LESS FAITH OR NO FAITH, BUT BABA'S GRACE IS GREAT

LESS FAITH OR NO FAITH, BUT BABA'S GRACE IS GREAT

From the very beginning, Sathe's appreciation of Baba was somewhat defective. When Baba said that he was going to have a son if married, he wanted confirmation from a famous astrologer about the correctness of Baba's prediction. Then again on other matters also, he was not sufficiently attentive to Baba's wishes. On one occasion, for instance, he held a feast for which he invited everybody except his father-in-law with whom he had differences. When he went to invite Baba, Baba wished to rebuke him for harbouring such feelings of hatred. Baba said when he came in `Fetch a stick', Sathe stood quiet. Baba did not actually mean to club him and changed his mood and said, "Never mind, I will come". But, of course, Baba did not go. Sathe did not change his feelings towards his father-in-law for a considerable time. One another occasion, Sathe went to intercede in a marwadi's affairs. Factious spirit was rife at Shirdi. Baba did not like that this high officer of the Government should interfere in such matters. Baba expressed his displeasure at that also.

Baba pulled down Sathe's ideas of vanity and pomp on one occasion. When the Wada was being built, the laying of the foundation stone was the first question. But Sathe who went there accidentally wantedformally to lay the foundation stone himself. Baba told him, "This is the time for the foundation stone to be laid". Then Sathe took up a hatchet and proceeded to lay the foundation stone. Baba stopped him and asked, "Why do you go there? What have you to do with all this? The masons and workmen will do it?"

Baba's help to Sathe was mainly on the worldly plane, though Baba gave him repeated inklings of his antarjnana. But unfortunately Sathe had not even a fraction of the faith which Chandorkar, Dixit, andothers had. On one occasion the Collector and several Settlement Officers were to meet him at some railway station. So, Sathe wanted to go from Shirdi. But Baba told him not to start. But still he wanted to go, his official ideas of punctuality standing in the way of appreciating and obeying Baba. He could not understand the reason for Baba's stopping him. Then Baba told Kelkar, "Lock him up for three days and then let him go." For three days he could not quit Shirdi and then when he went, he discovered that Baba somehow knew that the Settlement Officers and others had cancelled their programme and there was no meeting at all that day.

In religious matters more than in others, faith is wanted, and Sathe thought he should go to others for upadesa. For instance when others were going to Sakori to Upasani Baba for upadesa, he also considered why he should not go there to get upadesa. There was also a lady called Attabai of Sangola. There was Ganapat Upasaka. There was the yogi of Moregaon named Vinayak Patak Maharaj. These offered to give upadesa to Sathe. Sathe consulted Baba about Upasani Maharaj in person through Dada Kelkar in the latter two cases. Baba dissuaded him. Baba wanted him to concentrate, Ananyachinta, and have firm, exclusive faith in Himself, as he could look after every interest of his, temporal and spiritual. Unfortunately, Sathe could not rise to the full height of Ananyachinta. Like Upasani Maharaj, Sathe also got mixed up with local clashes. There were a number of people at Shirdi who were dead against him as they were against Upasani Maharaj, the chief of them being Nana Wali, a religious ascetic, who was a bully and a terror to most people there. The reason for Sathe's unpopularity was mostly in connection with his starting a Dakshina Bhiksha Sansthan. In December 1915, he had a call from Baba, and at Baba's bidding, he formed a society of which he himself was the president. It ran a journal called Sainath Prabha. The object of the society was to collect or recover a part of the money distributed by Baba daily and with it run the Shirdi Sai Sansthan. But this attempt to control receipts from Baba made Sathe unpopular. Nana Wali thought that he would be doing a good service to Baba and to the village by getting rid of this unpopular man Sathe. Some of the leading villagers on account of their bitterness against him held himresponsible for the loss to the Sansthan by theft of some articles like silver horses from the palanquin and troubled him in other similar trivial matters.

In January 1918, even lawyer's notices were served on him. Baba advised him to be patient and give a suitable reply. Baba said that he would protect him and that no proceedings would be taken againsthim. Really no proceedings were taken against him. However, the villagers still continued to regard this reserved and high placed Sathe with dislike and on one occasion Nana Wali took up a huge axe and stood at the entrance to the Mosque probably with a view to attack Sathe when he entered the Mosque. Dada Kelkar sent word to Sathe that this bully was standing with a big axe ready to hew him down if he should go to the Mosque. H. V. Sathe beat a hasty retreat from Shirdi and never visited it again.

Written by: HH Pujyasri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji

CHILD’S WELFARE IS SAI MOTHER’S CARE.

CHILD’S WELFARE IS SAI MOTHER’S CARE.

It was in 1912 that S. B. Dhumal underwent an operation under chloroform. It was risky but before the chloroform began to operate he saw Baba seated on a chair near his head and he took courage. Baba is there to look after me, he thought. The operation was a perfect success.

In some private matters such as when he attended to the health of his brother’s wife at Poona, Baba decided for him in a most mysterious way. He started from Nasik to go to Poona, where the sick lady was, with Rs. 80 in his pocket to cover expenses of the journey and contingent expenditure. But as Shirdi being en route, he stopped there. Baba took from him, as dakshina, all the eighty Rupees and kept him for three days with him. Then, when he asked for leave, Baba said, "We will see." After the third day, a telegram came from Poona saying that the lady had died. It is only after this that Baba gave him leave to go. It was clear that Baba could foresee the end of the lady and the uselessness of Dhumal’s visit. Anyhow, that was the year in which Baba passed away and Dhumal had the precious opportunity of spending three days with him.

After Baba passed away, Dhumal accepted the Revenue Membership of the Dewar State, and was also the Karbari of Sarguna State from 1932-33. When he was in the Sarguna State, the Chief of the State visited him and walked into his room, where he was dining at a table. Dhumal then apologised for his inability to leave the table and accord proper reception, but the Chief had walked into the next room from where Dhumal sat, saw Baba’s portrait hanging on the wall, came back to the room, and announced at once, "Your pay is increased by Rs. 50." Dhumal had never asked for it. This grant within a fortnight of his appointment, and without any effort on his part, must have been only by Baba’s influence.

Mantiche Chitta Lekurache Hita

that is, the child’s welfare is the mother’s care.

Dhumal was casting chits after Baba’s Mahasamadhi to ascertain Baba’s orders. When Baba was in the flesh, he had got a coloured painted picture of Baba, and as he was passing by Dwarakamayee carrying the picture, Baba asked him, "What is it?" Dhumal said, "You are here." Baba asked for it, took it, kept it for a while, gazed at it in the front and at the back, and returned it to him saying "Keep it". This was the very thing, which he was anxious to get – a portrait of Baba for worship, blessed by having been in his hands. That is the very picture in which Baba is standing in a pensive or meditative mood, indicative of his words, "Bhav, I had no sleep all night due to thinking of you." Baba gave him many coins, each time taking dakshina of Rs. 2/- and returning it, saying,

Japoon Teva Konala Devunnako Kars Karun Nako

that is, Preserve these carefully. Do not give it to anyone nor spend it.



Written by: HH Pujyasri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji

THINK BABA AND GET HIS BLESSING

THINK BABA AND GET HIS BLESSING.

However, Dhumal sought and obtained Baba’s help frequently, mostly for temporal and professional matters. Several of them are interesting and so they may be set forth here. About his own profession, the Public Prosecutorship at Nasik was offered to him when he was quite prosperous. Dhumal wrote to Shama to consult Baba. The reply came from Baba saying, "Why accept the new? The old is quite good." So, he did not accept it. His practice was flourishing and he was not a loser by not accepting the Public Prosecutorship.

He appealed to Baba in professional matters also and followed the directions of Baba in such matters. There was a case of grievous hurt in which three brothers were convicted. An opponent of theirs had a bone broken and the injured man had been attended to by a medical man who was not a qualified or certified doctor, being kept in his private nursing home for over 20 days. When Dhumal went up with his appeal memo and bail application, the Sessions Judge, a senior European Officer remarked, "The case looks strong. I am not going to allow bail." At once Dhumal thought of Baba and turned to the Judge. He told the Judge, "The evidence of a bone having been broken is that of an unqualified person, a quack and the prosecution evidence is interested and unreliable. The appellants are all agriculturists and the only workers in their homes. If they are all in jail, their farms would perish." At once the Judge allowed bail.

When the case came up for argument, the Public Prosecutor wanted S. B. Dhumal not to argue on merits but to simply ask for clemency, in which case he would not oppose. But S. B. Dhumal made up his mind to argue on merits, and finally wound up by asking for a reduction of the sentence. The Judge said, "For reduction of sentence, so much time need not have been taken." When Public Prosecutor argued, the Judge asked how the grievous hurt could be made, as the opinion about the breakage of the bone was that of a quack and not that of a qualified doctor. The Public Prosecutor replied, "The injured man had been in the hospital for about 20 days". The Judge sharply answered, "You can argue that before a Third Class Magistrate and not before me." The Public Prosecutor collapsed with that remark and did not argue any further. The appellants were acquitted.

We shall give another instance, Sri Gopal Rao Buty of Nagpur, a mill owner, was anxious to help Dhumal and wanted to send him to England. He said that he would provide for the expenses of Dhumal’s journey and the support of Dhumal’s family during his absence in England. All these had been settled between them, and when Shama went to ask Baba whether Bhav, that is Dhumal, was to be sent to Bilayat, Baba asked, "What for?" Shama said, "To study for the Bar." Baba said, "No." His Hayat and Vilayat are not in Bilayat but in this country". Therefore, Dhumal did not go to England, but his practice was not the worst for it.

Courtesy: HH Pujyasri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji

HOW PRAYER WORKS

In this article we provide an overview on how prayer works. There are two types of prayers – for worldly benefit and for spiritual growth. Accordingly the prayers are answered by a different aspect of God. Spiritual research has shown that even negative energies can answer prayers, to our detriment! One’s spiritual level is the single most important factor in ensuring that one’s prayers are answered. Praying for world peace, while a noble thought, is most likely not to be answered due to lack of spiritual level of the people praying. Paradoxically the people who can really effect change through a single prayer are Saints but They see the futility of praying as they are totally in alignment with God’s will and don’t see it separate from Theirs. Lastly the posture of prayer also contributes in the prayer being answered.

1. Introduction to the mechanism of prayer

2. How are prayers answered? What is the mechanism?

2.1 Who answers our prayers?

2.2 How are prayers answered?

3. When do our prayers work?

4. What decides the effectiveness of one’s prayer?

4.1 The spiritual level of a person and prayer

5. What is the best posture for prayer?

5.1 Explanation Stage 1 of prayer posture (mudraa)

5.2 Explanation Stage 2 of prayer posture (mudraa)

5.2.1 Correct posture of the head while praying

5.3 When praying with spiritual emotion

5.4 Does it mean that every time we pray we should take this position?

5.5 Comparative effectiveness of prayer positions

6. Key summary points on the mechanism of prayer

http://www.scribd.com/doc/13045657/How-Prayer-Works

http://www.4shared.com/file/91416896/5deae954/HOW_Prayer_works.html

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Sai Naama Japa – A Divine Experience of a devotee

Sai Naama Japa – A Divine Experience of a devotee

Sai Naam itself is a powerful tool in our spiritual life. In Shri Sai Satcharitra, Baba stressed the repetition of Sai Naama Japa at various chapters. In deed I am very much fortunate to have a Divine Experience due to Sai Naam Japa. My gratitude to Shri D. Sankaraiah Garu, who is instrumental to attain such a marvelous Sai Experience in my life.

We have arranged a public Sai Naama japa group prayer at Coimbatore and about 3000 invitations were distributed to Sai devotees in Coimbatore. We arranged this Naama Japa gathering at a Kalyana Mandap which can easily accommodate 1000 devotees. We expected a minimum of 1000 devotees and accordingly all arrangements were made for prayer, prasad, udhi and photos etc.

As per schedule Sai Naama Japa started at 3.00 p.m. on 14-02-2003 with few devotees presented at that time. The Naama Japa was a new experience for the people of Tamilnadu. Few devotees attended by applying leave for their office duties and many attended without getting invitation, just by seeing engagements column in leading newspapers. The Naama japa progressed impressively and slowly devotees came and participated. Within me, I thought the strength of devotees far below to my expectation and I firmly believed Baba that He will bring His devotees in large number very soon.

This Naama Japa was arranged for 6 hours non-stop continuous group prayer and five hours passed and no big crowd turned out. My mind got disturbed and I felt very sad on the poor turnout. I prayed to Baba and put an open question to Baba. "Baba, if you are a powerful God, use your miracle power and bring a good number of devotees before closing this Japa prayer. In the past I never asked you to show me any sakshatkar and I was least bothered about such miracles. But this time, I am demanding my share from My Father; You must give my share and convince me. Otherwise, I will suspect you power and I may not waste any time to your service. It is up to You to decide". The Naama Japa prayer was reaching towards its end, nothing happened. I felt very bad on Baba and thought Baba had cheated me and all my faith and prayers over the past many years gone in vain. I couldn’t control my emotions and anger against Baba.

After completion of Naama Japa, I shared my anguish with Shri. Sankaraiah Garu. He enlightened my inexperience and explained the general behaviour of people’s response in attending such spiritual gatherings. Persons who have good karma in their credit can alone get the opportunity to take part in the Naama Japa group prayer. As Baba said in Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. 25 "Look at the mango tree in blossom. If all the flowers become fruit, what a splendid crop it would be. But do they? Most fall off (either as flowers or as unripe fruits) by wind etc., very few will remain." It is pity; many people do not realize what is good for them. They miserably fall off due to samsaric or Maya wind. One must understand this universal fact and utilize such rare spiritual opportunity.

In the mean time I felt guilty on my prayer to Baba and demanding pre-determined number of devotees participation. Who am I to determine such quantum? It is deliberate expression of my ego and Baba never heard my request. He knows what is good for me. I slowly realized that it is a test for my Saburi and Nishta. I again prayed Baba to give me strength and wisdom to get pass marks in His test.

In my interaction on the above question with Shri Sankaraiah Garu, he asked me to translate a Tamil article on His Holiness Pujyasri Sivanesan Swamiji’s hand written letter published in a periodical. Alas! What a powerful words. It is not Shri Sivanesan Swamiji’s words, but Baba’s direct answer for my prayer and appeal to Him made an hour ago. My eyes filled with tears. What a meaningful and powerful miracle Baba graced to me. The divine words are going like this, "…All actions in this world are His play. Being wire puller and Controller of this Universe, Baba made you an instrument to do this job. Remember His words – ‘why fear, I am here’. Who ever does what so ever actions, all are His play. Baba had chosen you to perform this action without your consciousness or knowledge. Deep faith and infinite patience is need of this hour. Is there any one in this world who failed in his attempt after surrendering Him? Baba is in the heart of all and activate us according to our karma." (HH Pujyasri Sivanesan Swamiji wrote this letter during 1967 to Shri. Chokkalingam, who translated Sri Sai Satcharitra in Tamil.)

If we honestly offer prayers to Sai Baba from the bottom of our heart, that will be answered. Baba said, "I always live everywhere" in Sri Sai Satcharitra (Ch.28). Baba will hear our prayer through His All-Pervading ears; "sarvatah panipadam tat samatokshi-siromukham" "everywhere It has ears; everywhere It has eyes", our prayers will be heard and answered.

Om Sai Sri Sai Jaya Jaya Sai.

Ever yours
at the Feet of the Master
Sivanandam
n.sivanandam@gmail.com