled heart, can all those virtues yield good results. Although we may render service with an eye on excellence, efficiency, sincerity and commitment, service will never bear the fruit of fulfillment unless we express compassion and sympathy and lend a helping hand with a loving heart. The same concern, earnestness and love with which we treat our subordinates would boost their morale and enthuse them.

Whatever heights we may reach, we should make it a point to treat our neighbors with love and never look down on them. Even a golden pot cannot hold water if it has a hole in it. However rich one may be or in whatever exulted job he might be, life would become naught if he has no love in his heart. It is like a flowerless and fruitless barren life. If the nectar of Baba's love falls on that trunk, it would blossom into a fruit-giving tree. In spite of one's vast knowledge or rich talents, one should have love for all the employees at one's work place. We should treat all around us as the form of Baba and love them as we would love Baba and know that a life of divine love provides us solace.

 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Baba is the Gateway to Self-Liberation

Darkness of ignorance lies before us. We have to journey from darkness into light. It means, to move out from total darkness into brilliant light. If our minds and hearts repose faith in Baba, He would destroy our accumulated sins of past lives in the fire of His Divine Love. Salvation is assured to us when we tread the path of Wisdom-Light and get united with the Almighty through the door-way of Baba's Grace. He Himself is like a golden gateway to self-liberation. It would be easier to walk on that path for those who give-up the feeling of 'doer ship and ego' and serve Baba by totally surrendering to His Will.

The entrance to Baba's Heart is always left open to the true devotees and, therefore, we have to pass through that passage with firm faith, reach His Lotus Feet and nestle closely to Him. We are assured of complete protection in His presence. It is like getting entry into the Kingdom of Heaven. When we get self-realization and are able to see Baba in all living and non-living beings, we receive warm welcome from that gate. We reach the destination by treading the path and it is our common experience in the physical world. Path and destination are not the same. But, it is different in the case of Baba. He is the goal of self-liberation and the path that leads to the Door-Way through which we have to pass through for attaining self-liberation.

 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Baba will Grant Anything if Ardently asked for

God is the Sustainer and Protector of this entire universe. For all of us, He is the Father, Mother and Everything. So, whatever troubles come, we have to pray to Him and whatever wish we have, we need to ask Him. Baba will yield to devotion. He is merciful and His Heart would melt if we pray to Him from the bottom of our hearts. As the increasing heat boils the milk in the bowl and rises up to calm down by pouring of some cool water, likewise, our life's sorrows and sufferings would go up and make us sad, only to be doused by the Merciful Baba's shower of choicest blessings that soothe our anguished hearts.

 

 

Baba will not abandon the grief-stricken devotees. He will rush and solve our problems. But our desire should be genuine in nature. A highly qualified and unemployed youth, burdened with family responsibilities, if prays fervently to Baba, he may accidentally meet someone on the way who would offer him a good job with handsome salary. Prof. Narke, the son-in-law of Buti, was a post-graduate geologist and could not secure a good job which matched his qualification. But, then, as willed by Baba, he could get employed as professor of geology in Pune. So, if we pray Baba for light and liberation instead of fulfillment of mundane desires, Baba will surely guide us to that destination. So, let us seek an ever-lasting place in the Divine Abode of Baba.

 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

 

Baba's Maha Samadhi

Whenever devotees call "Baba" they get response and blessings even from the Samadhi. Buti, a millionaire and a humble devotee, blessed by Baba, had a mansion built for his private use and which later became the Maha Samadhi Mandir for Baba. In 1916, on the auspicious day of Vijayadasami, Baba fervently yelled, 'Today is My seemollanghan (i.e., crossing the border)'. Baba had fever for three days from 28th September, 1918. One day, while Madhav Paslay was cleaning Dwarkamayi, a brick-stone treasured by Baba, slipped from his hand and broken into two pieces. Baba, who returned from His daily round of Bhiksha (alms), exclaimed that 'what is broken is not a brick, but my good fortune'.

It was Tuesday of Vijayadasami and the mansion built by Buti was scheduled for a grand opening. Baba gave nine rupee coins to Lakshmibhai and asked everyone present there to go, have their lunch and come back. Only Ramachandra Patil and Shyama stayed back. Before breathing His last, Baba asked them to take Him to the Butiwada where He would be comfortable. After 36-hours of argument between Hindus and Muslims, on Thursday, 17th October 1918, people got Baba's mortal remains decorated with flowers, took it in a procession in Shirdi and His body was laid to rest, duly performing all rituals. 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

 

Nine Modes of Devotion - Self-Surrender

It is a great boon to human life to know Sai philosophy and His Divinity. What we should do is to surrender to Baba and very lovingly plead Him to reveal the duty we are destined to do. Be it good or bad, victory or defeat, we have to accept them as great gifts of Sai. In order to get blessed by the Divine Love of Sai and reach His Feet, the path of self-surrender is the best one. Dikshit, a devotee surrendered his soul to Baba and proved his unflinching loyalty and devotion. It is absolute truth that those who completely surrender their souls to Baba will get rid of bad qualities and sorrows and attain liberation of soul.

When Baba commanded His devotees, Kaka Saheb Dikshit and Bade Baba to butcher a goat for testing their devotion, Bade Baba, though a Muslim, fearing sin, refused to oblige. But, the moment Kaka Saheb Dikshit obliged and raised the knife, Baba exclaimed, "Stop, being a Brahmin how will you butcher a goat"? Dikshit replied that the nectarine words of Baba were commands for devotees and that they were unaware of good or bad consequences. He replied very obediently "following Your command is our noblest duty". This instance is a fine example of abiding by Baba's words. For those devotees who surrender to God, nothing like "mine" remains. Baba shoulders the responsibility of a devotee whose mind is merged in Him . 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine Modes of Devotion-Devotion of a Friend

Intimacy or call it "devotion of intimacy" is friendship with Sai, knowing the secrets of Sai philosophy, understanding His holy deeds and living in accordance with His words of guidance, having ardent love for Him, realizing His form and living in ecstasy. The characteristics of "intimate devotion" are attending to the works of one's own friend with love, feeling depressed in his absence and yearning to meet him every moment. Sugreeva is a close friend of Sri Rama, while Arjuna was very intimate with Lord Krishna. Seeking their welfare, God granted the duly deserved kingdoms to Sugreeva and the Pandavas.

Once Baba said that Shyama, His intimate devotee, had been related to Him in his past seventy two births. Similar to Shyama's abundant love and devotion for Baba, Sai had great love for Shyama and entrusted the responsibility of storing books and articles presented by devotees in safety. Baba had given a copy of Ekanath's Bhagavatham to Shyama and explained that the book would do good to him. Shyama helped several devotees in getting Sai's Grace. Baba always abided by Shyama's word. With this mode of devotion, human sufferings and weaknesses get wiped out and great love for Baba wells up in one's heart. God will be captivated by the love showered by devotees. But, blessed are those souls which get the gift of friendship with Sai. 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

 

Nine modes of Devotion - Servitude as a Mode of Devotion

Servitude means service. Knowing Sai's ideal, secret of His philosophy, serving Him with devotion and obeying His orders are indeed acts of devotion for Sai. Offering services to Sai idols in temples, cleaning, washing the temple and meditating on Sai's image in the eye of one's mind and worshiping Him are the various methods of this devotion. The "devotion of servitude" is practiced with an objective of obtaining great love of Sai, always serving Him and to be ever in His presence. Sai grants liberation to people with the devotional fervor. Baba accepted the services of the sick for removing the sins of their previous lives, to make them pious and finally bless them.

Baba thrust His hand into the fire to save a gold-smith's child from slipping into the flames of the furnace. His hand got burnt and devotees called for a doctor. But, Baba offered this service to a devotee, Bhagoji Shinde, suffering from leprosy, with shrunk fingers, body oozing foul smell and pus leaking out of his body. Shinde used to apply ghee on Sai's hand, put a leaf and bandage it everyday and tried to alleviate the pain. Shinde was thus blessed by Baba to serve Him in order to get his sins of past lives absolved. Servitude as a mode of devotion is the easiest path for Baba's devotees. 

 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine Modes of Devotion-Singing Hymns in Praise of Sai

A hymn is a song sung in praise of God. Having felt the Glory and Grace of God, a devotee will burst into dance and sing in praise of God. Our bodies swing in rapturous joy as we sing the greatness of the Form, Name, Love, Compassion and Wisdom of Sainath. Our throats get choked, hearts delighted and tears of joy stream from eyes. Many a devotee will not only get elated but sows the seeds of love for Baba in the hearts of fellowmen. Our minds get easily focused and get attuned to Sai Consciousness by singing hymns of the Glory of Sainath.

Dasganu composed a "story" in the form of song from the nectar of devotion he collected in Baba's durbar and used to sing it in several places. On listening to the inspiring stories of Sai, many people were attracted and were able to get Baba's grace. God is a lover of listening to songs narrating the Glories of God. "I remain there, where My devotees sing songs" Baba said. Song will enrapture the mind. Devotional songs will make both body and soul fill with God's love. Baba used to tie anklets to His Feet, dance and sing. On seeing it, devotees are moved in the nectar of happiness. Heart gets melted and softened in listening to the hymns sung in devotion. Pleased by the love for the Divine One, Sainath showers His Grace abundantly on His devotees.

 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine Modes of Devotion-Ritualistic Worship of Sai

Archana of Sai, means ritualistic worship of Sai. It means worshipping the idol or photo of Sai with articles of worship. The ritual of devotion is offering service with loving care and sincerity to Sai, viewing and respecting everything as Sai, understanding His philosophy and being whole-heartedly happy with love. The external form of worshipping Baba includes performing the ritual with leaf, flower and other sacred articles earned by lawful means and serving the sick and needy. By this mode of worship, one develops immense love for Sai in one's own mind and instills the same love for Baba in others.

When Meghashyama came to Sai, he was transformed and identified Baba with Lord Shiva and worshipped Him accordingly. On one auspicious occasion, Megha wanted to give holy ablution with Ganges water to Baba and obtained His permission. He walked a long distance and fetched the water from the river. Baba said "sprinkle water on my head and the bath is taken". He poured water on Baba's entire body, ecstatically shouting "Hara Hara Gange". Amazingly, only Baba's head got wet. Megha was puzzled. His ego was humbled by the turn of event and he bowed to Baba's Will. We should, therefore immerse ourselves in Sai's devotion to our best ability.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine modes of Devotion - Bowing Before Sai

Bowing (Namaskar) means respecting by drawing together both the palms and sincerely bending the head in obedience. If, on the other hand, we raise both the hands in respect, it would mean seeking shelter saying that 'I am depending on you'. Falling on Baba's feet reverentially is known as prostration. It would mean offering one's own self to God by touching the earth with the feet, forehead, heart, hands and respecting with the words. Complete surrender is to offer "life as a flower of worship" to Baba's Feet. We should treat all creation, both of the living and non-living world, as an image of God and offer our respect.

In Baba's view, God is one and one sincere gesture of respect is enough. When Sapathnekar bowed again and again, Baba remarked that sincerely bowing once is sufficient. The proprietor of the Bhajanmandali of Madras, came to Shirdi, sang bhajans expecting to get rewarded by Baba. Baba offered him nothing; instead, He appeared in his dreams, erased his past life deeds and revealed His Divinity. Then he bowed to Baba. Sai asked him "is there a difference in the previous bow and now"? The owner admitted that the previous one was done for the sake of getting rewarded by Him, but now he accepted Baba as God and bowed. One whole-hearted expression of bow to Baba will destroy the sins of billion births and bless our souls.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine Modes of Devotion-Worshipping Sai's Feet

Worshipping the Feet of Sainath is a mode of devotion. One should overcome one's own pride, self-respect and serve the Lotus Feet of Sainath. During the process of worship and prayer, several devotees used to offer the holy water in which His Feet were washed. That holy water is capable of curing several diseases and even freeing devotees from earthly bonds. To satisfy the desire of Dasganu, Baba caused the confluence of Ganges and Yamuna rivers spring from His feet. Although Dasganu was able to see the miraculous sight and wet his head by sprinkling the holy water on the head, he was hesitant to sip it. Baba's grace was showered on him to that extent only. We, who are sinking in this vast ocean of life and unable to reach the shore, should behold the Feet of Baba and seek salvation.

The devotees of Shirdi used to sweep every inch of the path-way touched by the Feet of Baba, sprinkled cow dung water and beautiful patterns in lime powder were drawn on the ground to give a festive look. They used to spread sheets of cloth on the path leading from Masjid to Chavadi so that His tender Feet should not get hurt. This service is for getting bliss. They worshipped His Feet in different forms to derive pleasure out of the service. Let us worship those beautiful pair of His Lotus Feet with fragrant flowers and get blessed by His divine love.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine modes of Devotion - Remembering Sai

The devotion of remembering is manifested in recalling God, in Form, Body and Name by fixing our mind on Sai. It is several times a greater devotion to remember Sai, who is beyond name, form, quality, feeling or nature and to fill our minds with Sai Love and recall His noble deeds. Remembering Sai before we start any work, to remain in his thought as long as we do the work, to see Sai in every particle and feel His presence in every moment are also an integral part of the sadhana of remembering Sai, the Abode of Supreme Mercy. Indeed, with great love for Sai, helping every being in trouble as if it were a service to Sai, giving support and dedicating the result of such actions to Sai would be a pure form of remembering Sai.

Mhalsapathy, an ardent devotee of Khandoba, had been in the service of Sai Baba and was blessed to be in His thoughts. He left his ancestral occupation and dedicated himself to the service of Sai. Saying "Welcome Sai". Mhalsapathy, the priest, with deep devotion invited Sai, who came as a Fakir. He is a jewel among the devotees for he kept Sai's head on his lap with courage and patience when Baba withdrew the life-force from His body for seventy two hours. He is a blessed soul to live in the thoughts of Baba. Let us constantly remember and rejoice in the Presence of Sainath and get gloriously blessed by Baba's grace.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Nine Modes of Devotion-Listening to Sai's Glory

'Listening' as a mode of devotion refers to attentively listening to the experiences the devotees had by chanting the name of Sai and meditating on the Majesty and Message of Sai Form and His philosophy. In order to inflame the spark of devotion within us, by listening to songs of Sai Glory, we must first prostrate to the feet of sages and saints, seek their blessings and serve them. We must long to be in their holy company, behave obediently, clarify our genuine doubts and learn to practice the spiritual teachings taught by them. The treasure of spiritual wisdom we inherit from the Perfect Masters must be shared with others. Sai showers His grace on us if we listen to His story with deep love and devotion. Experiences of millions of Sai devotees bear an eloquent testimony to it.

Cholker cultivated love and devotion for Sai by listening to Sai stories composed and sung by Dasganu, the great song composer. So, throughout our life, we should be with Sai devotees and listen to His glorious deeds of grace. In the nine modes of devotion, listening has much importance. Therefore, time and again, we have to attentively listen to the recital of His nectarine love-miracles and mind-cheering messages of Sai and spread them among all and making everyone benefit from listening. This is the easiest path of getting merged and be one with Sai.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Sai Devotion

The devotional path of Sai is the wonderful one that the mankind could easily follow. Like a kite controlled by a string, Baba would bring devotees and non-believers to Him. In this Kaliyuga there is no other sure-fire method except Sai Devotion to elevate and liberate the soul. This is the easiest of all methods. In this age, it is difficult for us to practice Yoga, penance or conduct of religious rituals. Hence, All-Knowing Sai appeared to the devotees in the form they wished and taught them the simplest and practically feasible path of devotion.

Baba has taught that 'faith and patience' are essential for people treading the path of devotion. To get devoted to Sai, one's age, color etc., does not matter much. Only love for Baba coupled with devotion is sufficient. Indeed, good conduct and virtues are naturally cultivated by Sai devotees. Before He shed His mortal coil, Baba, with love, dropped nine coins, symbolizing nine modes of worship, into the palms of Lakshmibhai Shinde. They are viz., listening to Sai Leelas, chanting His name, remembering Him, worshipping His feet, performing rites, bowing, friendship and self-surrender. One is assured of attaining salvation through any of the nine modes of worship. Let us choose any one of the paths and make every effort to reach Sai by devout practice and let us make our lives worthier.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Sacrifice of One's Life in the Service of Others, it's the Secret of Self-Liberation

A living being is blessed with human birth only once - but it is impermanent. But all religions suggested ways to make human birth everlasting. Helping others is the most important of them and such service is like serving God who lives in all living beings in the form of Satchidananda (Sat - Truth, Chith - Knowledge, Ananda - Bliss). Ignoring the welfare of the society and living only for one's own sake amounts to overlooking God. If one serves the helpless, the needy and the forsaken, such selfless service will lead to salvation. Baba, assumed the human form to teach us how we can, caught in the turbulence of the ocean of worldly life, save our souls by the spirit of rendering selfless service by seeing Sai in one and all.

The human life is like a water bubble and is ephemeral. A man may sow a seed and it grows into a huge tree. So long as the tree yields fruits to the posterity, the man, who planted it, lives in the tree though he is dead. Likewise, the man who donates the organs of his body, before he dies, makes himself immortal in the body of the one who got the organs planted in his body for survival. It is the supreme sacrifice. Baba staked His life to save Tatya who was destined to die and thereby showed that sacrificing one's life to save others is the secret of Self-Liberation.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Read Baba's Biography to Acquire Precious Treasure of Wisdom

Man loves to possess inexhaustible wealth. He longs to enjoy endless ever-new joy. It is easy to acquire, but man behaves without foresight and in haste. Although, the ocean has plenty of pearls and corals, man would prefer to get the easily available shells and conch-shells scattered on the sands of the sea-shore. Devotees who gather around Sai Baba used to feel relieved and happy after eating the sanctified food offered by Baba and getting their worldly desires fulfilled, feel relieved and happy. Baba would chuckle and say "My Treasure of Spiritual Wisdom is full and over-flowing. None asks for it".

Devotees like Upasani Baba and Sai Sharanananda, never did they expect temporary gains or pleasures from Baba. He gifted them with priceless Divine Treasure of Wisdom and Ever-New Delight. We need not lament that our spiritual guide Baba has entered the Samadhi. Baba's leelas and the miracles He performed for the sick and suffering have been preserved in Sri Sai Satcharitra, penned by Hemadpant. One has to go through every line of it. The reading of Satcharitra, with a devout heart, should be daily undertaken. Then, we are assured of invaluable advice and divine directions from Baba. The lamp of wisdom lit will dispel our ignorance and we experience Divine Delight.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

No Arguments, a Simple Reply is Enough

Many people are in the habit of arguing. When the ego in us gets bloated, we would like to argue. The more we argue, the more we lose the ability of the discerning mind to know the truth, be open-minded and stick to the negative thought of defending one's view-point. At times an argument begins for some reason, arrogance crops up and although we know that the point of the other side is true, we would not accept it. We fear that upon accepting their point, our self-esteem may be lowered. We feel egoistic because we think that we are rich, famous, talented or the unwillingness of not appreciating the good of others. On some occasions we assume that acceptance of others' views would mean acceptance of our mistakes and so we prefer to argue further and fail to understand the loss of our energy.

In spite of our good nature, when others drag us into an argument, it would be better to keep away from them and follow the guiding rule of Baba, "no arguments but a simple reply is enough". There would be no scope to argue if we follow His principle in true spirit. If the argument becomes adamant, the anger leads to fight. The precious time that could have been spent in devotional pursuits might go waste. Hence, instead of getting involved in empty arguments, let us make the most of life through spiritual practices.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

If you cast your burden on Me, I shall surely bear it

However intimate people are, they might be willing to share our pleasure and wealth but would not like to bear our burdens. Baba assured, He would become everything of theirs and bear their burdens, saying "You keep all your unbearable burdens on Me and be cool. I shall bear them all". Here, 'burden' means 'weight' which means 'above our capacity to bear'.

Baba spoke with motherly love 'cast your entire burden on Me'. Sri Sai assures us that He would bear the burden of those devotees who have unshakable faith and all-enduring patience, who have chosen the path of devotion seeking freedom from attachment to the fruits of one's effort. But, people who indulged in earthly pleasures and attracted by assets and bonds, going into prayer room only when they get into trouble, will not get rid of problems. All of a sudden reaching Shirdi, standing before Samadhi Mandir and demanding "you promised to bear my burden, hence, instantly remove it", will not do! How will it? Whatever life that we get by the deeds of our previous lives, we should be faithful and earnestly pray to Baba, "Lead us to Your presence, Father!" To Baba, the Almighty One, who bears the gigantic burden of this Vast Universe and guides its varied operations, it is but child's play to Him to bear our burdens. Knowing it, we remain cool by casting our burden on Baba.

 

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Sainath's Sacred Foot-Prints

Sri Sai used to sit underneath a neem tree since He entered Shirdi. One day, Krishnaji had a desire to see the Padukas, sacred foot-prints of Saint Akkalkot Maharaj. Before he could start to Akkalkot, the Swami of Akkalkot appeared in his dream and said, "You need not come to Me now. My present stay is at Shirdi. So you go there and have the darshan". Krishnaji believed that Swami Samarth of Akkalkot and Sai Baba were one and the same. Krishnaji went to Shirdi, stayed for six months and wanted to install the padukas of Sai Baba underneath the neem tree hallowed by Baba sitting under it. Krishnaji was advised by his friend to ask Dr. Rama Rao Kotare to make the padukas. When the blue-print of the foot-prints were shown to Sri Upasani Maharaj, he added lotus, conch-shell, chakra, the disc on them. They got the padukas made in Bombay. Baba ordered that the padukas be installed on the auspicious Sraavana Pournami day.
Dikshit brought the sacred padukas, keeping them on his head, to Dwarakamayi and placed them before Baba who touched them and declared that the padukas were the Feet of God. He gave twenty-five rupees to meet the expenditure to be incurred for the installation of the padukas. Since then, devotees who visit Shirdi wave the camphor-lit lamp and offer sanctified food to the padukas. It is a sacred service to the Lord of the Universe.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Ably Enact Your Role in the Drama of Life

This world is a stage and every person is an actor. God is the play-wright who plans and decides what role one should play in the drama of life and thereby directs the play. Our duty is to perform the roles ordained by God in true spirit. Only then, the play will be exciting and successful. Having played our role ably, our lives will become fruitful. The whole of the Universe is but the creation of God Supreme. If we keenly observe what God does, we can execute the entrusted task as desired by Him. God, the Omniscient, always awaits to accommodate everyone in the Kingdom of His heart.

Some instances would not favour us to perfectly execute a task and thereby lead to confusion. We will not be in a position to advance further. We feel pained when we fail to accomplish the task put forth by our beloved God. At this juncture, we should recollect the words of Baba, "If you need My help or guidance, I am ready to give it at once and at all times". This assurance of the All-Merciful Baba gives us enough courage. He transforms us into highly competent ones even though we do not have any competence. Not only does Baba decide our role but He equips us with the required talent in playing our role ably in His Divine Drama. Realizing our responsibility, let us follow in the foot-steps of Baba.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Remembering Baba will Remove Our Hardships

God is the Abode of Supreme Bliss and the embodiment of the pure Spirit and the Truth who is not touched by the polarities of pleasure and pain, sin and merit. Sai is the Perfect Master with a pure heart. The Holy Trinity, viz., Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva assumed the form of Dattatreya, whose incarnation is Shirdi Sai. We should know that to have His darshan is to achieve the purpose of life. Baba's heart is filled with kindness and love. He took human birth although He is that Formless Absolute Reality. He moved among the commoners as commoner in flesh and blood and blessed the devotees cross the ocean of worldly life. Baba will indwell as Bliss in the heart of those devotees who have no desires or any trace of arrogance. 

Indeed, for people who would see, think and serve Baba with firm faith, He will appear in everyone as His Divinity pervades every being. When the deed is noble, God would help. Baba Himself declared that there is no difference between His picture and Himself. In this hectic world, we may not find time to sit and meditate. It is enough for a Baba devotee to recall the image of Sai and mentally sing Bhajans to Him. Chanting Sai's name removes all doubts and difficulties. There is no room for fears when we take refuge in Him. We can serenely shed our perishable body and merge with the immortal Baba.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|

Well-Protected Spiritual Home

We always wish that our life should go smoother and safer. But we should strive for it. We alone reap the fruits of our actions. A beautiful and well-protected house is a pre-requisite to live happily without any tensions and agitations. In the spiritual life, we should treat the four thoughts viz, faith in Baba, confidence, love and obedience as the four walls of the house. We should raise the sturdy roof of deep devotion over it. A house built like this will be able to withstand any inclement weather, be it furious gales, torrential rains or floods so that it remains strong and stable. It gets the strength of soul to boldly face any hardship or problem. We, who walk in the light of Baba's blessings, go ahead fearlessly.
We, who drink the nectarine devotion for Baba, will never get fatigued or feel hungry. As we think that all are the children of Baba, we treat everyone as our kith and kin. Living together in love and concord, we experience the sweetness of the company of the good souls. Gradually, Baba will spiritually energise our hearts. Devotees will lose charm of worldly desires and realize that the purpose of life is to reach the presence of Baba. We enjoy Baba's love in full measure. We attain a state of mind where we remain cool-headed and poised in any situation. Our hearts rejoice when we cast our burdens on God, completely.

"Bow to Shri Sai and Peace Be to all"   

|ॐ| Om Sai Ram |ॐ|