Sri Narasimha Saraswati

Sri Narasimha Saraswati

Sripaad Swami told a Brahmin lady to devote her life to the worship of Lord Siva. She did accordingly and, as a result of it, she was born in Karanja a town near Akola (Central India) in a pious family and was named Amba.She grew and she was married to a pious man Madhava Sharma. She was devoted, heart and soul, to the service of of her husband. His noble company added to the holy tendencies she developed as a result of her spiritual discipline in her previous life. She now became an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. In course of time, she gave birth to a son.The child did not cry, as usual, at birth.On the other hand, the only sound he uttered was 'AUM' (the eternal sound - 'AUM' is the manifestation of the spirit) and everyone was amazed at it. Astrologers assured Madhava Sharma that their child was indeed an avatar of the Lord. They also prophesied that he would renounce all worldly ties and that he would uplit the fallen souls. The child was named Narahari.

The name signified that he was the dispeller of the sins and miseries of human beings.

The child Narahari grew up to be a handsome boy of five, but he could not speak and the parents were very much worried about it.One day, the boy conveyed to them through gestures that he wished to be invested with the sacred thread. Young Narahari learned the 'Gayatri Mantra', adopted the vows of a young celebate (Brahmacharya), accepted the first offering of food from his mother's hands and at once recited the Vedas (external repositories of Spiritual Wisdom) .

The parents were overjoyed but their joy did not last. According to tradition after the sacred thread ceremony, the initiate is a sannyasi and has to beg alms from his mother and leave for pilgrimage. Thus, the mother asked him to beg alms and young Narahari, taking it as her adesha (command) sought permission totake sannyasa, renounce worldly life and leave for pilgrimage.

The mother bewailed her plight and pleaded with him to give up such an idea. Narhari said "I do not want to enjoy the objects of the senses which can only lead to misery. So, I shall pass on from the state of celebacy directly to the life of a sannyasi. Wealth, family ties and responsibilities are as unreal as a dream. Youth is transient as a flower which soon withers. Thus life is very short when viewed in the light of the only purposed of it, i.e., Self-realization. To be emotionally attached to anything in this phenomenal world amounts to mere self-betrayal and is self-defeating too. This body, with the skin as its surface layer, flesh, bones and the blood within, is as frail a structure as a water bubble. Excessive fondness for one's spouse and children is the root of all other evil tendencies. In itself, this body of ours is made of inanimate matter and is ever changing and perishable. Only the 'Self' within is eternal and is our only true being. Joys and sorrows of worldly life are merely relative, subjective and are therefore illusory experiences to the realized. Man can break the fetters of this illusion only through the grace of the Guru. Therefore, Oh mother, do not hinder me in my resolve. You shall be blessed with some more children. Go on meditating on me and thereby you shall cross the ocean of misery and ignorance too". So saying, Narahari again blessed His mother with the vision of His Divine form. She perceived it through the eye of wisdom and wasat once reminded of her previous birth. So she said to the Lord :

'Holy one, you are indeed Lord Sripaad, who, in my previous life, saved me from my unwise resolve to commit suicide. I bow before you. You are, indeed, the Unbounded one. All the universes have their being in your infinite expanse. To say that you are born to me as my son is but a fallacy; for you are eternal. Yours is the omnipotent will. I shall not hinder your resolve to renounce the world for the welfare of all sentient beings. You have assured me that I shall be blessed with a few more children. Pray, stay with us, at least till such time!' Lord Narahari graciously acceded to her request and stayed away. The blessed couple used to worship the Lord every day with full awareness of his divinity.

Many were the learned who flocked to Him for the elucidation of intricate questions in scriptural knowledge. Many of them got their doubts clarified and attained Self-realization. This is no task to one who could uplift even the dull witted. After his mother got more children He covered His head with a piece of cloth, put on wooden sandals, covered His body with the ochre robe and wore a codpiece. Taking a staff in His hand, He set out from His home in joy to fulfill His mission which was to revive faith and uplift the people morally and spiritually.

On his way to Badrinath, Narahari reached the Holy Varanasi (Kashi) in the guise of a seeker after liberation. Lord Narahari, in accordance with Holy tradition, resorted to His Holiness Swami Krishna Saraswati as his Guru and from him took the vow of sanyas. Henceforth, He came to be known as Shri Narasimha Saraswati. He formally took the vow of lifelong celebacy. Thus he became a full-fledged sannyasi who has transcended the opposites of joy and sorrow and the limitations of a self-centered will. This World Teacher has laid down the tradition of sanyas for seekers after liberation.

Shri Nrishimha Saraswati expounded the nature of sanyas to some and the meaning of the Vedas, which can secure the true objects of life (Purusharthas), to others. Then, he proceeded in his wanderings round the country in a clock-wise direction, along with his disciples. He had seven disciples and they were Baala, Krishna, Upendra, Janajyotim Sadaananda, Madhava and Siddha. All have the title 'Saraswati' suffixed to their names.

He took holy dips in all the holy rivers along the way and reached the sacred place where the river Ganga joins the sea. From Benares he went to Badrika Ashram with his disciples. Then moving from place to place for the welfare of common people, he arrived at Ganga sagar, near calcutta. Some Twenty years passed this way. Shri Nrisimha Saraswati reappeared at his home to the wonder and joy of his family and town people, He blessed them all.

In the Guru Charitra the miracles performed by him are described. These miracles were meant to increase faith among people in a higher power and start them on the path of spiritual path.
Shri Narasimha Saraswati then went to Trumbakeshwar, Parli and Parli vaijnath. At Parli Vaijnath he did penance for one year and remained in seclusion. Afterwards he went to Audumbar and Amarapur near the confluence of the rivers Krishna and the Panchaganga. At Amarapur he stayed 12 years. This place was called "Nrisimhawadi" and later "Narsob awadi" by his affectionate disciples and devotees. From Amarapur he went to Gangapur and remained there for 24 years. During his stay there many astonishing incidents and miracles took place.

Shri Narasimha Saraswati was now considered as 'Siddha Purusha' (Perfect, almost Godlike being) with Divine powers of healing physical ailments and alleviating worries of his devotees. Hindus and Muslims used to come to him considering him their Sadguru.

One day he bade good-bye to people of Gangapur and with his 7 select disciples went to the confluence of Bhima and Amraja rivers and stood for a while under the Aswatha tree. He stated "worship this tree and practice penance, your wish will be fulfilled and your life will be blessed". He announced his departure from this world and his disciples were plunged in grief.

A float was prepared on the banana leaves and was adorned with flowers. This float was placed in the river and Shri Nrisimha Saraswati sat on it. All the disciples offered worship although their hearts were weighed down by grief. Shri Nrisimha Saraswati cheered them up and told them he was going to Kadali-vana (grove of banana trees) near Srisailam (One of the 12 "Jyotir Linga" is located here) and upon reaching there, as a mark of his safe arrival, clusters of flowers would come back floating against current. Soon after, as per the Master's promise, clusters of flowers came to them drifting on the river against the current!

When the Master got ready for departure, the natives of the village rushed to him and begged him not to deprive them of His Divine presence, but to stay on. The Lord said, "Do not feel sad that way. How can I bear to be away from my devotees? I only seem to leave for Srisailam only to the grosser vision of the physical, but I will ever abide at Gangapur in my real state as the Spirit or the real Self. I will seek my noon alms in this village and accept your loving devotional services. My living presence will be experienced by anyone who bathes in the Sangam (confluence of holy rivers), worships the Holy peepal tree and takes darshan of my 'pudukas' (sacred foot-wear) here.

"The Master can be seen even today by the virtuous and the devout. Only the unrighteous cannot experience his living presence. Taking his daily dip at the holy Sangam, he ever abides there. In fact, he has been blessing devotees with his divine acts (leelas) on countless occasions. The aspirations of those who worship him there with true love will be fulfilled. Indeed, the Lord is ever present with those who incessantly adore him. The miraculous experiences of such will ever remain hidden in their own hearts. He is the granter of prayers!"

When people were in utter despair, Shri Nrisimha Saraswati brought about a religious and spiritual renaissance and restored their morale. The places where He stayed, have become centres of pilgrimage viz., Narsobawadi, Audumbar and Gangapur. Gangapur is believed to be the abode of Lord Dattatreya. There is a holy hillock of Vibhuti (holy ash) from which devotees pick up the sacred ash as Prasad to take home. This hillock has not been depleted, even though devotees have been taking away sacred ash for centuries.

The atmosphere in all the three pilgrimage centers is sublime and devotees feel peaceful and spiritually uplifted. Miracles take place at Gangapur specially, even now.

The message of Shri Nrisimha Saraswati is summarized as under:

1. In our short fleeting span of human life, we should attempt to realize God through devotion

2. Use Buddhi (intellect) and Viveka (discrimination) to purify the minds.

3. Never think of hurting others in thought, word or deed.

4. Consider yourself blessed, if you secure the blessings of a Guru.

5. Strive to realize God who is inherent in your own heart.

Shripad Sri Vallabh

Shripad Sri Vallabh

'Digmbara, digambara, Sripaad vallabha digambara;Digambara, digambara, Advdhutachintana digambara'

Sripaad Shri Vallabh was born in a Brahmin family in a village named Pithapur (East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh, India). A Brahmin couple Appala Raju Sharma and Sumathi, were devotees of Lord Datta.

They had many children of whom only two survived. One was lame and the other was blind. They worshipped Lord Datta and never failed to offer food to mendicants and monks. They looked uponon all such as they very forms of Lord Datta. One day, they were performing the annual ceremony in their house and many Brahmins were invited as guests for thefeast.

Tradition holds that none should eat on that day before these guests partake their food.
At that time Lord Dattatreya appeared at their threshold in the form of a renunciate sadhu (saint), bearing the staff and the water-vessel (Kamandalu) and asked for food. The housewife, with immense faith that the visitor was none other than the Lord to whom the whole annual ceremony was being offered, gave Him food even before the Brahmin guests were fed!

Her faith touched the Lord's heart and He at once granted her a vision of this true form. His glorious form had three heads, clad in a tiger's skin and his body besmeared with sacred ash (vibhuti), he looked like a silver mountain in moonlight.

The blessed housewife drank the divine glory of the Lord's from and felt that the highest object of her birth was fulfilled. The Lord said, "Mother, I am pleased with your devotion. Even before you fed the Brahmin guests, you have given me food with the full faith that this is the Lord in the guise of a holy mendicant. Now, ask me for anything you wish and it shall be granted". The sight blessed her eyes and now her ears were sanctified by His sweet words. "Lord", she said, "Lord! You addressed me as mother, please let your word be turned into reality"

Lord replied Tathastu (so be it) and disappeared. Lord Dattatreya, in order to bless his devotees and the righteous ones, wanders about in the guise of a random guest at the lunch hour. That's why it is said that a random guest has to be treated as the very embodiment of Lord Dattaterya. Then Sumathi told her husaband of the Divine vision the Lord had bestowed on her and of his granting her wish for a divine son.

Not long after, Sumathi conceived and delivered a male child at the proper time. She gave birth to one who is indeed birth-less. There was no birth in the normal sense, the Lord just manifested Himself as a child in this house. As the child has all the Divine features with celestial radiance, he was fittingly named as Sripaad. This was the first incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.

As days and months passed, the child Serenade grew ever more glorious, the age of eight. As per the tradition, he was investedwith the sacred thread. Normally, after the sacred thread ceremony a boy has to be trained by a Guru for 8 years before he can memorize the Vedas (external repositories of Spiritual Wisdom) completely. But this boy, Sripaad, started imparting vedic knowledge to this pupil right from the moment of his upanyana (sacred thread ceremony). It was all a purely Divine miracle.

When Sripaad attained marriageable age, He was asked His opinion, "All women in this world are like my mother. I am married to sannyaasa (renunciation). My mission is to give initiation and guidance to sadhus (holy men)". Speaking thus he sought permission from his parents to become a sannyasi and to leave the house. The parents were loathe to forego such a son. Apart from this the other two children were dumb, deaf and blind. If Sripad left his parents, who will look after them in their old age. Sripaad understood their anxiety. He called these blind and lame brothers, his heart, melting with compassion at the sight of the tears in his parents, Sripaad touched his brothers and made them whole in a moment! What is impossible for the Almighty and the lord of the universe?

The miracle dispelled the veil of delusion that blinded their understanding. Then the Lord granted them the vision of His real Divine form. The handsome, tender lad at once appeared radiant like a million suns and pleasing as myriad moons. His blissful nature seemed to enliven every atom of existence. With their permission, He renounced all worldly ties and trekked to several Holy places like Dwaraka, Brindavan, Mathura, and Badrinath. After wandering there for sometime, He marched down to the Holy Gokarna in order to bless the spiritual seekers. Sripaad lived for three years in Gokarna. Having uplifted several seekers there spiritually, the Lord went to Kurvapur and settled down there.

One day a widow, Ambika came to the river to end her life due to her unbearable poverty and to run away from the world which made fun of her for having given birth to a dullard and an idiot boy. Miraculously Sripaad came there and said 'Oh Brahmin, do not be hasty; otherwise you would incur the sin of committing suicide, as well as the sin of killing a Brahmin. No one can help you out of it. It is better for you to live on, facing any amount of suffering.' The Brahmin lady then said, 'Oh Holy one, people are humiliating me for being cursed with the birth of a stupid son. They consider it a sin even to see my face. What could I gain by continuing to live?' The Lord was moved by compassion at her words and said, 'Mother, by committing suicide, you only add to your former sins and you will have to suffer more in the next life. Therefore, devote your whole life to the worship of Lord Shiva. You shall be blessed witha noble son in your next life'.

The above event was perhaps Shri Guru’s own sankalpa to reincarnate again as Sri Narasimha Saraswati . Therefore He had pre-arranged this leela so as to meet and bless His next incarnation’s mother-to-be.

Sripaad Vallabha disappeared one day after entering the Ganges river. Though he is physically no more, devotees ever feel His presence and grace. His divine spirit is ever manifest. The Lord is eternal. As He is the seed of the whole universe, His activities are infinite. So His purposes are infinite. In fact, He is ever in front of His devotees, granting their prayers. Yet he is invisible to all those who are blinded by the spirit of the ‘Kali’ age he has been granting the wishes of his devotees, though he is invisible to them. He can even be seen by those who are pure of heart.

That village has become a Holy by His eternal presence.

Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon

Shri Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon

There is hardly any authenticated information about the early life of Shri Gajanan Avdhoot, popularly known as Gajanan Maharaj.His place of birth, date of birth, parentage etc. are shrouded with mystery, although people speculate that he was born in a place named Sajjangarh in Maharashtra.

It has been experienced that the terminal points (birth and death) in the lives of spiritually advanced souls is often mystical. Shri Gajanan did not reveal about his past and did not encourage people to search for it. However, Shri Gajanan Avdhoot was first noticed collecting left over food items in a garbage dump on the outskirts of village Shegaon in Mahrashtra by a person named Bankatlal Aggarwal. The Maharaj, although having a shining and extremely healthy body, was at that time in a Super conscious state without a sense of his body; for he had no clothes on his person.

Bankatlal, who had earlier association with some spiritually advanced persons, sensed that the apparently crazy person collecting food from the dustbin might be a ‘Siddha’. It was 23rd February, 1878. Bankatlal, along with a friend named Damodar Pant Kulkarni approached Maharaj with humility and asked "Maharaj, why are you eating left over food, if you are hungry, I will certainly make arrangements for you." However, Maharaj paid no heed to his words and continued to eat his food in a state of utter detachment. Seeing this, Bankatlal ran to the Ashram situated nearby, collected whatever food he could, and came back to Maharaj. As he offered food, Maharaj mixed up all the food items and gulped it down.It may be understood that the saints at this level actually do not have a sense of taste as they are beyond the body state. Bankatlal, thereafter, went away to collect some drinking water. By the time he returned, he was shocked to see Maharaj happily drinking water from the reservoir meant for cattle. Bankatlal was convinced that he was in the presence of no ordinary mortal but a highly evolved spiritual entity. He prostrated in reverence and asked for blessings. By the time he lifted his head, Maharaj had vanished from there.

Disappearance and reappearance are one of the eight ‘siddhis’ or powers that yogis of India used to possess in the past. Bankatlal was extremely sad and depressed at the sudden disappearance of Maharaj but at that time little did he know that Gajanan Avdhoot was his own Sadguru (the Master) who had himself come at that time. Sadgurus or Perfect Masters attract or reach their disciples when the appropriate time comes, to lead them to their spiritual goal. Their attraction becomes so powerful that it becomes difficult for anyone to resist.

No doubt, therefore, that Bankatlal was so sad at his disappearance. His mind could think of nothing except Gajanan Avdhoot all the time and he searched for him whole day without any success. However, he again found Maharaj in the evening when he went to the old Shiva temple to join the worship. He was overjoyed to find him and in an emotionally choked voice requested Baba to come and stay in his house. Maharaj, on his request, came to his house from where his divine function (Leela) started.

The function of the Sadguru is to give a universal push to all the human beings and other species towards spiritual evolution. For them, caste, religion, sex, nationality and even difference in species etc. does not matter. They are humans with human beings and animals with animals. When they start playing this role, people from far and wide start getting drawn as if by the pull of an invisible force.In fact, this is what Shri Sainath used to say, "I draw my children from thousands of miles like a child pulling a bird with astring tied to its legs".

With the advent of Gajanan Avdhoot thousands of them experienced temporal upliftment. With so many people visiting his house, Bankatlal tried to make whatever arrangements he could.It is not easy to have a perfect master as one's guest, as social or religious laws do not limit them.

Whatever they say or think, happens as they only carry out the functions of God with the help of nature. Their behavior at times becomes extremely unpredictable to the common man. At times they behave like children, at times like a mad man or even like a person possessed.Nevertheless whatever they do, it is for the good of others. Only spiritually advanced people can understand this motivation behind the actions of a Sadguru. Maharaj often used to quietly escape out Bankatlal used to search him out by strenuous efforts and would request him to come back. One day Maharaj quietly strayed away to another village named Adgaon. At about mid day, when the sun was on the high, he approached a farmer cultivating his land and requested for drinking water, the farmer had with him. The farmer, named Bhaskar Patel, thought that he was one of the ordinary types of mendicant sadhus and started rebuking him saying that he would not give a drop of water which he has carried from home to a sadhu who is a parasite on the society. Maharaj only smiled without any reaction and slowly walked towards what looked like an old well. Bhaskar Patel again started teasing him from behind saying that it is a dry well and how can any fool get water from there. Maharaj reached the well and meditated for a few moments and soon the well, which was dry for about twelve years, was filled with clean water. He quenched his thirst with this water. Seeing this miracle, Bhaskar Patel realised that he (Maharaj) was no ordinary man and profusely apologised for his intemperate behavior.

The Sadgurus are the ocean of love and mercy, and they are incapable of getting annoyed or angry-far to speak of being revengeful to the creations of God. That is why the epithets "Kripa Sindhu" (Ocean of grace) or "Daya Nidhi" (Abode of Mercy) etc. are used for them.

Seeing the plight of Bhaskar Patel moved Maharaj told him that he has created water for him in the well so that Patel does not have to carry water from the village strenuously every day for cultivation or drinking. The love that we sometimes feel within us, the depth of kindness that stirs in our heart when we are in touch with a Sadguru, is because the Sadguru first showers his total love and compassion on us without any qualification and even without our asking. This is what in known as "Ahetuk Kripa" (the grace without asking) Thus, by total sacrifice of himself, the Sadguru tries to evolve his children towards their goal and teach that sacrifice for others without any intention of getting returns raises Godly qualities in human beings.

The Sadguru teaches, by his own examples that in order to shine one must sacrifice one self. No one can truly help others without any sacrifice on himself. Protection of the Sadguru is the strongest armoury in a person’s life because the extent to which a Sadguru can go to protect his children cannot be imagined.

Once Maharaj; invited by Bankatlal, went to his farmland to eat corn stalk (Bhutta). Baba, along with a group of devotees sat under a tree, lit fire and started roasting the corn (Bhutta). No body had seen that there was a honey beehive on the tree. As the smoke from the fire reached the hive, the honeybees got out in swarms and started stinging everybody. Except Maharaj all of the devotees ran away. All the honeybees, thereafter, settled on the body of Maharaj who continued to stay unmoved and in his normal composure. Suddenly Bankatlal saw this from a distance and was moved by the plight of Maharaj. When he approached Maharaj to render help, Maharaj addressing the honeybees said, "you go back to your own place. My dear devotee Bankatlal should suffer no pain". No sooner than he uttered these words that the entire swarm of honeybees returned back to the hive. The devotees on return saw that Baba's whole body was full of stings. No ordinary person can quietly bear the stinging of a swarm of honeybees. All of them started thinking that Maharaj must be in pain. Seeing their plight Shri Gajanan Maharaj gave a smile and took a deep breath. At once all the stings fell out of his body in hundreds.In this case what the Sadguru did was to take on his own body the pain of the honeybees stings and not allowing his children to suffer.

After a short stay at Khodgaon, the Maharaj returned to Shegaon. There he moved to the house of one Khandu Patil. His style of living was so ordinary like that of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi that it was not easy for everyone to make out about of the depth of his spiritual personality in the first look.

One day, about ten South Indian Brahmins, with the intention of earning some money came to Maharaj, who was sleeping under the cover of a blanket. Suddenly Maharaj woke up during the recitation and pointed out to the Brahmins that they were pronouncing the vedas in a wrong manner. Thereafter, he himself started reciting. Soon the Brahmins realised that Maharaj was a Saint of very high spiritual order and prostrated at his feet. Maharaj blessed them all and also gave them dakshina.

One day Maharaj went to the Nilakanth temple near the village and desired to stay there. Patil built a palm cottage for him and people started visiting the place. Once a group of Gossains (a type of Sadhu) claiming to be the disciples of one Brahmin Guruji reached the place where Baba was staying. The pretentious Sadhus demanded halwa, puri (a variety of food in India) and ganja (opium) from Patil. They also told him that by doing so he would get more virtue than by serving a mad and naked person like Gajanan Maharaj. After taking his food just in order to prove his superiority over Maharaj the group leader, Brahmagiriji started lecturing on Bhagavad-Gita to draw attention of people. He started explaining "Nainam chhindanti Sastrani, Nainam Dahati Pavakam"- meaning ‘neither weapons can destroy the soul nor can fire burn it’. In spite of his efforts, people were found to be collecting around Gajanan Maharaj who was smoking his Chilum (clay tobacco pipe) sitting on a wooden bed right opposite to Brahmagiriji. His ego was hurt and he became very angry finding absence of proper public appreciation and attention. Strange are the ways of Sadgurus.

In this situation a strange thing happened. The bed on which Maharaj was sitting suddenly caught fire. As the fire rose up the disciples of Maharaj requested him to get out of fire and also started arranging for water. Maharaj said that neither water would be used to extinguish fire nor would he get out of the fire bed. Addressing Brahmagiriji who was enjoying the sight, Maharaj said, "since you have been telling people for the last one hour that neither weapon can destroy nor fire can burn the soul, please come and prove it by sitting on fire." On this Brahmagiriji did not react but tried to avoid the situation. Then Maharaj asked a physically strong disciple to catch hold of Brahmagiriji and bring him before Maharaj. One can well imagine the condition of a pretentious sadhu in such a situation. His ego was totally shattered and he repented not only for his behavior but also for his pretentiousness. Maharaj pardoned him and advised him on the path to be followed for spiritual upliftment.

The Sadguru is the Universal Guru. He deals with each person at his level of consciousness. He tries to destroy their ego through his superior power in order to evolve that person. Sadguru removes all such limitations of mind and body that are not conducive to the evolution of a soul slowly. What methods in the gross, subtle or mental level the Sadguru may use can never be predicted by anyone.

Shankar Maharaj

Shankar Maharaj was a Perfect Master in the tradition of Nath Siddhas.

Different stories are told about the birth and early life of Shankar Maharaj. But the following story of his birth and initiation by his guru appears to be most authentic, having been told by Maharaj himself to his prime disciple Dr. Nagesh Dhaneshwar of Nagar, about 200 kms from Pune.Once Dr. Dhaneshwar asked Maharaj his age. Instead of answering, he asked him to judge his age from physical examination since he was a medical doctor.Dr. Dhaneshwar judged his age to be more than 125 years. Maharaj agreed with him and told him that he was born in about 1800 at Mangalwedha (near Pandharpur) in the family named Upasani.

He used to be a very naughty boy. Once, when he was seven to eight years old, he went chasing a deer. The deer entered the forests on the banks of the river Chandrabhaga towards a place called Machnur.He followed it and soon reached a Shiva temple. When he was about to shoot the arrow a large sanyasi came, lifted the deer and held it in his arms .He said “My child, why do you kill the innocent animals? If you want to hunt, hunt wild animals, but don’t kill this” nevertheless he shot the arrow at the deer in the sanyasi’s arms. It hit him but became blunt aad fell down. Another arrow also met the same fate.he become confused but the sanyasi smiled, kept the deer down, came near and fondled him. Thus Maharaj got “ Sparshdiksha” or initiation by touch of the Yogi, who was no other than Swami Samarth of Akkalkot. Maharaj stayed with him for six months during which he gave him all knowledge and instructed him to go on pilgrimage.

He went to the Himalayas where he did a very hard penance .On returning from there he spent his time with Siddha-Yogis in and around Vriddheshwar (near Nagar) which is known as the center for meditation of several Nath Siddhas in the past. Maharaj remembered having received Dakshina from Peshwas hands in Shanniwarwada in Pune, the seat of Peshwas rule. After the British took over Pune, he met a British Collector who developed a faith in Maharaj and considered him his Spiritual guide.He took Maharaj to England where he stayed for ten years teaching the yoga path to this British officer.

Being asked by Dr. Dhaneshwar whether this is how he is able to speak such good English, he said, “ No Doctor, he who understand the principle which is beyond the source of all languages and who becomes one with it, knows any language, even the language of animals and birds. He becomes the energy itself therefore he is able to decifer the vibration. I understand the English language perfectly .I have read complete Shakespeare .He had rich experiences of life. Among his plays, I Like Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello and Romeo-Juliet.”

One can surmise therefore that at the time of samadhi Maharaj was about 150 years old. It is not clear when Maharaj came to Maharastra, Pune in particular. From the biography of Dr. Dhaneshwar who was born in 1899, it is seen that Maharaj met him at Nagar when he was a schoolboy, that must have been around 1910 when Maharaj was already past hundred .He used to move frequently between Nagar, Pune, Solapur and Akluj, also visiting in places with Shri Dattatreya influence like Gangapur, Narsobawadi, Mahurgad and Girnar.Wherever he went he attracted devotees.

In appearance Maharaj is described as ‘Ashtavakra’ or bent in eight places. Maharaj had a short stature, but was "Ajunubahu" or having long hands reaching below his knees. Most noticeable were his large and bright eyes and a child like expression on his face. In later years he had a beard .He often had a brandy bottle in his hand and a hunter whip with him. He used to address people by the swear words, but without malice. It was believed that if Maharaj rebuked anybody he got rid of misfortunes. He used to talk with lisp which was due to his unusually long tongue. The immense kindness and compassion of Maharaj were consistent with his being a Nath Panthi in the Guru tradition.

According to what Dr. Dhaneshwar told "The aim of a Nath Panthi is to help people without bothering about his own personal liberation. Because of the compassion for all living, he takes birth again and again all over the earth in all communities and not necessarily ordained as a Nath Panthi during that birth. It is because of such selfless liberated souls that the fabric of human society is maintained."

Maharaj did not stay long at any single place. He used to move from devotee to devotee. He was fond of smoking honeydew (popularly known as Pilo hatthi) cigrattes. He was also fond of drinking brandy and appeared to be often intoxicated. He used to like the scent (attar) of hina and loved music.

Maharaj used to drink with a purpose. His drunken appearance helped him in keeping unwanted people away. Only those people who saw Maharaj beyond the external looks could come to him. There are instances when Maharaj drank and another person nearby got drunk. Some people to whom Maharaj gave a brandy glass and asked them to drink it told later it was not liquor but nice tasting coconut water. Maharaj was fond of wearing rings and jewels but he could throw them or give to others easily.

The life of Shankar Maharaj has been full of miracles he performed to help his devotees. Such miracles are associated with many Yogis. The miracle includes the knowledge of past and future events, creation of matter going from one place to another instantly, being at several places at the one time, feeding a multitude from the small quantity of food and so on. Maharaj did these miracles to instill faith in them and to draw people to spiritual path. Maharaj had said, "I am a slave of the simple and teach lessons to the scoundrels. I am the blotting paper of egotistic persons. I cannot tolerate ego. I suck it out."

Maharaj had large number of devotees and disciples world over. Dr Dhaneshwar, Maj. Abhyankar and his son Dattareya , Raobahadur Navale from all from Nagar; G.K Pradhan and Keshavbhai Asher from Mumbai, Raosaheb Mehendale and his wife Taisaheb, Vasudev Pandit, Baburao Rudra, Mamasaheb Dhekane, Yellubahi and Gosavi all from Pune, Mr.Girme and Mr. Vasant Kulkarni from Akluj, are some of well known names from the large family of disciples. Maharaj gave spiritual guidance to millions, who are evolving spiritually under his protection even today. Dr Dhaneshwar was his principle disciple. According to Maharaj, their association was for more than six hundred years. Being Nath Panthis in the earlier births also and closely connected to Gahininath. Maharaj had shown him the place where he i.e. Dr Dhaneshwar used to do sadhana in the caves in the Vrishdheshwar hills near Nagar in the previous birth .He was a very capable person and Maharaj gave him all his knowledge.

Maharaj first appeared before Dr Dhaneshwar when the latter was a schoolboy but the real training started just after his Graduation in medicine. Maharaj used to visit him often and throw things around. This used to make the doctor angry. One Day, Maharaj scattered some importance articles here and there. Doctor, who was under tension due to personal worries asked Maharaj to leave and when he did not, pushed him down the stairs. As a result of this outburst the doctor became unconscious.

When the doctor recovered from unconsciousness he found his head was on Maharaj’s lap and Maharaj was gently caressing his head with love of a mother. At that moment he suddenly realised the real nature of Maharaj. He realised that the Guru’s love is deeper than mother’s love. From that moment he completely surrendered to Maharaj.

Raosaheb Balwantrao Mehendale who was a barrister and his wife Taisaheb Mehendale were also close disciples of Maharaj . One of his friends Sardar Mirikar was instrumental in bringing Raosaheb to Maharaj.

Maharaj initiated Tai Saheb and asked her to give discourses on Dnyaneshwari (an exposition on Geeta). The Mehendale couple left Bombay and settled in Pune in their ancestoral house Mehendalewada at the Appa Balwant Chowk in Pune. Spiritual programs like the discourses, bhajans and kirtans were held in Mehendalewada which became a center of solace for people who were frustrated in life and needed a relief. These discourses from Taisaheb used to impart deeper bliss to the listeners and they used to feel the meaning of their life being unfolded. It was as if Shri Shankar Maharaj was speaking through her, for he had already told that “I myself cannot give discourse. I need some intelligent person with pure mind”

This incident of giving darshan of the desired deity was unique. Sir Chunilal Mehta, once Governor of Bombay Presidency in British Raj was a close friend of Raosaheb Mehendale. He was a a kind natured person and scholar, well versed in both Western and Indian literature. He used to attend the discourses in Mehendalewada. One day he told Raosaheb that inspite of his vast reading, travelling all over India visiting holy places, he felt something was lacking in his life.

This was just before Taisaheb’s discourse on Dnyaneshwari was to start. The stanzas Taisaheb had selected that day related to seeing manifested God. Sir Chunilal was considerably influenced and said that he wanted to experience something like that. Raosaheb took him next day to meet Maharaj who was at that time in Mama Dhekne’s house. Maharaj was as usual reclining on a cushion, laughing and talking to himself. Lady Mehta sat with Taisaheb on ground. Sir Chunilal stood and did namaskar to Maharaj. Raosaheb spoke to Maharaj and told him that Sir Chunilal had come with his wife to meet him. Maharaj first ignored him and then fixed his eyes on Sir Chunilal who instantly went into a deep trance, tears started flowing from his eyes. And then Sir Chunilal ran to Maharaj and fell on his feet making them moist with the tears.

Lady Mehta was also in a similar condition. Sir Chunilal later told that in those moments Lord Vishnu his personal deity had appeared before him. Sir Chunilal was still in trance for a long time. The feeling of incompleteness left Sir Chunilal permanently. Thereafter Sir Chunilal continued to remain in that internal trance state. He never went any more on pilgrimage to holy places. A few months before taking samadhi Maharaj had chosen the present site. It was a farmland owned by one Mr. Malpani who had agreed to give him the land. A few days before the samadhi, Maharaj told to his devotees, who had gathered at Mama Dhekne's house, "These clothes have become old. They must be discarded." everybody realized he was referring to his body and not real clothes. He then asked them to gather there after four days and that he would make 'khichdi' for them. Four days later, when they gathered at Mama Dhekne's house, Maharaj himself cooked the 'khichdi' and distributed it. Then Maharaj said, "Dnyaneshwari is not to be read. One must live by it. This world has been saved only by the advice of the Saints and Dnyaneshwari He who fills his life with Dnyaneshwari will surely have a happy life. I have nothing more to say." And with that he bid good-bye to those who had gathered, except Dr. Dhaneshwar, Gosavi, Dnyananath, Mehendale couple, Mama and Mami Dhekne. He said, "For Yogis and liberated persons, samadhi should be taken at an auspicious time. This time is coming on Vaishakh Suddha Ashtami. I am going to deposit this material body in the ground that day."

During the next ten days or so, Maharaj broke all outside contacts. Only the usual group used to visit him at Mama Dhekne's house. Not a word was spoken. On the seventh day, that is the day before the samadhi, he told Mami," Give me just a cup of tea. Inside the shelf spread a small mattress and keep a cushion. I am going to take bath and sit here. I don't want to speak a word nor meet anyone. The door should not be opened." And they did accordingly. Mama and Mami were sitting the whole night in front of the shelf keeping watch. At four o'clock in the morning voice came from inside the shelf, "Make further arrangements. Take care of this material body. This flame of Dnyanadeo is now leaving it".

It was April 24th 1947. People gathered to have a last sight of the body of the Master. Next day around noon the body was taken in procession to the place and by the route indicated by Maharaj. Ground was dug at the indicated place for the body. About five o'clock in the evening the body was interred and in no time only a mound of garlands was all that could be seen. An unusual thing about Maharaj has been that even after samadhi he visits his devotees Most visits have been out of a need to save them from calamities or to give guidance.

Narayan Maharaj

Narayan Maharaj was born on 20th May 1885, at Bagalkot in Karnataka. His early childhood was full of calamities. He lost his father, when he was hardly 14 months old and lost his mother when he was four. As a worldly duty his grandmother looked after him. His sacred thread ceremony was performed at the age of nine. His grandmother was planning to appoint Narayan as her heir, but it created problems with the other relations and he was also not interested in any material acquisition. He left his grandmother's place and all his relations, as he was keen on establishing the only relationship with Lord Dattatreya. After leaving home he took rest for the night in Shiva's temple, but no one came to enquire about him.This proved to be an important event to break all the worldly ties for him. Whatever is destined to take place must take place. Suffering is a great blessing in disguise, it has the ultimate objective to bring sufferer on the path of love and realisation.

His life was full of hardships, trials and traumas but he had the absolute and unflinching faith and devotion for Lord Dattatreya, hence he had no fear of any kind.

There are many incidences which prove that the unseen divine hand was constantly guarding him in many ways. When he was just 12 years of age, he was residing in Lord Shiva's temple. Everyday for more than a week a tiger was coming to the temple, bowing to the Lord and touching Narayan's feet, who used to be meditating in the corner. Once when he was deep into meditation, the roof of temple collapsed. He protectively covered over the Shivalinga. The Shivlinga (Lord Shiva’s Idol) and Narayan, both were saved. Once while meditating in the riverbed seated on a big rock, the river got flooded all of a sudden, water level was increasing menacingly, however instead of flowing over the rock, water currents took the detour leaving Narayan safe and untouched.

He was going through a dense forest, where leave aside human beings even animals were hesitant to stir out. Narayan was extremely thirsty. Suddenly a horse rider came from nowhere showed him the spring water and disappeared. Once he was sleeping under the tree and a large snake encircled his legs. Fear did not enter Narayan's mind. After a while it started raining incessantly and the snake loosened its grip from his legs and went away.

Hundreds of incidents like these happened in Narayan Maharaj's life, which gave a glimpse of the Divine power standing behind him. He was asked by a Saint to go to Gangapur and serve Lord Dattatreya. He was in Gangapur for about 10 months and Lord Dattatreya showed him the definite and fearless path to achieve his cherished goal. At Gangapur he completely and earnestly surrendered to the Lord and the Lord made His abode in his heart. While moving from place to place, he came to Bet and heard the conversation of a pair of Pingla birds, "This place was sanctified by the brief stay of Lord Ram. This is a Holy Land, where thousands will get food and true satisfaction". So the 4 hectares of land was taken by Maharaj to create the place for his divine service rendered to humanity.

He created a magnificent township in 4 hectares of land at New Bet, which was known as Narayan Nagri, adorned by the majestic temple of Lord Dattatreya. The place was abound with spiritual bliss. Lord Shiva's temple, Sadhana (Practice) place for Maharaj, a large Dharamshala (Rest house) for devotees and many small cottages were built by the devotees, who wanted to live near the Master. Distribution of free food everyday to thousands of people and chanting the Lord's name made the whole place pristine and divine.

Maharaj had all the ‘siddhis’ or spiritual powers at his command, but he never used them for himself but there are many instances where these spiritual powers came into use on their own as result of his spiritual perfection.

The voice of Smt. Anjanabai who was a singer of reputed fame was miraculously restored, a ship and its owner were rescued from the cyclone storms with his divine intervention. A famous doctor was pulled back from jaws of death by a mere glance from him. Limited food was prepared for few, when covered by Maharaj with a cloth was more than sufficient to feed thousands of people and still remained in the utensils. Drunkards were inspired to leave the alcohol forever by the mere glance. He saved a devotee and his car from falling into river by physically appearing in front of the car. He cured many incurable diseases and helped thousands of families by giving food, clothes, medicines and education.

He organised many religious ceremonies at New Bet between 1928 to 1935, when communication and transport facilities were non-existent in this remote place. He had outstanding organizational skills. The ceremonies were so flawless, perfect and divinely inspired. The scale, grandeur, serenity and purity was so profound on all these occasions that everyone felt, that God Himself was present there.

His message was very simple and practical, "Treat every being as God." Chanting of Lord’s name was so dear to his heart that his basic advice to his devotees was "Chant God’s name and experience the bliss".

His devotees were renowned Doctors, Advocates, Professors, Artists, Kings of erstwhile Indian States and Nepal and a number of foreigners. But he was a Saint for the under privileged, weaker and poor people.

He was a Perfect Master and was known far and wide. He traveled to religious places - Varanasi, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Nepal, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleswar, Rameshwar, Madurai, Chidambaram, Shiv Kanchi, Vishnu Kanchi, Tirupathi, Ramakrishna Ashram, Calcutta, Banglore, Mysore, Dwarka, Somnath, Dakornath, Shri Gokarna Mabaleshwar and host of other places.
From 1942 his health started falling, for a change of weather he decided to go to Ottacmond. Whenever he used to leave on earlier occasions his parting words used to be "I will be back soon”; but this time while leaving his words were, "I am going”. But no one could grasp the meaning at that moment.

Ottacmond did not suit him. He came to Banglore and in spite of failing health he decided to organize 'Ati Rudra Swahakar' to Lord Mallickarjun (a form of Shiva). State of Mysore made outstanding arrangements. He performed the Maha Pooja (grand worship) and gave Mantra for chanting to the large gathering of the devotees and returned to his chamber without visiting 'Yajnashala' (a place for fire sacrifice) due to complete exhaustion. The whole ceremony was conducted in an exquisite style, without any slackness in the presence of around 1,00,000 devotees. After the completion of all Poojas (worships), Maharaj was given the message. He was in Padmasan (Lotus posture in Yoga). Before anyone could realise, he took a long breath and finished his mortal journey on 3rd September 1945.

Though Mysore State arranged an aircraft for carrying the body to Bet, devotees of Banglore were not ready to part with the body and wanted to have his Samadhi Mandir at Banglore. Mysore State gave two acres of beautiful land near the lake, where his mortal remains were buried and now a beautiful Samadhi, where the Sadguru is resting, came into existence. Even today at Bet, the vibrations can be felt of the presence of this Master and He is still helping scores of devotees, who ardently call on him.

Kashinath Govind - Upasani Maharaj

An explanation about the role and greatness of Shri Sai of Shirdi would remain incomplete without the understanding of the life of Kashinath Govind Upasani Sastri, who later came to be known as ‘Shri Upasani Maharaj’. Shri Sai’s deeds and life was full of miracles, but the greatest miracle was His creation of this once inconsequential person to the status of a Sadguru within a period of four years!

The methods used by Shri Sai to completely transform Kashinath Sastri, the pain taken by him to protect the neophyte and the assurance with which he grew this unsure and confused disciple to the state of a Perfect Master, would indicate where in the spiritual hierarchy of this world Shri Sai remains.

Born on 5th may, 1870 at Satana, Maharashtra (in India), Kashinath did not exhibit traits of a normal child from the beginning, although his deviations did not indicate existence of any super-intelligence or excellence in him. He held extremely strong views about two vital aspects of life when in his teens. First, he declared that the formalised educational learning was only for bread winning and, therefore, after doing three years in a vernacular elementary school left it; merciless canning by his teacher becoming the immediate cause of such realisation. Secondly, he hated and condemned the body (i.e. his own body) as the creator of limitations and pain in life.

He spent all his time doing in Asans (exercises as per Yoga), Pranayama (Breath control exercises), repetition of mantras etc. With such an attitude he could earn nothing and for his family members he was a problem child. To make matters worse, he was married with the hope that his ways would change. Old habits die hard. Not only did Kashinath not change, but also a few months after marriage he ran away from home (at the Dhulia district in Maharashtra) leaving a departing note and reached Nasik. However, two months later anxiety about the plight of his parents compelled him to return home. Shortly thereafter his wife expired, but before the cup of sorrow could be emptied, Kashinath, now fifteen was got married second time. To earn livelihood he went to places like Pune and could not find a job because of the absence of any formal education. At times he did menial work for others and at other times, he took to begging. He was in a miserable state of life. Sometimes, he even had to sleep on footpaths (sideways) and live only on Margosa (Neem) leaves.

During this period of trials and tribulations, he met a saint who impressed upon him the virtues of Brahmacharya (celibacy). Leaving Pune he went to a place called Kalyan where he restored to begging as a means of livelihood, often quenching his hunger only by drinking water. A few days later, frustrated and exhausted, he decided to return home moving through Nasik. He reached home at Satana in July 1890. Soon after his father passed away. To earn livelihood, he practiced medicine for some time, followed by a job of a Malgujari (tax collector for the king or ruler).

However, he failed in all the material ventures he undertook. His health also deteriorated substantially due to neglect and lack of comforts. While practicing Pranayama (Breath control exercises), his breath-cycle also got disturbed. Even his sleep, digestion and evacuation systems got difficult. All efforts of medical and religious having failed, he tried to get occult help of a Yogi.

A Yogi called Yogi Kulkarni whom he met at Rahuri told him that Kashinath had entered a high yogic state and therefore, must take the help of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Presuming Shri Sai to be a Moslem, Kashinath did not take the advice seriously. One day when Kashinath was walking in the streets of Rahuri, an old man approached him to take hot water as a curative measure and to avoid taking cold water. Kashinath did not take this unsolicited advice given by a unknown person but continued his search for a Hindu Yogi. While on such a move, at a certain place called Jajuri, he went into a Samadhi state while sitting in a lonely place surrounded by prickly-pear bush. When he awoke, he felt very thirsty and went to the stream nearby to drink water. At that time the same old man re-appeared from nowhere. He repeated his advice in an angry tone and disappeared suddenly. Kashinath took his advice (this time) seriously and found sudden relief. In a short time his health became all right by this hot-water therapy. Then he went to meet Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon a famous Saint. On his way back he again met Yogi Kulkarni at Rahuri who again insisted upon him to meet Sai Baba, as Shirdi was on the way. Ultimately Kashinath came to Shirdi and met Shri Sai on 27th June 1911. Little did he realise at that time that he had met his Sadguru (Master) and that the course of his life would undergo complete thereafter.

After staying at Shirdi for about two or three days, Kashinath wanted to leave for home. Obviously he had been wishing for a happy union with his family members and to live with them happily ever after. However, Sai would not agree. Everyone in Shirdi knew that if Shri Sai did not permit one to leave Shirdi, there must be something more to it. Those who disobeyed faced problems, which could have been avoided, had they heeded to the words of Shri Sai. When Kashinath pleaded vehemently, Shri Sai ultimately permitted him on the condition that he (Kashinath) should return to Shirdi in eight days. Kashinath, at that time, not having full faith in Sai, started worrying and fretting as eight days was too short a time. Sai knowing his mental state told him “well, go if you like, I will see what can I do.” Very happy at the prospect of going home he made a quick departure. However, strangely enough, moving from place to place, he reached Kopergaon (a village 8 miles away from Shirdi) on the eighth day. He was utterly confused and did not know that as to how in eight days of continuous walking he could only cover eight miles. Willy-nilly from Kopergaon, he came to Shirdi with a group of pilgrims and met Shri Sai again.

When he bowed before Shri Sai, the latter asked him:-

Sai : “So You have come, when did you leave this place?”

Kashinath : “Thursday”

Sai : “ At what time?”

Kashinath : “At Three”

Sai : “What day of the week is this?”

Kashinath : “Thursday.”

Sai : “How long since you left?”

Kashinath : “A week. To-day is the eighth day”.

Sai : “That’s it. When you left, you protested that you could not return within eight days!” Kashinath : “I do not know how this has happened. It is all your doing”.

Sai : “Man, I was behind you all these eight days. Now go and stay in that wada” (i.e. Kaka Saheb’s, where visitors of Shri Sai usually stayed. ‘Wada’ means a building within a compound) From that day onwards Kashinath was put on probation by Shri Sai who asked him to stay in the wada (a place where the other pilgrims were put up). Kashinath attempted to understand Sai by starting to enquire from other devotees and observation of His daily activities. On one day, Sai as usual narrated a peculiar story in the form of a self-experience to the assembled devotees. He said that once he met an emaciated and pregnant woman whom he advised to take only hot water and avoid cold-water, so that the child could be delivered early. She did not heed His advice but went on to drink cold water. He again came and advised the lady not to take cold water but to take hot water only. When she started to take hot water, she delivered the child. While narrating the story Shri Sai pointed frequently at Kashinath, who was convinced that it was Shri Sai who had appeared at two places to save him. Love and gratitude engulfed him so much that he started crying. Sai told him clearly that he and Kashinath had Rinanubandha (Karmic obligations of the past, including the previous births) for many centuries.

To protect Kashinath from all external factors that effect spiritual growth, Sai asked him to go and sit in Khandoba Temple and do nothing so that Sai would be able to do whatever he wills to do i.e. to work within Kashinath and evolve him. Sai told Kashinath that Khandoba’s (Lord Shiva) full grace will come on him after a period of four years.

Like a mother protecting its child from the on-slaughts of nature and people around even at the cost of her own life, Shri Sai protected Kashinath whole-heartedly and openly. Before the assemblage of jealous devotees who asked about the reason of His extreme grace He said, “yes, yes, everything has been given, whatever he is, good or bad, he is mine. There is no distinction between him and me. Now, the whole responsibility for him rests with me.” Kashinath still could not understand the import of the words of Shri Sai. To further indicate his future, Sai said “wherever you are, you are God – You will realise everything.”

The grace of the Sadguru is immeasurable. It is said that whereas a touch stone can change a stone to gold by mere touch, the Sadguru (Perfect Master) is such a touch-stone who can convert a stone (disciple) to a touch-stone i.e. to His own state (Perfect Master). The Sadguru, at this stage is responsible for everything, good or evil, done by the pupil. At this stage, the Sadguru virtually remains at the mercy of the disciple. By this total sacrifice of Himself, the Sadguru evolves the disciple to a state of perfection i.e. His own state. Shri Sai, once told one of His close-associates that the endeavor should be to create these perfect men so that they can, in turn, spiritually uplift thousands and millions of other souls from the state of Jivatma (bonded souls) to the state of Shivatma (Perfect souls). To evolve Kashinath was no easy task for Shri Sai.

It is said that the difference in the state of consciousness between a stone and an ordinary man is what is the difference between an ordinary man and a Sadguru. Like a man turning a piece of stone by the use of hammer, chisel to a beautiful piece of sculpture, the Sadguru can change a gross individual to that of a perfect soul. This is what Shri Sai was trying to do on Kashinath. The methods he used were, sometimes, harsh from the point of view of Kashinath, but, none the less were meant for his evolution to that perfect state only.

To begin his work Sai told Kashinath “Sit quiet, somehow. Have nothing to do with anyone”. Sai wanted Kashinath not to create further ‘Samskaras’ or impressions for himself in attachment with other people but to draw his mind inwards. As he followed the master, a series of mystic reactions happened in Kashinath and around him.

To make Kashinath realise that, his Guru (Shri Sai) was present in every living being irrespective of the species, He once told Kashinath that he would one day visit Khandoba temple (where Kashinath used to stay). He further said that would Kashinath recognize Him, He would have chillum (earthen pipe for smoking) with him. About two or three months later Kashinath was taking some food to his Guru (Sai, who was sitting at the DwarkaMai mosque).

A black dog who had been watching Kashinath while cooking, followed him. Without giving any food to the dog, Kashinath went straight to Sai, who said, “why did you take the trouble to bring the food here, in this hot sun. I was sitting there (i.e. near the temple)”.

Kashinath was shocked to hear that his Guru was at the temple and he did not know. He told Sai that there was none in the temple except a black dog. At that, Sai said ‘yes, yes, I was that dog”.

Hearing this Kashinath could not stop crying and resolved never again to commit such a blunder.

On the next day, while cooking, he watched around cautiously lest the dog would come again. The dog was no where to be seen. A shudra (lower-caste) beggar was found leaning against a wall and watching him cook. Kashinath the Brahmin (Uppermost-caste) grown in the orthodox tradition, immediately asked him to go away. Later when he approached Sai, the latter asked him “yesterday you did not give me food and today you also ordered me not to stand there and drove me away. Do not bring food for me hereafter”. Again Kashinath was surprised and again he was told that ‘shudra’ was Sai Himself.

These two lessons taught Kashinath that God and Shri Sai are in everything, and that the essence of God pervades everyone and everything.

On the Gurupurnima day (Ashadha full moon day) of 1913, Shri Sai asked a devotee Chandrabai, a strong willed lady to worship Kashinath the way Sai was being worshipped. This lady approached Kashinath in Khandoba temple with the Puja (worship) material for his worship. Kashinath refused to be worshipped and, even, threatened her for her audacious act. But Chandrabai told him (the language of Sai said through her) that even his body, which he thought was being worshipped, did not belong to him. From this day onwards Kashinath was called as Upasani Maharaj as officially Sai installed him as a Guru even in his probation period. After this incident, he started losing the sense of his body (Dehabhava).

Now Upasani Maharaj started having visions and feelings of a highly psychic and spiritual nature. For example, he lost his normal vision by looking at the sun constantly. The sun and other light sources looked dark to him. When in this state, one day, he suddenly started seeing circles of light, which expanded and then came near him. These circular specks of light would disappear coming near his body. Now he started seeing spiritual visions inside these circles of light. One day he saw himself standing at some place in the space and saw the whole cosmos including the sun, moon, sky revolving. The whirling cosmos slowly became smaller and smaller, came towards him, and vanished near him or into him. Upasani Maharaj now experienced that the whole world was illusory and revolving and that he, as a soul, was outside it. This was a higher stage in his spiritual growth.

From his childhood Upasani Maharaj had identified the body as the cause of all evils in life and had made conscious attempts to punish it. For a spiritual aspirant identifying the body with the self is a big limitation. How Shri Sai removed it is an interesting story. One day Upasani Maharaj saw a vision that in an old building he (Upasani) and Sai were there. Shri Sai beckoned him to bring his ear close to his (Sai) mouth so that he could give a mantra. When Upasani Maharaj tried to do so, a shabby figure, which looked exactly like him tried to pull Maharaj away from Sai. Then Sai beat-up that shabby figure carried him out and burnt him in a pyre. Identifying himself with this figure when Upasani complained about this action (of burning). Shri Sai told him that it was his (Maharaj’s) evil form, which has been burnt. Little later, he saw an illuminated figure of himself. Again on being asked, Sai said that it was his (Maharaj’s) virtuous form. Maharaj was surprised and asked if he had an evil form and also a virtuous form who was he! Shri Sai told him that he was beyond both these forms and was the pure soul the element with which Shri Sai himself was made of.

As Upasani Maharaj proceeded from the stage of illumination to self-realisation occult powers and ‘siddhis’ came to him. When an aspirant evolves in the spiritual path higher psychic and occult powers gradually grow in him. He could read the minds of everyone – his past, present and future. People started surrounding him and he had some following. Often, when he would be worshipped by a few persons, a crazy ascetic called Nanavali, who stayed at Shirdi, would come and pull out his cloth and talk with him with disrespect and contempt. Once he tied him up and beat him up. As Nanavali was a tough and dangerous person, no one could protect Upasani Maharaj. His cup of sorrow was full but inwardly his Godly qualities were evolving to perfection. He was getting ready for his new and bigger role. Every time he faced a problem, Sai assured him by saying that He (Sai) was always with him and that the more he suffered at present, better it would be for his future.

One night in July 1914 Upasani Maharaj left Shirdi quietly taking mental permission from his Guru for a role he was destined to play elsewhere. First he went to a place called Shindi, then to Nagpur where he stayed for about a month and finally Kharagpur. At all these places, people started worshipping him even when he tried fervently to run-away from such situations. He tried to remain incognito but people would not leave him in peace. At Kharagpur, he deliberately stayed in a dirty condition and used filthy articles and even abused people in most unparliamentary language that he could. People followed him everywhere and conducted his Puja (worship) and demanded advice out of him. When a flower blooms and its aroma spreads, butterflies and insects naturally get drawn towards it.

Same was the case with Upasanji Maharaj. Since he had become a ‘Satpurush’ (Perfect one) people naturally flocked to him whether he liked it or not. All persons coming in contact with a Satpurush get purified. His following increased everyday and his surroundings became a place of activities like poor feeding, kirtan and ‘Naamjap’ remembrance of the name etc. Although Upasani Maharaj would not agree to be the creator, but a number of miracles started happening around him. After staying for about a year in Kharagpur, when people tried to build a permanent abode for him, he quickly left the place. Soon he reached Nagpur, where also, people surrounded to have his darshan. After two months of stay at Nagpur, he visited places like Poona and also his home at Satana. As his four-year period was over, he returned to Shridi and stayed at Khandoba temple for about seven months. Thereafter, he left for a place called Rahata where he conducted naam japs, poor feeding etc. From there he went to Ahmedabad for some time. Returning to Shirdi, a third time he stayed near to his Guru for about two to three months. In 1917, he finally shifted to Sakori and started functioning as a spiritual master (Sadguru).

This child of Shri Sai served thousands and thousands of people, day in and day out with least regard for his personal comforts and finally left his gross body in the early hours of the 24th day of December, in the year 1941.

Like his Guru, Upasani Baba had given enough indications about his final departure earlier. Upasani Baba was Shri Sai’s loftiest creation a stone turned into a touchstone.

Shri Manik Maharaj

The life and the message of Shri Manik Maharaj, has many similarities with the life of Lord Dattatreya.

Lord Dattatreya himself, out of compassion took descent in the form of Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj for establishment of dharma (righteousness). At the time of Shri Prabhu’s birth, there prevailed the religious hatred, social inequality and a total cultural chaos. The seekers of true knowledge were in a confused state of mind and ran from pillar to post in search of spiritual solace.Birth and early life:

In a village called Ladwanti, near the town of Kalyan, in the erstwhile state of Hyderabad, a child was born to a pious couple, Shri Manohar Naik and Smt. Bayadevi on 22nd December 1817, the birthday festival of Lord Dattatreya. They had in all three sons and one daughter.Amongst the sons, the middle one was the one who was to make history in time to come.He was named Manik.

As he grew, one and all were attracted to the child, who was fondled not only by his parents but also by his neighbours. His pranks were endearing to everyone. He started collecting a group of his friends and roaming the hills and dales in the vicinity of the town. He was, as it were, a child of nature, more close to the trees, the breeze, the birds and the flowers. In the course of play He would occasionally, casually disclose his divinity. Once, when one of His playmates, Govinda, failed to turn up for play for a couple of days, Manik went to his house to enquire after him.

Arriving there He was informed that Govinda has passed away after suffering from fever for a few days. Manik told Govinda’s mother to stop grieving, as her son was alive. Sure enough, when Govinda’s mother called out to him to go out and play with Manik, he arose as if out of a deep slumber. All present were overjoyed and amazed at this occurrence. This and such other occurrences caused his fame to spread far and wide. On the whole however, Manik behaved in such a carefree manner that the members of his family were concerned. It was, therefore, decided that at the age of seven his thread ceremony should be performed, so that a sense of responsibility may dawn on this wayward child, who, it appeared, preferred to roam rather than sit and read. When the sacred thread was being bestowed on Him and the sacred Gayatri hymn was being recited in his ears, as was the custom, a strange thing took place. Manik behaved as though all this was superfluous for him and he knew all about Gayatri and the significance of the eternal sound, AUM. He recited the hymn unaided, to the great surprise of the assembled people
Manik was again free to roam in the woods. When he was sent to the school, his attention was to the open sky, the cool breeze, the rustling leaves and the chirping of the birds. He liked to seek teachers in the lap of nature, listen to Nature’s natural education rather than the artificial or contrived lessons in the classroom. It was not surprising therefore, that he was given to sneaking out of the classrooms and wandering in the woods. Nature became his classroom and his very Self became his teacher. His receptivity became keen, intelligence sharp and thoughts synchronized. Manik’s parents worried about his wanderings ignoring the formal education sent him to his uncle’s place.

Manik’s uncle sincerely felt that this boy should grow up like a normal child and should be trained and educated to take up the responsibilities of life. He was deeply frustrated by the failure of his measures in sending this boy to school. He then thought that employment may inculcate a sense of responsibility in him and thus got him appointed as a clerk in the octroi check post on the outskirts of Kalyan town.

Manik’s uncle sincerely felt that this boy should grow up like a normal child and should be trained and educated to take up the responsibilities of life. He was deeply frustrated by the failure of his measures in sending this boy to school. He then thought that employment may inculcate a sense of responsibility in him and thus got him appointed as a clerk in the octroi check post on the outskirts of Kalyan town.

From then onwards, his journey on the pathless path was within the folds of Mother Nature. As he breathed in the fresh, unconditioned atmosphere, a new wave of awareness came over him, spreading before him the universality of the Divine presence in every thing he saw, touched or heard. One by one the mysteries, long concealed, came to be revealed to him.

Shri Krishna's assurance seemed to echo in every action of his. "He who see Me everywhere and sees all in Me, I am not lost to him nor is he lost to Me" (Bhagavad Gita VI.30). Consequently within himself and without himself, in nature, in creatures, in trees and streams, hills and dales, in the wise as well as in the foolish, in the saint as well as the sinner, in those who love and in those who hate, he saw only the same Divine essence, the Brahma.

In jungles-, hills and woods:

The family members accepted the strange behaviour of Shri Manik, it nonetheless created anxiety in their minds, especially when he would wander from place to place without notice. Shri Manik was looked at with due respect. An aura enveloped his personality.

He preferred to stay in solitude and alone concentrating on the Supreme Self. He went to nearby places such as Manthal and especially to Ambilkunda or Amritkunda. Shri Prabhu told his family members in most compassionate words about His Mission in life. "With the Grace of Shri Dattatreya I took birth in your family. Your desire for a child was duly fulfilled. I stayed with you as long as it was necessary. Now that I have been initiated in Brahmavidya, wisdom of Brahman, My life is devoted to humanity. I will now have to wander from place to place to spread the message of the Compassionate Datta, Datta-Dayaghana, so that the misery of human beings can be alleviated. Therefore, it is futile to grieve for my loss. I will ever be with you. Go back to your home and leave me to fulfill my Mission. Whenever and wherever one needs me, I will come. This is certain; this is my promise."

In Search of the Self

Shri Prabhu was greatly attracted to the hills around Manthal where the environment was quiet and peaceful and conducive for communion with the Supreme Self. He lived for many days immersed in the blissful state of realization. Some time he would come down from the hills and roam around the town. His behaviour was some so different from normal ways of life, that people would shun him as though he was demented. The wise ones, therefore, recognizing Shri Prabhu as a great Yogi honoured and worshipped Him, which Shri Prabhu accepted as though all this was natural for Him. But at the same time like a simple, unassuming child of nature, He would distribute the things received by him among the assembled persons.
Often when in spiritual rapture, He would sing and dance and many of his bhajans were the product of such ecstatic moods. When He sang these bhajans, which in Marathi are known as "Abhanga" he seemed to be inseparable from "Datta-Dayaghana" his chosen deity.
Shri Prabhu moved from place to place like a free bird or breeze, which knew no bounds. In the bosom of Mother Nature, he had all the satisfaction and contentment which the world of the attachment and possessions would not give.

During one of his wanderings, he arrived at Chalakpur, a small town near Kalyan and stayed at Lord Hanuman temple for few months. People thronged in thousands for His darshan and to seek His blessings. The entire atmosphere was surcharged with religious fervour. Bayadevi, Shri Prabhu's mother and Nrisimha, His brother came over to Chalakpur. All experienced the overflowing Grace of Shri Prabhu and no one went back empty handed. Such was the compassion of Shri Manik Prabhu. Shri Manik Prabhu further proceededto Mailar, which is one of the ancient holy places. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Marthanda Bhairava and is also venerated locally as Khandoba. During this period, his fame as an Avatar of Shri Dattatreya spread further in the surrounding areas. Later Shri Prabhu left Mailar with some of his close associates to visit Holy places like Parali-Vaijanatha, Tuljapur, Pandharpur etc. From Pandharpur he went to visit Shri Junglee Maharaj at Poona and from there onward to Girnar to have communion with Guru Shri Datta, the compassionate one. Sourcing His power from the Primal source, He traveled further to Gangotri, Haridwar, Badari, Kedar, Prayag, Varanasi, Gaya, Puri, Mahur, Tirupati, Gangapur and to many Holy river banks and hills on the way. This travel established in Him the unique feeling of all-pervading nature of his Self and the manifestation of the Supreme Brahma in everything which he saw, touched, heard and breathed.
Finally he came to Kalyan, his hometown. He decided to live there for some time to consider the steps to give shape to his mission, for the time had come when the first step was to be taken.
Some misguided Mullas, who could neither understand nor digest the popularity of Shri Prabhu in their blind orthodoxy, decided to counter the effect of Shri Prabhu's message on the people, amongst whom many were also Muslims. With a view to embarrass Shri Prabhu, they brought some plate covered with shawls, ostentatiously full of gifts. They wanted to embarrass him and make him look insignificant in the eyes of his devotees. They, therefore, surreptitiously brought beef in the plates instead of fruits etc. and offered the plates to Shri Prabhu with a false pretence of devotion. However, from a Yogi nothing is hidden and nothing can be hidden. He saw through their game and yet, graciously accepted their offerings by touching the plates. He then asked the contents to be distributed among the assembled peoples as Prasad (blessed food). When the shawl was removed what every one found was fruits and sweetmeats.

The Prasad (blessed food) was distributed to all the assembled people. The miscreants were humbled and felt ashamed. They fell at the feet of Shri Prabhu and asked for his pardon. All that Shri Prabhu did was to bless them to have good thoughts and follow the noble path, which the Koran (Holy scripture of Islam) has prescribed for them.

The area where Shri Prabhu spent much of his human life was ruled by a Muslim King and the population was also predominantly Muslim. Therefore, the above incident created a lasting impression on them and they considered Shri Prabhu to be an Avatar of Mehaboob Subhani, a Muslim Saint, which belief they can now hold. The Manik Prabhu Sampradaya also reciprocates this faith. In the festivities at Maniknagar both Hindus and Muslims take part with equal enthusiasm. This is indeed the unique example Sakalamat Sampradaya, equality and universality of religions and faiths. A Yogi sees no difference between the various manifestations of the Lord, and for him everything that is in the world is but the manifestation of the Lord.

Large followings need a focal point to gather together. Shri Prabhu felt the need to have such a spiritual centre. Till now he was wandering from place to place in his own state of constant awareness of the Supreme Bliss. The descent of the Lord is not only for the sake of destruction of evil but also for the establishment of righteousness. Lord Krishna said "For the protection of the good and destruction of the evil, for establishment of righteousness, I come into being from age to age". (Bhagavat Gita IV.8)

Later while traveling with some devotees He stopped near the confluence of the two rivers. There as Shri Prabhu sat under the Audumbar tree (Lord Dattatreya is believed to dwell under this tree) in ecstatic meditation, the decision to establish the spiritual centre at that very place was taken. Thus was established what is today known as the village of MANIKNAGAR.
MANIKNAGAR

The time and place selected by Shri Prabhu for establishing the spiritual centre near Humnabad seemed significant as well as ideal. Those were the troubled times, both politically as well as religiously. He selected the confluence of the two rivers for establishing his spiritual centre, as if to emphasize that he wanted to bring the two communities (Hindus and Muslims) together. In his visionary mind he saw these two streams of great faith come together and live life of peace and understanding. How prophetic his vision was can be seen by the fact that even today both the Hindus and the Muslims flock to Maniknagar each year, to honour the great founder of the Universal Truth, the SAKALAMATA.

Originally, a small hut was constructed to establish the GADI, or the Spiritual Seat, which in time to come was to be associated with the living spirit of Shri Manik Prabhu Maharaj. Sitting on the Gadi, he would give Darshan to audience and His very Darshan would give peace and contentment to all who visited Maniknagar. Shri Prabhu's mother, who had till then endured separation from her son, came to Maniknagar with the rest of the family.

In the Durbar, the people gathered would bask in the aura and the benevolent grace of Shri Prabhu. The entire atmosphere would be surcharged with spiritual splendour. Shri Prabhu would cast his compassionate glance on all, making everybody participate in the bliss, which he was experiencing.

People from far and near would come with their doubts and Shri Prabhu, even though he had not received formal education in the scriptures than the philosophers in his Durbar and was able to clear all doubts with great ease. Sometimes he would reply even before the questions were asked. Such was his authority, wisdom and spiritual insight. The graceful presence of Shri Prabhu that his very Darshan would assuage all the misery of a person.

He treated all devotees alike and wanted true devotion than outward austerity echoing the words of Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita (IX.26) "Whosoever offers to Me, with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that offering of love, of the pure heart, I accept".

Devotion to the Guru should be like that of the child towards its mother. Whether the mother is nearby or not, the child is ever confident that the mother will listen when it is in distress. If such confidence and faith is there, then Shri Prabhu's Grace will ever be with us to guide us and tide us over the difficult times. Many devotees have experienced this expansive Grace of Shri Prabhu even when they have been in places far from Maniknagar. For surely Shri Prabhu does not reside only in Maniknagar but in the heart of all the devotees as well.

The grandeur of Shri Prabhu's Durbar proved one thing. When the Lord oversees us, He knows our needs and so ordains accordingly. Whether we ask for little or more, Shri Prabhu knows fully well what is good for us. If there is 'Shraddha' (Faith) in us, nothing else is needed. If there is no Shraddha (Faith) then all efforts and endeavours to please Shri Prabhu are to no avail. He distributed wealth as well as health as needed by the sincere devotees. He was a great Yogi, a great recluse. For him wealth was as good as dust. He saw the Lord in both. Therefore whether he sat on a throne or on an earthen mound, for him it made no difference.

No one was stranger to Shri Prabhu. He knew each one by name as well as his problems. It was the Durbar of Srhi Manik Prabhu Maharaj and each one returned from there with a satisfied and contented mind, for Shri Prabhu was, indeed, the Kalpavriksh (Wish Fulfilling Tree).
Mahasamadhi (leaving the gross body)

Shri Prabhu himself was not bound by the gross body. He had realized his Self.

When he realized that the time had come for him to shed his mortal coil and merge in the Infinite, he considered seriously the future course to be laid down for the mission to continue, which was as important as the manner in which he would discard the gross body. As Shri Prabhu was reluctant to disclose the time of his own departure to all, he took only three or four persons into confidence, those who understood the significance of his Avatar (incarnation). The news was kept in utmost confidence and all the required work was carried on with a smile on the face but with remorse in the heart. He advised them, "You think that once I take Samadhi everything will end and I will no more be available to you. What you will miss is the sight of my Gross body, but my Self, the spirit within, will ever remain with you to guide you without your realizing that fact. There will not be any breach in your spiritual path. Remember that decay and destruction of the gross body is certain. When every breath has already been numbered and assigned what is the purpose of grieving?" Shri Prabhu consoled them; "It is good that my work here is now coming to an end. You will all be able to carry the mission further by the Energy, which I will be leaving behind. What's the use of remaining alive in this worthless body when the work is complete?"

One day, a small boil was noticed on Shri Prabhu's back. He supervised the place where he was to take Samadhi (shedding themortal coil). The pit was dug in all secrecy and no one in Maniknagar could get even a breath of it. Soon the auspicious month of Margashirsha arrived. People from great distances flocked Manik Nagar to celebrate the annual Shri Datta Jayanti (birth day celebrations of Lord Dattatreya) festivities. Somehow that year was considered auspicious for Muslims also. Consequently, Shri Prabhu's Muslim devotees also came in thousands.

As time passed, Shri Prabhu's health was deteriorating steadily. The small boil was getting bigger and more painful. Yet, Shri Prabhu's face bore no trace of the pain and it was blissful and tranquil as ever. On the tenth day of Margashirsha, Shri Prabhu decided to summon the Durbar, so that people could have his final Darshan. All arrangements were made for Shri Prabhu to sit in as comfortable a position as was possible.

The next day was Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the month. For Hindus it is one of the most auspicious days. It is the day on which, thousands of years ago Shri Krishna delivered the message of Bhagavad Gita to Arjun. This day is observed as Gita Jayanti. This 29th day of the month of November 1865 was the day on which Srhi Prabhu had decided to take Samadhi and merge His Self with the Supreme Self.

Before samadhi He called two sons of His brother Narisimha and blessed them and thus the line of succession to the Gadi (spiritual seat) was laid down for all to know. He made the elder one Manohar the successor to Gadi by transferring His Eternal Energy to him. Thus the Guru-Parampara of Shri Manik Prabhu Sampradya was established for all time to come. The successors to the Gadi (spiritual seat) after Shri Manik Prabhu took Samadhi are:

Shri Manohar Manik Prabhu
Shri Martan Manik Prabhu,
Shri Shankar Manik Prabhu and
Shri Siddharaj Manik Prabhu

Having done this Shri Prabu started walking towards the hut where the pit was dug. With his face glowing with extraordinary spiritual splendour, Shri Prabhu took each step. It was like the space merging within the space leaving no trace whatever. For Shri Prabhu the occasion was joyous for it was like going back to the origin from where He had started. He sat in the pit in Padmasana (lotus posture), forcing His Kundalini to rise and reach the Brahmarandhra. The pit was closed slowly by the close associates, in a mood that was surcharged with spiritual fervour.
The news of Shri Prabhu having taken Samadhi was kept secret till Poornima (full moon day), lest the grieving crowds might vitiate the solemn and serene occasion, in their ignorance if the significance of the event. When they came to the Gadi for Shri Prabhu's Darshan as usual, before they departed from Maniknagar, they were shocked to hear the news. They rushed to the hut in uncontrollable grief. Close devotees and associates had to pacify the crowd.

Shri Prabhu had assured time and again, His continued presence in Maniknagar. He answers the prayers of all who keep Faith in Him.

Meher Baba

Meherwan Sheriar Irani (Meher Baba) was born in Pune, India in February 1894.

His parents were of Persian origin. He was first educated in Dastur Girls’ School and later in St. Vincent High School, from where he was matriculated. In 1913, while in his first year at Deccan College he came in contact with Hazrat Babajan, one of the five Perfect Masters of the Age, who by a kiss on his forehead awakened him to the experience of what one may call God-realization.

During the course of subsequent seven years Upasani Maharaj, another Perfect Master of the age gave him knowledge of his infinite state and integrated his God-consciousness with the consciousness of the gross world, preparing him thus for his role. He was reported to have met the other three perfect Masters of the time before he came in contact with Upasani Maharaj, but no record of what happened in such meeting is available, except that Sai Baba of Shirdi uttered “Parvardigar” on seeing him.

In 1921, he began his divine work with the early disciples he had collected around him while living in a hut built for him by Shri Sadashiv Govind Shelke at Shivajinagar, Pune near the popular shrine of goddess Chatusringi. After a few years of intensive training of these disciples and travel with them in India and Iran, Meher Baba finally established, what is now called ‘Meher Retreat’ at Meherabad, on the outskirts of Arangaon village in Ahmednagar. Here he instituted various activities of ego service and self-giving love for the disciples. Judged from the standard of worldly activities, these may appear to an objective observer as charitable, social, cultural or educational activities, which though valuable in that period of Indian history, were insignificant. But viewed from an angle of spiritual emancipation of mankind for which alone Perfect Master is ordained in the divine plan of God’s functioning these activities were motivations or spiritual stimulation for the transformation of all spheres of existence, planes of consciousness and departments of life.

Meher Baba began his unique silence on 10th July 1925, and stopped writing in 1927. At first he communicated by writing on slates, then by pointing to letters on an alphabet board, which he gave up on 7th October 1954. Thereafter he conversed through his own unique shorthand system of representative gestures.

Though silent and abstaining from writing, Meher Baba had released a large volume of works revealing the spiritual theme of human life clearer than any master had ever done before him, explaining creation, evolution of consciousness through infinite variety of forms, re-incarnation and involution of consciousness in a language intelligible to an average man’s understanding and at the same time scientific and logical in convincing the rationalist.

The history of man’s search for his soul has produced few works dealing with the technique for the soul’s discovery. Meher Baba’s discourses are a major contribution to that small body of literature. In this work, given to his close disciples in the period 1938–43, he describes the means of incorporating daily life into one’s spiritual ongoing. He also outlines the structure of Creation, but only to clarify the relationship of the aspirant to the Master. In his classic later work ‘God Speaks’ Meher Baba described in detail the vertical system of God, His Will to know Himself consciously, and the purpose of creation in the Will . The discourses on the other hand are the practical guide for the aspirant as he slowly finds his way back to Oneness, after having developed consciousness through the deeps of evolution. While the discourse provide detailed descriptions of the Path and its disciplines. Rather, they are a constant, firm reminder of the need for a Master on this Path of apparent return to Oneness. The Master is the knowing guide who had already traversed the Path, who provides with infinite patience the secure and steady pace that can lead to the goal. While Baba admits the possibility of achieving progress without such a guide, he makes it clear that it is fraught with almost insurmountable problems, and difficulties.

To one who debates allying himself with a teacher of the inner processes, the discourses provide invaluable insight. To one who senses that life is to be lived for its positive contribution to the discovery of the inner being, Baba provides the unarguable description of one who knows. His other books, ‘Listen, Humanity,’ ‘ Life At Its Best’, ‘Beams on the Spiritual Panorama’, ‘The Everything & The Nothing’ were given by him to educate the minds of earnest aspirants after Truth, giving them enough intellectual insight to understand the falsity of this material world and ego-centric and separative existence, and to awaken love for Truth (God) and longing for living in Truth (God).

Meher Baba had widely traveled all over India. Iran and other Eastern countries contacting large numbers of people. In the 1930s Baba’s travels began to reach Europe and then to America. His name rapidly became known to those deeply and sincerely interested in the spiritual discipline on both continents.

When not on travels, which were practically stopped in 1958 after his last global tour, he lived mostly in Meherabad, in Ahmednagar District, the field of his concentrated activities and where almost all of his lovers’ gatherings were held till 1958. During summer months from April through June every year he used to stay in Pune, where his activities began centralising since 1956 and finally shifted to from 1958 onwards. Baba’s life can be divided into Ekantavas (seclusion) Upavas (fast) and Sahavas (living with others).

His life in seclusion and fasting was considered to be a period of intensive work in invisible spheres of existence and on planes of consciousness speeding up the evolution of Creation, descending divinity into the gross plane raising the consciousness of mankind. His external activities of contacting men individually and collectively sowed the seeds of love in their hearts which awaken them to a life of love and sacrifice and perpetuate his name and the truth he revealed.

A persistent theme throughout the forty eight years of Meher Baba’s work had been his seeking out of what he called ‘mast’ (God-intoxicated) and his homage to those afflicted by disease and want. ‘The Wayfarers’ by Dr. William Donkin is a valuable record of these activities of Meher Baba which unfold avenues of understanding the psychology of human life as never before known to mankind.

Those stricken by leprosy have been a constant concern of Meher Baba. With infinite care and love he washed their feet, bowed his forehead to the often twisted stumps on which they toddle, and sent them on their way with renewed hopes and peace. They are like beautiful birds caught in an ugly cage,” he once said on such an occasion. “Of all the tasks that I have to perform, this touches me most deeply.”

His disciples, known as ‘mandali’, resident with him were representative of what one may call miniature world family not only unified diverse religions and regions of the world, but represented all aspects of human nature through whom he worked to free the consciousness of mankind from the illusion of separative existence and tendencies. While Baba manifested divinity in its pristine beauty and glory through his ever changing moods and movements his mandali expressed humanity in all its nakedness through their life of love and service. His was a life of infinite suffering which he termed as moment to moment’s crucifixion, sustained by what he called His infinite bliss. The drama of his divine life on earth ended at 12.15 p.m. on 31st January 1969 establishing his individuality in the indivisibility of God’s infinite existence.