Saturday, January 2, 2016

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 21 assigned for January 02, 2016



Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana

Chapter – 21  assigned for January 02, 2016

 

Stories of (1) V.H. Thakur (2) AnantraoPatankar and (3) Pandharpur Pleader.

 

 

DIRECT DOWN LOAD LINKS IN MAJOR INDIAN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharita in English Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsaEFXcU96ZnFYMTQ

Shri Sai Satcharita in Hindi Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsMU5iZGZSM1JOV0E

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Marathi Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsbXAycTRBTXdyQjA

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Tamil Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb21ObG9DcUpVM0U

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Telugu Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CscFVaUm5vckh4YUk

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Malayalam Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsZEZ1bi1IWU5kVzg

Shri SaiSatcharitra in KannadamCh 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsaDBpd2RLMk0zWkU

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Konkani Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsQ01BMW8yMDVXSU0

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Bengali Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsSmNJM0I2dFdhLUk

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Gujarati Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsU1dpMkhkRl9zUWc

Shri SaiSatcharitra in OdiaCh21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsaDc0djdSZE9JM3M

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Punjabi Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsSXlseEw3ZG10b2s

Shri SaiSatcharitra Sindhi Ch 21

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsbGdIOEx6TG9oZzQ

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Nepali

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb0Q4T0JfR3dlY2M&usp=sharing

Shri SaiSatcharitra in German

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsRXd1TW5QSWhjN1U&usp=sharing

Shri SaiSatcharitra in French

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsY0JCdGdsYV9lWUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXJSaVBSZjN2ckU/view?usp=sharing

Shri SaiSatcharitra in Urdu

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsclNCdlBjTlA3X1U/view?usp=sharing

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN AUDIO MP3 FORMAT:

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 21

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsUXdBaXgxT1V6Vlk/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 21

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdnVLSmFlcU1fSms/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch. 21

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMWNpeklyOXpfRE0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 21

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdEdPQzJMU0lyTUU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 21

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsNUxrcm9WX2JLaFE/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Chapter XXI

 

Stories of (1) V.H. Thakur (2) AnantraoPatankar and (3) Pandharpur Pleader.

 

In this Chapter, Hemadpant relates the stories of VinayakHarishchandra Thakur, B.A., AnantraoPatankar of Poona, and a pleader from Pandharpur. All these stories are very interesting which if very carefully read and grasped, will lead the readers on to the spiritual path.

 

Preliminary

 

It is a general rule, that it is our good luck in the form of accumulation of merits in past births, that enables us to seek the company of Saints and profit thereby. In illustration of this rule, Hemadpant gives his own instance. He was a resident Magistrate of Bandra, A suburb of Bombay, for many years. A famourMahomedan Saint named PirMoulana was living there and many Hindus, Parsis and many others who followed different religion used to go to him and take his darshan. His Mujavar (priest) by name Inus pressed Hemadpant many a time, night and day, for going to see him, but for some reason or other he was not able to see him. After many years his turn came and he was called to Shirdi where he was permanently enlisted in Sai Baba's Darbar. Unfortunate fellows do not get this contact of the Saints. It is only the fortunate ones that get it.

 

Institution of Saints

 

There have been institutions of Saints in this world, from time immemorial. Various Saints appear (incarnate) themselves in various places to carry out the missions allotted to them, but though they work in different places, they are, as it were, one. They work in unison under the common authority of the Almighty Lord and know full well what each of them is doing in his place, and supplement his work where necessary. An instance illustrating this is given below.

 

Mr. Thakur

 

Mr. V.H.Thakur, B.A., was a clerk in the Revenue Department and he once came to a town named Vadgaum near Belgaum (S.M. Country) along with a Survey party. There he saw a Kanarese Saint (Appa) and bowed before him. The Saint was explaining a portion from the book "Vichar-Sagar" of Nischaldas (a standard work on Vedanta) to the audience. When Thakur was taking his leave to go, he said to him, "you should study this book, and if you do so, your desires will be fulfilled, and when you go to the North in the discharge of your duties in future, you will come across a great Saint by your good luck, and then he will show you the future path, and give rest to your mind and make you happy".

 

Then, he was transferred to Junnar, where he had to go by crossing NhaneGhat. This Ghat was very steep and impassible, and no other conveyance, than a buffalo was of use in crossing it. So he had to take a buffalo-ride through the Ghat, which inconvenienced and pained him much. Thereafter, he was transferred to Kalyan on higher post, and there he became acquainted with NanasahebChandorkar. He heard much about Sai Baba from him and wished to see Him. Next day, Nanasaheb had to go to Shirdi, and he asked Thakur to accompany him. He could not do so as he had to attend the Thana Civil Court for a civil case. So Nanasaheb went alone. Thakur went to Thana, but there the case was postponed. Then, he repented for not accompanying Nanasaheb. Still he left for Shirdi and when he went there, he found that Nanasaheb had left the place the previous day. Some of his other friends, whom he met there, took him to Baba. He saw Baba, fell at His Feet and was overjoyed. His eyes were full of tears of joy and his hair stood on end. Then after a while the omniscient Baba said to him - "The path of this place is not so easy as the teaching of the Kanarese Saint Appa or even as the buffalo-ride in the NhaneGhat. In this spiritual path, you have to put in your best exertion as it is very difficult". When Thakur heard these significant signs and words, which none else than he knew, he was overwhelmed with joy. He came to know, that the word of the Kanarese Saint had turned true. Then joining both hands and placing his head on Baba's Feet, he prayed that he should be a accepted and blessed. Then Baba said - "What Appa told you was all right, but these things have to be practised and lived. Mere reading won't do. You have to think and carry out what you read, otherwise, it is of no use. Mere book-learning, without the grace of the Guru, and self-realization is of no avail". The theoretical portion was read from the work `VicharSagar' by Thakur, but the practical way was shown to him at Shirdi. Another story given below will bring out this truth more forcibly.

 

AnantraoPatankar

 

One gentleman from Poona, by name AnantraoPatankar wished to see Baba. He came to Shirdi, and took Baba's darshan. His eyes were appeased, he was much pleased. He fell at Baba's Feet; and after performing proper worship said to Baba - "I have read a lot, studied Vedas, Vedants and Upanishads and heard all the Purnas, but still I have not got any peace of mind; so I think that all my reading was useless. Simple ignorant devout persons are better than myself. Unless the mind becomes calm, all book-learning is of no avail. I have heard, from many people, that you easily give peace of mind to so many people by your mere glance, and playful word; so I have come here; please take pity on me and bless me". Then Baba told him a parable, which was as follows:-

 

Parable of Nine Balls of Stool (Nava-vidha Bhakti)

 

"Once a Soudagar (merchant) came here. Before him a mare passed her stool (nine balls of stool). The merchant, intent on his quest, spread the end of his dhotar and gathered all the nine balls in it, and thus he got concentration (peace) of mind".

 

Mr. Patankar could not make out the meaning of this story; so he asked Ganesh Damodar, alias Dada Kelkar, "What does Baba mean by this?" He replied - "I too do not know all that Baba says and means, but at His inspiration I say, what I come to know. The mare is God's grace and the nine balls excreted are the nine forms or types of Bhakti, viz., (1) Shravana (Hearing); (2) Kirtana (Praying); (3) Smarana (Remembering); (4) Padasevana (resorting to the feet); (5) Archana (Worship); (6) Namaskara (Bowing); (7) Dasya (Service); (8) Sakhyatva (Friendship); (9) Atmanivedana (surrender of the self). These are the nine types of Bhakti. If any of these is faithfully followed, Lord Hari will be pleased, and manifest Himself in the home of the devotee. All the sadhanas, viz. Japa (vocal worship), Tapa (penance), Yoga practice and studying the scriptures and expounding them are quite useless unless they are accompanied by Bhakti, i.e., devotion. Knowledge of the Vedas, or fame as a great Jnani, and mere formal Bhajan (worship) are of no avail. What is wanted is Loving Devotion. Consider yourself as the merchant or seeker after the truth and be anxious and eager like him to collect or cultivate the nine types of devotion. Then you will attain stability and peace of mind".

 


Next day, when Patankar went to Baba for saluation, he was asked whether he collected the 'nine balls of stool'. Then he said that he, being a poor fellow, should first be graced by Baba, and then they will be easily collected. Then Baba blessed and comforted him, saying that he would attain peace and welfare. After hearing this, Patankar became overjoyed and happy.

 

The Pandharpur Pleader

 

We shall close this Chapter with short story showing Baba's omniscience and His using it for correcting people and setting them on the right path. Once a pleader from Pandharpur came to Shirdi, went to the Masjid, saw Sai Baba, fell at His Feet and, without being asked, offered some Dakshina, and sat in a corner eager to hear the talk, that was going on. Then Baba turned His face towards him and said - "How cunning the people are! They fall at the feet, offer Dakshina, but inwardly give abuses behind the back. Is not this wonderful?" This cap (remark) fitted the pleader and he had to wear (take) it. None understood the remark. The pleader grasped it, but kept silent. When they returned to the Wada, the pleader said to Kakasaheb Dixit - "What Baba remarked was perfectly right. The dart (remark) was aimed at me, it was a hint to me, that I should not indulge in reviling or scandalizing others (calling by names). When the subjudge or munsiff of Pandharput (Mr.Noolkar) came and stayed here for the improvement of his health, a discussion about this matter was going on in the bar-room at Pandharpur (as it ever happens in many a bar-room). It was said or discussed there whether the ailments, from which the sub-judge suffered were, ever likely to be got rid of without medicines, by merely going after Sai Baba, and whether it was proper for an educated man, like the sub-judge, to have recourse to such methods. The sub-judge was taken to task, i.e. he was ciritisied, as also Sai Baba. I also took some part in this affair; and now Sai Baba showed the impropriety of my conduct. This is not a rebuke to me, but a favour, an advice that I should not indulge in any scandal or slander of others; and not interfereunnecessarity in others' affairs".

 

Shirdi is about 100 Koss (Koss=3 miles) distant from Pandharpur; still Baba by His omniscience knew what transpired there in the bar-room. The intervening places -- rivers, jungles and mountains - were not a bar to His all-perceiving sight and He could see or read the hearts of all. There was nothing secret or veiled from Him. Everything, far or near, was plain and clear to Him as broad as daylight. Let a man be far or near, he cannot avoid the all-pervading gaze of Sai Baba. From this incident, the pleader took the lesson that he should never speak ill of others, nor unnecessarily criticize them. This his evil tendency was completely got rid of, and he was set on the right path.

 

Though the story refers to a pleader, still it is applicable to all. All should, therefore, take this lesson to heart and profit thereby.

 

Sai Baba's greatness is unfathomable, so are His wonderful Leelas. His life is also such; for He is Para-Brahman (Lord God) incarnate.

 

 

Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

INVISIBLE IS SUPREME

INVISIBLE IS SUPREME


 

"If lame, crippled, blind and diseased paupers come, they should be fed first and the able-bodied persons and our relations afterwards" – Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. XXXVIII.

 

 

Tetsugen, a devotee of Zen in Japan, decided to publish the sutras, which at that time were available only in Chinese. The books were to be printed with wood blocks in an edition of seven thousand copies, a tremendous undertaking.


Tetsugen began by traveling and collecting donations for this purpose. A few sympathizers would give him a hundred pieces of gold, but most of the time he received only small coins. He thanked each donor with equal gratitude. After ten years Tetsugen had enough money to begin his task.


It happened that at that time the Uji River overflowed. Famine followed. Tetsugen took the funds he had collected for the books and spent them to save others from starvation. Then he began again his work of collecting.


Several years afterwards an epidemic spread over the country. Tetsugen again gave away what he had collected, to help his people.


For a third time he started his work, and after twenty years his wish was fulfilled. The printing blocks which produced the first edition of sutras can be seen today in the Obaku monastery in Kyoto.


The Japanese tell their children that Tetsugen made three sets of sutras, and that the first two invisible sets surpass even the last.

 

Friday, January 1, 2016

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 20 Assigned for January 01, 2016


Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana,

Chapter – 20  Assigned for January 01, 2016


 Das Ganu's Problem Solved by Kaka's Maid-Servant


DIRECT DOWN LOAD LINKS IN MAJOR INDIAN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharita in English Ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsWDNRMkRvdlplSGM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Hindi Ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsX0Z6RDFRQWwtZGs/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Marathi Ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsZWlFbVVyU2FHdGc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Tamil Ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsLTBGUkRHN2o5Y1E/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Telugu ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsRWVtNjFwbGJscm8/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Malayalam ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsRUlKS1BYaGE3Vnc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Kannadam ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsUkdzdklqcDdjWU0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Konkani  ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsWDVlNy1Vb3ZybTg/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Bengali ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSmwwZkpYR1A3QmM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Gujarati  ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsUTJGMWQtODQ2WFE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Odia 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsU19vcUQxczkzQzg/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Punjabi ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsaGl4UnBaTW9hd0E/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Sindhi ch 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsU1JibVd0ODFlTlU/view?usp=sharing

 

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Nepali

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb0Q4T0JfR3dlY2M&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in German

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsRXd1TW5QSWhjN1U&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in French

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsY0JCdGdsYV9lWUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXJSaVBSZjN2ckU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Urdu

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsclNCdlBjTlA3X1U/view?usp=sharing

  

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN AUDIO MP3 FORMAT:  

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdGo3bGhMQXJQNVE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdnVLSmFlcU1fSms/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch. 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscjVrSmZEbGtMY3M/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsNGRuUzJXZUhyUEk/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsYU04QnNLYThKU3M/view?usp=sharing

  


Chapter XX

 

Das Ganu's Problem Solved by Kaka's Maid-Servant


 

In this Chapter, Hemadpant describes, how Das Ganu's problem was solved by Kakasaheb Dixit's maid-servant.

 

Preliminary

 

Sai (Lord) was originally formless. he assumed a form for the sake of Bhaktas. With the help of the actress Maya, He played the part of the Actor in the big drama of the universe. Let us remember and visualize Shri Sai. Let us go to Shirdi, and see carefully the programmes, after the noon-Arati. After the Arati ceremony was over, Sai used to come out of the Masjid, and standing on its edge, distribute udi to the devotees with very kind and loving looks. The Bhaktas also got up with equal fervour, clasped His Feet, and standing and staring at Him, enjoyed the shower of Udi. Baba passed handfuls of Udi into the palms of the devotees and marked their foreheads with Udi with His fingers. The love He bore for them in His heart was boundless. Then He addressed the Bhaktas as follows:- "Oh Bhau, go to take your lunch; you Anna, go to your lodgings; you Bapu, enjoy your dishes". In this way He accosted each and every devotee and sent them home. Even now, you can enjoy these sights if you bring into play your imagination. You can visualize and enjoy them. Now bringing Sai before our mental vision, let us meditate on Him, from His Feet upwards to His face, and prostrating before Him humbly, lovingly and respectfully, revert to the story of this Chapter.

 

Ishavasya Upanishad

 

Das Ganu once started to write a Marathi commentary ont he Ishavasya Upanishad. Let us first give a brief idea of this Upanishad, before proceeding further. It is called a `Mantropanishad', as it is embodied in the Mantras of the Vedic Samhita. It constitutes the last or the 40th Chapter of the Vajasaneyi Samhita (Yajurveda) and it is, therefore, called Vajasaneyi Samhitopanishad. Being embodied in Vedic Samhitas, this is regarded as superior to all other Upanishads, which occur in the Brahmanas and Aranyakas (explanatory treatises on Martras and rituals). Not only this, other Upanishads are considered to be commentaries on the truths mentioned briefly in the Ishavasya Upanishad. For instance, the biggest of the Upanishads, viz, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, is considered by Pandit Satwalekar to be a running commentary on the Ishavasya Upanishad.

 

Profesor R.D. Ranade says:- "The Ishopanishad is quite a small Upanishad; and yet it contains many hints which show an extraordinarily piercing insight. Within the short compass of 18 verses, it gives a valuable mystical description of the Atman, a description of the ideal sage, who stands unruffled in the minds of temptations and sorrows; and adumbration of the doctrine of Karma-Yoga as later formulated, and finally a reconciliation of the claims of knowledge and works. The most valuable ideas, that lies at the root of the Upanishad, is that of a logical synthesis between the two opposites of knowledge; and work, which are both required according to the Upanishad to be annulled in a higher synthesis". (page 24 of the Constructive Survey of the Upanishad Philosophy). In another place he says that "The poetry of the Ishopanishad is a Commixture of moral, mystical and metaphysical (ibid, Page 41)".

 

From the brief description given above about this Upanishad, any one can see how difficult it is to translate this Upanishad in a vernacular language, and brief out its exact meaning. Das Ganu translated it in Marathi 'Ovi'metre, verse by verse, but as he did not comprehend the gist or essence of the Upanishad, he was not satisfied with his performance. He therefore consulted some learned men regarding his doubts and difficulties and discussed with them at great length. They did not solve them nor did they give him any rational and satisfactory explanation. So Das Ganu was a little restless over this matter.

 

 

SadGuru only competent and Qualified to Explain

 

As we have seen, this Upanishad is the quintessence of the Vedas. It is the science of self-realization, it is the scythe or weapon which can rend asunder the bondage of life and death, and make us free. Therefore, he thought, that he who has himself attained self-realization, can only give him the true or correct interpretation of the Upanishad. When nobody could satisfy Das Ganu, he resolved to consult Sai Baba about this. When he got an opportunity to go to Shirdi, he saw Sai Baba, prostrated himself before Him, and mentioned his difficulties about the Ishavasya Upanishad and requested Him to give the correct solution. Sai Baba, blessed him and said- "You need not be anxious, there is no difficulty about the matter, the mind-servant of Kaka (Kakasaheb Dixit) will solve your doubts at Vile Parle, on your way home". The people who went present then and heard this, thought that Baba was joking and said, "How could an illiterate maid-servant solve the difficulties of this nature", but Das Garu thought otherwise. He was sure, that whatever Baba spoke, must come true, Baba's word was the decree of the Brahma (Almighty).

 

Kaka's Maid-Servant

 

On fully believing in Baba's words, he left Shirdi and came to Vile Parle (a suburb of Bombay), and stayed with Kakasaheb Dixit. There the next day, when Das Ganu was enjoying his morning nap (some say when he was engaged in worship), he heard a poor girl singing a beautiful song in clear and melodious tones. The subject matter of the song was a crimson coloured Sari, how nice it was, how fine was its embroidery, how beautiful were its ends and borders etc. He liked the song so much that he came out, and saw that it was being sung by a young girl, the sister of Namya, who was a servant of Kakasaheb. The girl was cleaning vessels, and had only a torn rag on her person. On seeing her impoverished condition, and her jovial temperament, Das Ganu felt pity for her and when Rao Bahadur M.V.Pradhan next day gave him a pair of dhotars, he requested him to give a sari to the poor little girl also. Rao Bahadur bought a good Chirdi (small Sari) and presented it to her. Like a starving person getting luckily good dishes to eat, her joy knew to bounds. Next day she wore the new Sari, and out of great joy and merriment, whirled, danced round and played `Fugadi' with other girls and excelled them all. The Day following, she kept the new Sari in her box at home and came with the old and torn rags, but she looked as merry as she did the previous day. On seeing this, Das Ganu's pity was transferred into admiration. He thought that the girl being poor had to wear a torn rag, but now she had a new Sari which she kept in reserve and putting on the old rag, strutted herself, showing no trace of sorrow or dejection. Thus he realized that all our feelings of pain and pleasure depend upon the attitude of our mind. On thinking deeply over this incident, he realized that a man ought to enjoy whatever God has bestowed on him in the firm conviction that He besets every thing, from behind and before, and on all sides and that whatever is bestowed on him by God must be for his good. In this particular case, the impoverished condition of the poor girl, her torn rag and the new Sari, the donor, the dance and the acceptance were all parts of the Lord and pervaded by Him. Hence, Das Ganu got a practical demonstration of the lesson of the Upanishad - the lesson of contentment with one's own lot in the belief that whatever happens, is ordained by God, and is ultimately good for us.

 

Unique Method of Teaching

 

From the above incident, the reader will see that Baba's method was unique and varied. Though Baba never left Shirdi, He sent some to Machhindragad, some to Kolhapur or Sholapur for practising sadhanas. To some He appeared in His usual form, to some He appeared in waking or dreaming state, day or night and satisfied their desires. It is impossible to describe all the methods, that Baba used in imparting instructions to His Bhaktas. In this particular case, He sent Das Ganu to Vile Parle, where he got his problem solved, through the maid-servant. To those, who say that it was not necessary to sent Das Ganu outside and that Baba could have personally taught him, we say that Baba followed the right or best course, or how else could Das Ganu would have learnt a great lesson, that the poor maid-servant and her Sari were pervaded by the Lord.


Now we close the Chapter with another beautiful extract about this Upanishad.

 

The Ethics of the Ishavasya Upanishad

 

"One of the main features of the Ishavasya Upanishad, is the ethical advice it offers, and it is interesting to note that the ethics of the Upanishad are definitely based upon the meta-physical position advanced in it. The very opening words of the Upanishad tell us that God pervades every thing. As a corollary from this metaphysical position, the ethical advice it offers is, that a man ought to enjoy whatever God bestows on him in the firm belief, that as He pervades everything, whatever is bestowed on him by God must be good. It follows naturally, that the Upanishad should forbid us from coveting another man's property. In fact, we are fittingly taught here a lesson of contentment with one's own lot in the belief that whatever happens, it is divinely ordained and it is hence good for us. Another moral advice is, that man must spend his life-time always in doing action, specially the karmas enjoined in the Shastras, in a mood of believing resignation to His will. Inactivity, according to this Upanishad, would be the canker of the soul. It is only when a man spends his life-time on doing actions in this manner, that he can hope to attain the ideal of Naishkarmya. Finally, the text goes on to say that a man, who sees all beings in the Self and sees the Self as existing in all beings; in fact, for whom all beings and everything that exists have becomes the Self - how can such a man suffer infatuation? What ground would such a man have for grief? Loathfulness, infatuation and grief verily proceed from our not being able to see the Atman in all things. But a man, who realizes the oneness of all things, for whom everything has become the Self, must ipso facto, cease to be affected by the common foibles of humanity. (Page 169-170 of The Creative Period by Messrs. Belvalkar and Ranade).

 

 

Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

 

Ten fold salary from JRD Tata - Experience of Vishnu B Pitale

Ten fold salary from JRD Tata - Experience of Vishnu B Pitale

 

The wondrous Leela of the cure of Harishchandra Pithale's epileptic son is given in Ch.26 of Sai Satcharitra. Harishchandra was blessed by Baba who said "Bapu I have given you Rs.2/- earlier, keep these Rs.3/- along with them, and perform their proper puja, regularly. It will benefit you greatly". Harishchandra returned home and tried to solve the mystery of Baba's words, as it was the first trip to Shirdi. His mother narrated how his father had received Rs.2/- from Swamy Samarth, earlier thus solving the mystery.

 

The whole family had gathered to hear, all about the pilgrimage to Shirdi. His brother Vishnu Pant Balwant was also present, and a keen desire to visit Shirdi arose in him. He worked as a Thalati in Ville Parle and was rather busy. In 1917 he first visited Shirdi. Carefully he made all preparations, and roamed the fruit market so he could get the choicest unripe mangoes. Finally he found a fruit vendor who had delectable mangoes. Making sure that the fruit were unblemished and unripe he bought a basket of mangoes and set out to Shirdi. Thinking in his mind "If I get ripe mangoes they will spoil by the time I reach Shirdi, but these unripe mangoes will ripen there".

 

He reached Kopergaon and proceeded thence to Shirdi. Here at Shirdi, Baba was sitting with his devotees and talking, when the Dwarakamai was filled with an aroma of mangoes. The devotees looked at each other and wondered where the mangoes were kept. As Baba said nothing they just waited. Vishnu Pant in the meantime reached Shirdi and kept his belongings and the mangoes in the room and went for 'Dhuli Darshan'. Baba welcomed him saying "What have you brought for Me? Where are the mangoes?" Vishnu Pant was abashed and said "Baba the mangoes are in the room as they are unripe" to which Baba replied "Go and fetch them, can't you smell them?" Vishnu Pant went to the room and brought the basket and placed it before Baba. Upon opening it he was surprised that the mangoes were ripened perfectly and were ready to eat.

 

Happily Vishnu Pant stayed at Shirdi for three days. He made sure he had Rs.15/- for expenses for his return journey. On the day of his departure he bought a photograph of Baba hoping that Baba would touch it. He carried it to the Dwarakamai and waited. Baba beckoned to him saying "Bhau give Me Rs.15/- as dakshina". Vishnu Pant at once emptied his pocket andgave the Rs.15/-. Then Baba asked him for the pho tograph, which he happily gave. His joy knew no bounds when Baba took the photograph and held it to his heart for a moment. He returned the photograph and granted him permission to go.

 

Vishnu Pant though happy was in a quandary, as he had no money. Finally he decided to walk to Kopergaon as there was no money for the tonga. He walked about half a mile or so when a tonga drew up and stopped near him. The driver said "What are you doing walking in the heat of the day? You do not look like a villager?"

 

Vishnu Pant replied "I am Thalati so I am going to the next village". The tonga driver laughed and said "Come and have a seat I will take you to Kopergaon". Vishnu Pant was relieved, and he reached Kopergaon. He alighted from the tonga and collected his belongings. He looked up to thank the tonga driver, but, the driver and the tonga had disappeared. He went into the station and looked around hoping he could find some acquaintances. But no one was around from whom he could borrow money. Finally the train pulled in and hedecided to travel ticketless and bear the consequences. At the next station the Ticket Collector entered his compartment looking at him he said "Namaskar, Pithale Saab". Vishnu Pant however, could not recognize him. He feared that since the Ticket Collector recognized him he would surely ask for his ticket and would cause a great deal of embarrassment. But no such thing happened, and he reached Bombay without any problem.

 

The next day a huge automobile pulled up to his doorstep. A well dressed gentleman came to his home and enquired "Are you Thalati, Vishnu Pant Pithale?" Vishnu Pant was bewildered and thought "I must be in trouble now, why is he asking if I am the Thalati?" The gentleman said "I am J.R.D. Tata, I am in the process of buying land at Sahar (the present airport).

 

I have a huge staff on my pay roll but they can't transcribe the Marathi papers into English and vice-verse. I heard you are a capable Thalati and also bilingual". Vishnu Pant was aghast at what he said and nodded his head. Then the gentleman continued "as a Thalati you earn only Rs.35/- a month. If you agree to work for me I will give you Rs.150/- per a month". Quickly Vishnu Pant said "I will do this transcription for you, but give me two days to think about working for you". Tata said "Alright" then drove off.

 

Vishnu pant was in turmoil now. "What if I give up my Government job with pension and benefits and this man does not keep his word? What if he dismisses me after his work is done?" he thought. He spent a restless night. Suddenly it dawned on him that Baba had emptied his pocket of Rs.15/- and was returning it tenfold. Two days later Tata's Secretary came to his home with the job 'appointment letter' and the details of the job benefits etc. And asked him to sign on the dotted line. He bowed to the photograph that Baba had blessed and signed.

 

This Photograph Baba hugged then gave to Vishnu B. Pithale

 

SOURCE: Ambrosia in Shirdi by VInny Chitluri.

 

Do our words and actions conform to our prayers?

Do our words and actions conform to our prayers?

 

 

Baba said, "How cunning the people are! They fall at the feet, offer Dakshina, but inwardly give abuses behind the back. Is not this wonderful?" in Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch XXI.

 

 

The family sat around the dinning table. The father offered a prayer, "Grateful are we to Thee, O Lord, for having sent us this delicious food. It comes to us as Thy prasadam. So bless us that the energy we get out of it may be spent in Thy service, in Thy service of Thy holy ones and in the service of the poor, the forsaken and the forlorn. Blessed be Thy Name!"

 

When the food was passed around, the father's complaints were frequent. He grumbled about the poor quality of the food and said that it was insipid, tasteless. He was not happy.

 

His younger daughter, a child of five, said to him, "Daddy, is it true that God hears all we say and sees all we do?"

 

"Of course, yes my child!"

 

"Then God must have heard our prayer," said the girl.

 

"Of course, yes!"

 

"And He must also  have heard your complaints?"

 

"Of course, yes!"

 

"Then tell me, Daddy, which did God Believe?" asked the innocent child.

 

The father did not answer. It was obvious that he realized his inconsistency.

 

Do our words and actions conform to our prayers?