SAI IN LETTERS (21-30)

SAI IN LETTERS -21

OM SAI

Hyderabad

26 January 1992
(Chapter 23)

Dear Chakrapani,
I cannot write much about Sri Sai Leelas (Sri Sai Miracles) in this letter, but I will place before you the thoughts going on in my mind. Hemadri Pant wrote about Sri Sai in 23rd chapter thus - HE never said that HE is GOD, but said that HE is an obedient servant of GOD. HE always meditated on GOD -. Why did Hemadri Pant write like this, don't you and I say that Sri Sai is an incarnation of GOD? We must recognize Baba's greatness in this respect. Sri Sai is Brahma Jnani (Supreme Knowledge personified), is GOD HIMSELF but being incarnated as a human being HE set an example as to how a human being should behave. HE showed how to lead an EGO LESS HUMAN LIFE and hence never declared that HE is GOD. HE said that HE is God's obedient servant to indicate that human beings must obey faithfully God's word. Remember this always.
Hemadri Pant wrote in 23rd chapter that Sri Sai said - Nana only he, who can digest onions, should eat onions -. I will write my thoughts on this statement, so read on carefully. We can compare LIFE to an ONION. When you peel off the layers of an onion, one by one, you will get in the end the core, which is not pungent but sweet, when you eat it. LIFE (ONION) is covered with layers of Arishad Vargas (behavior / desire patterns). When you peel off Arishad Vargas, Lust - Anger - Greed - Infatuation - Pride (Ego) - Jealousy, from your LIFE then you can live in BLISS. This is Sri Sai's message. We must recognize that Sri Sai has power to digest an onion, covered with layers of Arishad Vargas, and thus fully eliminating them. Do you remember the Proverb said by our elders - The good that can be done by an onion cannot even be done by mother-. I will modify this proverb as - Mother (Sri Sai) will remove the layers, called Arishad Vargas from the ONION (LIFE) and that Mother (Sri Sai) will make it (ONION - LIFE) blissful for HER children -.

Sri Sai opposed blind beliefs of the society in those days. HE removed ignorance from them and awakened knowledge in them. Hemadri Pant cited two examples, in this respect, in this chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra - Village elders decided that firstly Firewood is not to be brought into the village and secondly no goat is to be killed in the village as the epidemic of Cholera was rampant at that time. Sri Sai disregarded these orders, which had no reason or logic, and thus destroyed blind beliefs. I have told you that Sri Sai disliked blind beliefs and illogical acts. Now coming to blind beliefs Sri Dayabhai Damodardas Mehta, a resident of Mumbai was suffering from Typhoid fever during 1947. He wore a charmlet, given by a Mystic, around his neck as advised by his friends. He felt that evil forces were troubling him, as his temperature shot up further during nights instead of instead of getting under control after wearing the charmlet. He then surrendered to Sri Sai and sought HIS protection from the bottom of his heart. Then he heard the following words emanating from Sri Saibaba's picture frame placed on the bedside table -Why are you scared when I am standing, holding a stick in my hand, by your bedside since morning to protect you? Why are you still wearing that charmlet around your neck? Please take it off immediately and discard it -. Sri Mehta obeyed Sri Sai's words. He then went to Shirdi and prayed at Sri Sai's Samadhi and fully recovered his health. What is the lesson to be learnt by Sri Sai Devotees from these incidents? One must always keep far away from Blind Beliefs and Unreasonable cum Illogical acts. My advise to you is that when you face any difficulties and unpleasant occurrences in your life, you surrender yourself to Sri Sai and apply Udi / Vibhuti ( Sacred Ash ) from HIS Dhuni (Sacred Fire ) with unflinching faith on your forehead , mix some Udi / Vibhuti in a glass of water and drink it as a medicine for getting rid of physical and mental hardships / ailments.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.

SAI IN LETTERS -22

OM SAI

Hyderabad

27 January 1992
(Chapter -24)

Dear Chakrapani,
Life is a combination of happiness and misery. A small part of that happiness is provided by laughter through sense of humour. Whenever Sri Sai wanted to convey a new message to HIS devotees, HE used to narrate a parable with reference to an occurrence at that time. HE used sometimes wit and humour in HIS narratives.

In this chapter Hemadri Pant describes how Sri Sai humorously conveyed a message on offering food to others before partaking the same oneself. In that episode Sri Sai gave a very good message to HIS devotees - Do you think of or remember ME before eating? Am I not with you always? Before eating anything are you offering the same to ME? -. Think deeply and contemplate on this message, understand it and mentally offer the food and water to Sri Sai before eating or drinking the same.

Make your life blessed in this way. Similarly when the Devil (Bad behavioral habits such as Lust, Anger, Greed, Infatuation, Ego /Pride and Jealousy) in you raises its head hissing like a Cobra, before giving in to it, just meditate on Sri Sai for one minute and HE will lead you on to the right path. There may be a difference in the way you worship Sri Sai and the way worship is offered to Sri Sai by another devotee of your group.

Your way of worship is yours and the other person's way of worship is that person. Both the methods are correct in their own way, so do not meddle in such issues. It is not enough to go to Sri Sai Temple on Thursdays and participate in the worship by singing the aarati. One must see Sri Sai in each and every living being. One must take HIS name silently every moment. One must diligently follow HIS teachings and try to follow the path tread by HIM. That does not mean that one must renounce one's family and become a Sanyasi (Recluse). You must carry out your responsibilities in life with the aid of Sri Sai through HIS Namasmarana (silent repetitive chanting of Sri Sai's name) and earn HIS Love and Grace.

In Service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.

SAI IN LETTERS -23

OM SAI

Hyderabad

23 January 1992
( Chapter - 25)

Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant elaborated on how Sri Sai, knowing the future, advised HIS devotees in this chapter. The moment the desire to write, about Baba's Leelas (Divine Plays), arose in the mind of Sri Hemadri Pant immediately BABA responded and made him write this invaluable treatise. Baba did not immediately grant HIS permission to me the moment desire arose in my mind to let you know my experiences with Sri Sai through these letters. I had started writing these letters to you on 06.01.92 whereas Sri Sai gave HIS consent on 22.01.92. I had mentioned this aspect in detail in an earlier letter to you.

Once Damu Anna thought of giving a share of profits, from a business venture contemplated by him, to Sri Sai if HE blessed the proposed venture. Sri Sai, knowing the thoughts going through Damu Anna's mind, said - I AM NOT ALL INTERESTED IN THESE WORLDLY MUNDANE MATTERS -. Thinking on these words of Sri Sai, it becomes crystal clear that Sri Sai did not like accepting bribes or share spoils from a speculative venture. So we must always remember that as HIS devotees we must never do things that were not liked or approved by Sri Sai.

Recapitulate what Sri Sai said just before attaining Mahasamadhi (act of Spirit departing at will from the body of a Self Realized Soul) - EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT EXIST IN THIS FORM, AFTER MY GOING INTO SAMADHI, MY BONES WILL SPEAK FROM MY SAMADHI AND WILL MAKE YOU BELIEVE IN MY PRESENCE. NOT ONLY ME BUT MY SAMADHI ALSO WILL SPEAK AND FULFIL WISHES OF THOSE DEVOTEES WHO SURRENDER ABSOLUTELY TO ME. DO NOT GET AGITATED THAT I AM NO LONGER WITH YOU IN THIS PHYSICAL FORM, MY BONES WILL SPEAK AND LOOK AFTER YOUR WELFARE. REMEMBER ME ONLY AT ALL TIMES. HAVE FULL FAITH IN ME WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART, MIND AND SOUL. ONLY THEN YOU WILL REAP MAXIMUM BENEFITS -. These are the promised words of GOD HIMSELF to HIS Devotees. You are also a devotee of that GOD (Sri Sai). Remember always these words, they will give you Unlimited strength. Go ahead in Life with Courage.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.

SAI IN LETTERS -24

OM SAI

Hyderabad

29 January 1992
( Chapter - 26)

Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant described in detail the way one must worship mentally and the procedure thereof in this chapter. If one truly gets an idea to worship in that way then ones mind will be filled with happiness. When you are about to touch a person's feet in reverence to pay your respects, please see Sri Sai in that person, wholeheartedly, recall Sri Sai'a form and pay your respects to derive feeling of Bliss. Sri Sai, on seeing a disciple of another saint, says these profound words in this chapter - WHATEVER MAY HAPPEN, DO NOT LOOSEN YOUR GRASP, HAVE RECOURSE TO ONLY IN YOUR PRECEPTOR, ALWAYS STAND FIRMLY BY HIS SIDE AND IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CONTEMPLATION ON HIM AT ALL TIMES. We have developed faith in Sri Sai because of our good providence. Our Soul is the only witness to our happiness. Sri Sai always respected HIS contemporary Yogeeswaras (GOD realized Souls) and honored them. We must respect this tradition of HIS. Sri Sai considered suicide as a great sin and Hemadri Pant describes the way Sri Sai saved HIS devotee Sri Gopal Narayan Ambadekar from committing suicide in this chapter. Please read carefully this episode and understand its significance. Every human being will be subjected to miseries at some time or other in one's life and committing suicide is not a solution to such problems in the view of Sri Sai. Towards the end of this episode Hemadri Pant writes about Sri Ambadekar - Sai Baba wanted him to become a devotee of Sri Akalkot Maharaj in the footsteps of his father Now what I aspire for is that you also must become a Sri Sai devotee. Won't you fulfil my wish?

In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.

SAI IN LETTERS -25

OM SAI

Hyderabad

30 January 1992
(Chapter 27)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Sai neither wrote any books or read any books at any time. But HE made HIS disciples read the foremost books of spiritual scriptures in HIS presence. The books specially selected by HIM for reading by HIS disciples were Gurucharitra, Vishnu Sahasranaamam, Bhagawata and Bhagavad-Gita. Thus Sri Sai conveyed the importance of reading spiritual scriptures, for the growth of human beings in the field of spirituality. Therefore it is my wish that you read these books in the future.

The words uttered by Sri Sai, in the incident in which He took the book Vishnu Sahasranamam from Ramadasi with an intention to make Shyama read that book, are unforgettable. Try to understand the inner significance of those words of HIS – One can get many books if one has money but one cannot get people -. The implication is that with an ego called wealth anything can be bought except for a human being. While elaborating on this subject, I would like to mention a few more aspects to you. There is nothing wrong in spending money for undertaking good and noble tasks nevertheless do not earn bad reputation through miserliness. There are many incidents in my life to showcase this point. One of our relatives, my Uncle Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu garu did not have any children, nevertheless he gathered children, of his relatives, and educated them. I experienced his love and hospitality by staying in house for 10 years and was educated by his kindness.

I can never forget this help rendered by him. He never expected or took even one Rupee from my father in those 10 years. When I recall people like him my mind gets filled with devotion towards them. I cannot forget one more person in my life; he is my father-in-law and your maternal grand father. He measures everything in life in terms of money, which caused mental upset to a great extent in me. I realized that I should distance myself from such people and hence am living far away from him. Therefore do not live your life materialistically i.e. with pride for your wealth and material possessions. If you can financially help any one, please do so with humility. If you cannot render financial help then politely say so instead of berating or abusing the other person, with pride in your wealth. Sri Sai was pleased with the devotion of Smt. Khaparde, and HE narrated details of her previous births. From this incident one can understand how good and noble acts lead to growth in successive life cycles. Let us then resolve to undertake good and noble deeds, with blessings of Sri Sai, and progress towards achieving higher level births.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -26

OM SAI

Hyderabad

31 January 1992
(Chapter 28)

Dear Chakrapani,
I will elaborate on Chapter 28 to you in this letter. I will explain how Sri Sai used to call HIS devotees to Shirdi and make them come there. If one examines the way Sri Lala Lakhamichand and a female devotee from Burhanpore were made to come to Shirdi, as narrated by Sri Hemadri Pant in this chapter, one will be greatly astonished. Sri Sai gave a vision of HIMSELF in a dream to people, who were not aware of HIM, and made them travel to Shirdi. What lesson must be learned by us from these incidents? Think. Even if you are not a devotee of Sri Sai, HE will appear in your dream in the present birth, if there was a relationship with HIM in your previous births, and that HE will make you come to Shirdi.

One can say that THIS IS HIS SPECIALITY and GREATNESS. Sri Hemadri Pant reveals in this chapter Sri Sai’s views thus – BABA did not approve of anyone taking a loan for either celebrating a festival or going on a pilgrimage. This is very important for ordinary families like ours. One should not perform worship rituals, giving donations and undertaking noble tasks by taking loans. I kept away some percentage of my earnings for these tasks, and thus undertook them from such amount specifically kept aside for that purpose. If you follow this principle then you will not have to face unpleasant situations. Sri Sai compared HIS ardent devotees with sparrows. HE used to say that HE made HIS devotees to come to Shirdi as if HE had tied a string to sparrow’s feet and pulled it towards HIMSELF. Megha was foremost amongst ardent devotees of Sri Sai. Sri Hemadri Pant writes in detail about Megha in this chapter. I did not have an opportunity to see Megha, as I was not born in his lifetime, nevertheless reading about Megha gives rise to a doubt in my mind whether I too can ever become as an ardent devotee of Sri Sai as Megha was or not? A true devotee of Sri Sai wishes for only one thing and that wish is to take the last breath of one’s life at the feet of Sri Sai and merge into the five elements through HIS hands. Megha was lucky to have that wish fulfilled. We must also try to get THAT WISH fulfilled.

In Service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -27

OM SAI

01 February 1992
(Chapter - 29)

Dear Chakrapani,
I will elaborate on the experiences of Sri Sai devotees of those days. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote about the arrival of Madras Bhajana Mandali (Group of devotees from Madras singing devotional songs) at Shirdi, singing Bhajans in Sri Sai's presence and their experiences in this chapter.
Names of members of that group were not mentioned in this chapter. Some Sri Sai devotees at Madras did research and found out the details about that group. Leader of that Bhajan group was Mr. Govinda Swamy and his wife's name was Mrs. Adi Lakshmi. Sri Govinda Swamy was an employee in a tram company at Madras. People traveled by train, at a great expense, strain and effort to Shirdi in those days. Just think about the significance of those pilgrimages, which should be understood by us. No one could reach Shirdi without the grace of Sri Sai. Last year I went to Bhopal on personal work and was returning by train. I was mentally reciting Sri Sai's name and meditating on HIS form during the journey. The train stopped at a station and started moving again. An old man, about 65 years in age, with Grey beard & hair, well built and wheatish color in complexion came running, boarded the compartment in which I was travelling, without showing any signs of effort made (panting, breathlessness etc.) to board the train and started to look at me with a beautiful smile on his face.

Clothes worn by him were of the type worn by college students. This incident recalled to my memory the sequence in Madras Bhajan Mandali episode in which the leader asks Baba - You look old, what is your age? - And Baba's response - Do I appear old, try running with me-and starts running, and I experienced that sequence in this way. Sri Hemadri Pant narrated the divine Leelas of Sri Sai about Tendulkar's education in this chapter. When I recall the help received by you during your EAMCET (Engineering And Medical Common Entrance Test) examination, I believe that Sri Sai did help Tendulkar in his medical examination in those days and this to be true. The way Sri Sai helped Tendulkar's father Sri Raghunatha Rao regarding fixation of pension after his retirement is unforgettable. I trust Sri Sai to ensure that I lead my life, after my retirement* from service, comfortably by ensuring that I receive adequate pension so that I need not seek any financial assistance from any other source. Only time will bear witness to wish of mine. The way Sri Sai saved Captain Jehangir, as narrated in the book Sai Baba the Master written by Sri Ekkirala Bharadwaja, reminds me of the way Sri Hari (Narayana) saves Gajendra (King of Elephants) as narrated in Sri Bhagawatham (one of the Hindu epics). Captain Jehangir was a senior officer in a ship in those days of the First World War. Captain Jehangir prayed earnestly for Sri Sai's help when that ship was sinking in mid ocean. Sri Sai used HIS power from Dwarakamayi and rescued that ship from sinking and thus saved Captain Jehangir. This incident was narrated personally by Captain Jehangir, in Sri Sai's presence, to Sai Bandhus in Dwarakamayi. From this incident we can call Sri Sai as SUPERMAN and no one need be surprised at this description. Sri Sai says in the concluding episode of this chapter -This coin is worth more than 25 Rupees, Shyama take this one Rupee coin and keep it in the safe. These lines bring to my memory the two One Paisa coins (one paisa of those days is equivalent to 2 paise of present days) in our Puja Mandir (Prayer altar). One coin was minted during 1862 and the other coin was minted during 1919. I found these two coins in a container of old coins in our house. Probably Sri Sai's grace and HIS prompting made me keep them in our Prayer Altar; this is my firm belief. I cannot tell anything further on this issue. Remember that Faith is important for anything.

With faith in Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -28

OM SAI

Hyderabad

02 February 1992
(Chapter 30)

Dear Chakrapani,
I have never performed the daily recitation of Gayatri Mantra in my life and have not studied Vedas and other Spiritual scriptures. But I am enjoying the good benefits, derived from daily recitation cum meditation of Gayatri Mantra and study of Vedas / scriptures, by daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra (Life History of Sri Sai). Some may ridicule this belief of mine but I do not care for such scorn. Many individuals enter our lives and depart leaving us. Once Sri Sai enters our lives, neither we can be separated from Sri Sai nor Sri Sai will leave us. Even if any of us forsakes Sri Sai, HE will not forsake us, as another name (word) for Faith is Sri Sai. One need to light the lamp of knowledge called Sri Sai in our minds for driving away ignorance from one’s life. Whoever lights THIS lamp of knowledge will have blissful life. Those who live in the brightness of THAT lamp of knowledge are the lucky ones. Sri Sai fulfills the wishes of aspirants, if their wish is just and they sincerely pray to HIM. Sri Hemadri Pant says in 30th chapter -Those who debate and criticize need not read these tales -. I will not say like that.

My request is that please read carefully and diligently all the letters being written by me. Ponder over what you have read and seek answers in your mind to these two questions. Who is this Sri Sai? Will HE answer if called? Resolving to just try once, read Sri Sai Satcharitra with full concentration and devotion, understand HIS philosophy and then call HIM. Berate me if HE does not answer your call. I will write about a few Leelas of HIS, revealed to me, in this letter. I did not have peace of mind during December 1991, was suffering and hence reserved my tickets 10 days in advance for my journey to Shirdi on 16 December 1991.

I was doing my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra on 16 December 1991 morning. I was reading this chapter 30 on that day and Baba's message in that chapter made me immensely happy. The message was - Go to BABA, your mind will find peace-. With that message ringing in my ears I commenced my journey and returned home after successfully completing the pilgrimage by Sri Sai's grace. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote thus in the Kakaji episode of this chapter - HE who invites for Darshan will make arrangements for welcome reception to the invitee-. Similar incident happened in my case. On the day of my first ever trip to Shirdi during July 1989,Sri Sai appeared in front of me in the premises of Sri Anjaneya Swami temple and accepted one Rupee coin as Dakshina.

I have mentioned about this in one of my earlier letters to you, try and recollect. There is an inescapable need, in present times, for people like me to share their experiences, with Sri Sai, with fellow Sri Sai devotees and others for explaining that the experiences had by devotees with Sri Sai before he attained Mahasamadhi are all true. If one thinks seriously for a moment about the way Sri Sai simultaneously fulfilled wishes of Kakaji to visit Shirdi and of Shyama to honour the vows taken by his mother to the Sapthashringi Goddess at a village called Vani, we can get immense faith that Sri Sai is present in all forms of Gods and Goddesses. I have personally experienced this faith. After the year 1990, when I visited Tirupati for darshan of Sri Venkateswara or when I visited Sri Ganesh temple at Ranthambhore in Rajasthan or when I visited the Buddhist shrine in the city of Chang Wan in Korea, I had vision of Sri Sainath in all these divergent places. That is why I can assert with great confidence that Sri Sainath is a form of all Gods and Goddesses. Recollect the conversation between Kakaji and Shyama narrated in this chapter. If you are unable to recollect I am quoting that conversation now -Kakaji asks Shyama who are you and wherefrom have you come? Shyama replies I am from Shirdi and I have come here to fulfill vow to Goddess Sapthashringi. The moment this sentence was uttered, Kakaji realized that the visitor was from Shirdi and warmly hugged him.

There was a similar incident in my life. I had commenced my journey by air from Bombay on 06 May 1991 at 0130 hrs. For Korea. I was afraid of flying, as it was my first experience. After we boarded the aircraft the engines were started and my mind was filled with fear and anxiety. The aircraft lined up at the runway end and commenced its take off run. As the aircraft started gaining in speed my heart beat also started racing. The aircraft took off, commenced its climb which seemed to me as if it was piercing through the sky and I felt like that my life force was leaving for heavenly regions of space. I closed my eyes and started meditating on Sri Sai's name, I drove away all thoughts and my mind was filled with nothing else but Sri Sai. Captain of the aircraft addressed the passengers, after about 10 minutes, through the speakers in the passenger cabin -The aircraft is flying at an altitude of 40000 feet, maintaining a speed of 900 miles per hour and the outside air temperature is -40 degrees C (i.e. 40 degrees below the freezing point of water), you may unfasten your seat belts and relax-. My mind became calm on hearing those words and I opened my eyes. I noticed a tall, must be 6' or more, well built, fair complexioned person with big Kumkum mark on his forehead, was seated in the adjoining seat. He looked like European and the beautiful smile on his face drove away all the fear from my mind. I felt like conversing with him. I asked him - Who are you and where from have you come? The same question put by Kakaji to Shyama in those days. Can you hazard a guess as to what was his reply! I was astonished at that person's reply. At the time of passengers boarding the aircraft he sat next to me. The aircraft started moving, my mind was filled with anxiety and fear and I did not speak to him then. I closed my eyes and started to meditate on Sri Sai to drive away the fear. After opening my eyes I asked him the questions who are you and wherefrom are you coming? I suppose that by now you have guessed correctly his response. I am quoting his response so read on carefully.

He said I am a Hindu and I came directly to Bombay airport, after having darshan of Sri Sai Baba at Shirdi, to take this flight to Hong Kong. When I heard this sentence I was thrilled with joy and hair on my body stood on its end. Words fail to express my condition at that time, as this was the response to my meditation for 10 minutes on Sri Sai for driving away my fear. I felt that Sri Sai himself in the form of that gentleman was sitting next to me. I held his hands and mentally thanked and prayed to Sri Sai. Thereafter I had a very pleasing conversation with him. I started reciting mentally the morning Harati of Sri Sai at dawn and he expressed a desire to hear the Harati. Hence I recited the Harati at low volume so that only he could hear it. It was 0530 hrs. early morning as per Indian Standard Time, when I finished reciting the Harati, but it was 0830 hrs (local time) in the morning as per the Air Hostess. We were served breakfast, I offered the items to Sri Sainath and both of us partook the consecrated breakfast. While eating I said that this is Sri Sainath's prasadam (consecrated food). He laughed and said that can you prove that this breakfast is Sri Sainath's prasadam? I started thinking on what to say and how to convince him, when I noticed the inscription SWISSAIR on the tray. I took a pen from my pocket, underlined SAI in the word SWISSAIR and showed it to him. He was very pleased and bought a packet of chocolates from the in-flight shop and presented them to me. At that time I experienced a feeling that Sri Sainath himself is blessing a devotee by giving him a sweet. The aircraft landed at Hong Kong airport, he got up from his seat to disembark at his destination and I asked him his name and address. He gave me his visiting card, asked me to be in touch on my return to India and moved on.

I returned to India on 21 May 1991, and I wrote 2 letters expressing my gratitude to him but there was no reply from him. Thereafter I examined closely the visiting card given by him. The image of the world printed on that visiting card astonished me. I will now write about the feelings generated in me on studying that visiting card, try to understand me. I was a fool not to recognize Sri Sai when HE sat next to me in that flight. I did not pay attention to that visiting card when he said to keep in touch after my return to India. When I did not receive a reply to my first letter, still I did not realize that HE was Sri Sainath himself. When there was no reply to my second letter also, then I examined closely the visiting card, noticed the image of the world on that card and then I realized that HE was Sri Sainath himself. How can anyone limit one name and one address when Sri Sainath is omnipresent and everywhere? This fact I realized very late. I have placed before you all my thoughts; I want you to think deeply on my experiences and realize that Sri Sai is all-pervasive, omnipresent and everywhere in this world. The day you realize this, I will feel vindicated that the purpose in my writing these letters to you has been achieved.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -29

OM SAI

Hyderabad

03 February 1992
(Chapter 31)

Dear Chakrapani,
Incidents of attaining salvation by some devotees at Shirdi, through the grace of Sri Sai, are narrated in this chapter. They are indeed are very fortunate. Even a wild animal (tiger) achieved salvation in the presence of Sri Sai. These are the incidents that occurred at Shirdi in those days. I was witness to Sri Sai granting salvation to HIS devotee and for me an embodiment of Sri Sai himself my maternal aunt's husband Sri Upadhyayula Somayajulu.

I will narrate details of this incident in forthcoming letters of mine. I will write about those aspects of this chapter that has impressed me. At the very beginning of this chapter words said by Bhagawan (Lord) Krishna have been quoted. These words are - Those, who remember me at the last moments of their lives, will attain me (merge in me). Those, who desire or aspire for something else at the last moments of their lives, will only get those desires / aspirations fulfilled in their next life-. How can GOD grant salvation to those who spend their entire lifetime pursuing Arishad Vargas (worldly, material and sensual objects) and end their lives in ignorance of spiritual matters? Just ponder deeply on this question. Therefore desire for knowing GOD has got nothing to do with one's age. An irresistible desire and constant craving for seeking God is needed. From the day an individual gets these two aforesaid qualities, GOD will appear in some form or other in front of him and lives with him from that day onwards. Sri Sai says in the episode of recluse Vijayanand - Those who wear orange coloured robes should not have any attachment for any animate or inanimate thing-. Hence every individual who wears orange coloured robes is not really a recluse. Sri Sai never wore orange coloured robes but still HE was a great Yogeeswara (God realized soul). We can see the real characteristics of a recluse only in Sri Sai.

Sri Sai never asked anything from his devotees but sought only their Love. He accepted their Love and used his power for their welfare. We cannot see another Yogeeswara like Sri Sai in this era of Kali. All the recluses / swamis living in our midst these days seek and get offerings in cash or kind from us. In return they give a well-delivered discourse on knowledge that is easily available in books. My personal feeling is that those, who have gained spiritual knowledge by diligent study of books and scriptures, need not wear orange coloured robes for imparting that knowledge to others. It is possible that these views of mine may be shared by great many. It is not prudent to write in greater detail on this subject. Sri Sai made the recluse Vijayanand read Rama Vijayam, during the last days of his life and granted salvation to him after his death. When I prayed to Sri Sai for granting salvation to my maternal aunt's husband Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu, who was Sri Sai and who bore the expenditure on my education and boarding, at the time of his death Sri Sai made me recite the mantra Raja Ram in his ear. Sri Somayajulu uncle breathed his last uttering that mantra along with me. Sri Sai showered his special Love on Sri Balaram Mankar. Sri Sai, whilst physically being present at Shirdi, gave HIS divine vision to Sri Mankar at Machindragad and proved that HE is omnipresent. Sri Mankar was to travel by train to Bandra, and was unable to procure a ticket for his journey (as the booking window / counter was overcrowded with passengers). At that time Sri Sai appeared in the form of a villager in front of Sri Mankar gave him a ticket for the journey to Bandra and disappeared in the crowd. Sri Balaram Mankar was indeed very fortunate as he breathed his last breath in the presence of Sri Sai. When we inculcate unflinching faith, devotion and love for Sri Sai, HE will appear in front of us in some form or other and save us. I will write more on this aspect in my forthcoming letters with reference to context.

Now let us consider Tatyasaheb Noolkar episode in this chapter. He was a great devotee who tested Baba. Normally we come across many incidents in which GOD tests his devotees. But Noolkar took a stand that unless his two wishes are fulfilled he will not accept Sri Sai as GOD realized soul and go to Shirdi for HIS darshan (vision). Sri Sai fulfilled both the wishes of Noolkar and made HIS devotee come to Shirdi. After passing away of Sri Noolkar Sri Sai says -Alas Tatya has departed before us and he has no rebirth. Tatyasaheb Noolkar was thus fortunate to receive salvation. Coming to Megha, he is an unforgettable character from Sri Sai Sathcharitra. Megha, eventhough unlettered and uneducated, developed unflinching devotion, faith and love for Sri Sai and passed away in that state. A very rare occasion it was for people to see Sri Sai, who had never shed tears, shedding tears and weeping at Megha's death and personally supervising the last rites for Megha's body. Sri Hemadri Pant says - Those who prostrate at any saint's feet and breathe their last breath will be liberated and saved. I do not know what Sri Sai has in store for me. You will come to know my fortune when the time comes.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -30

OM SAI

Hyderabad

04 February 1992
(Chapter - 32)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant described very well the relationship and dependency between Guru (Preceptor) and Shishya (student / seeker) in this chapter. Sri Sai narrated in detail the relationship between him and his preceptor. I will not write elaborately on this aspect but will narrate couple of incidents from my life, so please read on carefully. Your mother taught you to play, speak and sing during your childhood. During your adolescence your teacher educated and taught you to think for your self in the school. Nature taught you the skills for survival. You obtained all these skills from others. You must make this human existence of yours meaningful. A qualified Sadguru (Good preceptor) is essential for showing the way to make the human existence meaningful. Our Sai Baba is that Samartha Sadguru (Able and qualified preceptor). We must read very carefully the episode in this chapter in which the way Sri Sai, while moving around aimlessly along with 3 of his friends in a forest called ignorance, behaved and followed his Guru (Preceptor) for seeing the light of knowledge. We can realize the inescapable need for a Preceptor for driving away the darkness of ignorance by contemplating deeply on this episode. Remember forever what Sri Sai said in this episode. His words are - The search for anything on an empty stomach will not succeed. No one will appear in front of us on the way unless GOD wills it. Never refuse the food offered. Plate on which food is served should not be pushed away. Being offered food by someone is a good omen. You must be remembering the way you used to behave while eating at the dining table in our house. You used to be bad tempered saying that the dishes cooked by your mother were not delicious. I used to remind, at those times; you that Sri Sai had said that FOOD are a form of ETERNAL GOD. You have grown up now and can understand things without my telling you. Think of Sri Sai before commencing eating your meal. HE will take care of you and show you the correct path to follow. Well we are anyway discussing about food, so there is a need to know the views of Sri Sai on this subject. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote thus in
This chapter - Sri Sai never observed fasting. HE never permitted others to fast. Mind of a fasting person will not be steadfast. How can such a person realize the inner significance of being born as a human being? One cannot realize or visualize GOD on an empty stomach-. This does not mean that one should overeat and become obese like an overfed fat horse, which cannot easily move. Sri Hemadri Pant describes these aspects in Sri Sai's words in this chapter thus - Neither fasting nor overeating is good. Limited and moderate eating habit is good for both the body and the mind-.

There is another episode in this chapter describing Sri Sai's childhood as narrated by HIM. He says that Sri Sai was employed to do embroidery on cloth. His employer (GOD) paid him a salary of Rs. 600.00. 600 rupees can be Interpreted as 600 years and the work embroidery on cloth can be interpreted as bringing our lives on to the path of righteousness. GOD has created us all as an ordinary cloth and sent us on to this earth. HE sent good artisans such as Sri Sai to this earth for doing fine embroidery on ordinary cloth, implying that to bring human beings on to the path of righteousness. Sri Sai is Yogiraj (King of GOD realized souls) amongst Yogeeswaras (GOD realized soul). It is indeed our good fortune, that We have taken recourse at the feet of such a Supreme GOD realized soul. HE Will do fine embroidery on the ordinary cloth of our life and will set them on the right path. GOD must have sent HIM on to this earth for carrying out this task for 600 years. I have heard someone saying that GOD has also sent Sri Raghavendra Swami (a venerated Saint of South India) to this earth for teaching the path of devotion for 600 years to people. That is why, even though Sri Raghavendra Swami is not alive anymore, HIS faithful devotees believe that HIS Pavitra Athma (Holy spirit) is still around guiding them. Sri Hemadri Pant had stated that Sri Sai was probably born during 1838 AD. So HIS Pavitra Athma (Holy Spirit) will be around this earth up to 2438 AD and forever save HIS devotees from calamities. What I have written now, I have not read from any book, no one has told me so and it is purely my imagination and interpretation.

I will narrate a small incident for giving validity to my imagination. Sri Sai never permitted anyone to mend his torn robes. HE mended his torn robes himself using a needle and thread when he was alone during afternoons in Dwarakamayi. What is the significance of this? Just contemplate on this question. Sri Sai's mending torn robes implies that somewhere HIS devotee's life is in turmoil and HE is setting that devotee's life in order. Let us believe this to be true.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.


Sai Banisa's Mission:
"To help Sri Shirdi Sai devotees in realising that Sai lives in their Heart."