SAI IN LETTERS (31-40)

SAI IN LETTERS -31

OM SAI

Hyderabad

05 February 1992
(Chapter - 33)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant described in this chapter the Mahima (supernatural power) of Udi (sacred ash) from Dhuni (eternal fireplace) at Dwarakamayi (Sri Sai's residence). You can understand the supernatural power of Udi when you read with devotion Sri Sai Satcharitra. I have adopted the ritual of applying regularly Udi on my forehead in my daily life. During my visit to Korea in May 1991, General Manager of a Korean company called SAMMI asked me a question. That question was - What is the significance of the two marks, one vermilion and the other white, on your forehead? I have met many Indians, some with a vermilion mark, some with a white mark and some with no mark on their foreheads. But I have not come across anyone with both vermilion and white marks before meeting you and hence my curiosity and the question. Why should anyone wear both the marks on the forehead and can you please enlighten me on this? I was lost in thought for a while on what should be my response to these questions. Then I recollected Sri Sai's words from this chapter - All the things we see in this world are not permanent, similar to Ash. Our body made out of five elements, after enjoying material comforts will ultimately disintegrate into Ash (concept similar to From Dust to Dust)-. I replied immediately - the vermilion mark on my forehead represents the spirit or life force that is within my body. Soon after the spirit or the life force leaves my body i.e. when I die, the body will be cremated and inevitably turn into ash. The white mark of ash on my forehead is for reminding me this eternal truth. Thus the vermilion and white marks on my forehead represent the cycle of life (birth) and death which are certain-.

The Korean gentleman was greatly astonished at my reply, and he immediately made a note of the same in his diary. I derived immense happiness at being able to tell the significance of Udi, as narrated by Sri Sai to Sri Hemadri Pant in those days, to foreigners in Korea during 1991.
There is an episode in this chapter about the way Sri Sai sent Udi from Shirdi through a recluse Ramagiri Bua to Nanasaheb Chandorkar at Jamner during 1904 - 05 when his daughter Maina Tai was immensely suffering from labour pain and saved her. The events described in this episode cannot easily be believed to be true by people in general, but for Sri Sai devotees the episode represents Sri Sai Leela (a miracle or supernatural power exhibited by Sri Sai). I will now narrate an incident witnessed personally by me for bringing out Udi's mahima (supernatural power of sacred ash).

My friend Sri Hotha Kameswara Rao visited our house on an evening during October 1991 and requested me to donate blood as his younger brother was to undergo heart surgery (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) next day in Nizam's hospital. I agreed by promising him that I will come to the hospital next morning and donate blood. Next morning after bathing I took a packet of Sri Sai Vibhuti (another word for Udi - sacred ash) and prayed to Sri Sai for a message. I closed my eyes, meditated on Sri Sai and opened randomly a page in Sri Sai Satcharitra. That page was from 33rd (this) chapter and I carefully read that page. I derived clearly Sri Sai's message from that page, the message was - Danger has passed-. I went to the hospital, keeping Sri Sai's message in my mind, donated blood, opened the packet of Vibhuti, took out a pinch of the same, applied it as a mark on the patient's forehead and returned home. My friend Sri Kameswara Rao came to our house that evening and said - Doctors examined my younger brother once again this morning. They opined that there was no need for a major heart surgery, but they will perform a minor surgery two days later during which an air bubble will be sent in the blocked artery for clearing the blockage-. I remembered Sri Sai's message - Danger has passed - given to me by Sri Sai in the morning, as soon as I heard Sri Kameswara Rao's words. I told him Sri Sai's message by narrating my meditation on Sri Sai that morning. I opened the page of Sri Sai Satcharitra and showed the message to him. Sri Kameswara Rao bowed before Sri Sai's image and offered his gratitude to HIM in my presence. I believe this is an example for demonstrating supernatural power of Udi from Dhuni at Dwarakamayi in Shirdi.

Think about this incident and realize the power of Sri Sai's Vibhuti. Sri Hemadri Pant writes thus in this chapter - Baba will, forever protect whomever, whole-heartedly loves and worships HIM. Baba will answer his prayer at any place and at any time by appearing in some form or other to fulfill his wish. Baba will always be by his side-. I believe these to be literally true and I will narrate a few incidents from my life.

I went for Godavari (a river in South India) Pushakaram (a religious event similar to Kumbh held on the banks of river Ganges) in 1991 and commenced my return journey. My maternal uncle met me at Rajahmundry railway station and gave me a small metal trunk with a request to deliver the same to our relative in Hyderabad. I was carrying only a small handbag. I readily agreed to my uncle's request for delivering that trunk, as I did not have many luggages with me. On arrival at Secunderabad railway station the ticket collector, at the exit gate, said that the trunk needs to be weighed. I agreed and proceeded towards the weighing balance. I placed the trunk and my handbag on the balance. My baggage was overweight by 10 Kg. and the ticket collector told me that I have to pay a penalty for excess baggage. On hearing this I requested for the baggage to be re-weighed without my handbag and my request was turned down. I was told to pay a penalty of Rs.102 for the excess baggage. I had only Rs.20 on me at that time. I was told by the ticket collector to leave my baggage, go home, get The required amount and collect the baggage after payment of the penalty. I pleaded that the trunk did not belong to me, I was carrying it on behalf of a friend and hence I may please be let off without paying the penalty. The ticket collector did not accede to my repeated pleas. I was in a hopeless situation and prayed, with tears in my eyes, to Sri Sainath. People on the platform took me to be a thief, gathered around me and were watching the scene with curiosity. I was ashamed at my predicament and could not lift my head up. At that time a railway officer, dressed in white uniform, came there, placed his hand on my shoulder and consoled me saying that he knew that the trunk did not belong to me. He ordered for a glass of cool water to be brought and offered the same to me. A lady arrived from somewhere and started talking in a familiar manner with the ticket collector, who cornered me. The railway officer, who gave cool water to me for drinking, ordered a railway porter to pick up my baggage and accompany me up to an auto-rickshaw. I could not believe my ears at the turn of events.

I could visualize my Sai in that railway officer. I paid my respects by raising and joining my palms together to HIM, came out of the station and reached our home in an auto. I sought Sri Sai's assistance when I was undergoing mental agony in Secunderabad station. Did Sri Sai appear in front of me in the form of a senior railway officer, understood the problem faced by me, consoled me, offered me a cool glass of water and saved me from my predicament? This is a question that arose in my heart at that time. My answer to that question is that I can say with full confidence and faith that Sri Sai himself appeared in the form of a human being and saved me. I suppose that you will not negate this belief of mine. Mother of my childhood friend Ravindranath passed away in Ajmer town during 1991. I went immediately on hearing the sad news to Ajmer and offered condolences to my friend. He told me that a Dargah (Mausoleum) of a great Aulia (Muslim saint) exists in the town and advised me to visit the monument. He deputed his servant to accompany me on my visit to the holy place. All visitors to Ajmer town, irrespective of the religion followed by them, visit this holy shrine. I felt that Sri Sainath himself is instructing me to visit the shrine when my friend suggested the same. I came out, accompanied by my friend's servant, of his house and took an auto for going to that shrine in Ajmer. One old man stopped our auto, after we traveled for a kilometer, and requested the driver for lift to a place close to the shrine. Auto driver asked the old man for Rs.4 as fare but the old man said that he gives only Rs.2 to any one. At this stage I intervened on behalf of the old man and asked him to get into the auto. The auto was approaching the shrine; the old man asked the driver to stop the vehicle, got off and was about to pay Rs.2 to the driver. I intervened once again saying that I will pay Rs.2 on his behalf to the driver. Saying these words I joined both my palms and paid my respects to the old man. I could visualize Sri Sainath in the benign smile of the old man. That old man took out a small bottle, containing some medicine, from his pocket and gave it to me saying that I should apply it on any part of my body where there is severe pain. I accepted the bottle with medicine and gratefully thanked him with folded hands. As the auto proceeded towards the shrine, I felt that Sri Sai was sitting next tome a small while earlier. With these thoughts in my mind I looked back on the road and could not see the old man anywhere on the road. What an idiot I was that I did not recognize Sri Sainath when HE sat next tome and addressed him as old man. This incident is a proof for the fact that Sri Sai appears in some form or other near HIS devotee grants his wish and then disappears. I have been surrendering myself to Sri Sai since 1989. I called whole-heartedly Sri Sai for assistance; HE appeared in some form or other in front of me, provided the sought help and then disappeared.

I have so far written 3 incidents from my life in support of this claim of mine. Firstly during my flight to Korea the person who sat in the seat next to mine and presented a box of chocolates to me while disembarking at Hong Kong was Sri Sai. Secondly when I was in a distress at Secunderabad railway station, as I did not have enough money to pay the demanded penalty for excess baggage, the person who offered a cool glass of water to drink and came to my rescue was Sri Sai. Thirdly while proceeding in an auto towards the shrine in Ajmer, the person who shared the auto with me and who gave me a bottle of medicine to relieve body pain after getting off at his destination was Sri Sai. I can tell with full confidence after citing these 3 examples that when we call Sri Sai with love & devotion HE will appear in some form or other and fulfill our desires. It is for us to recognize when that happens and the fault is ours alone if we are unable to see HIM when HE appears in some other form. Sri Hemadri Pant narrated an episode concerning Sri Appasaheb Kulkarni in this chapter. After reading this episode I am reminded of an incident that occurred on 22nd March 1991 evening. I will write about this incident. 22nd March is your mother's and my wedding anniversary day. Your mother and me went to Sri Kanyaka Parameswari temple that evening. When we reached the temple, the priest had not as yet opened the doors of the sanctum sanctorum. I was meditating on Sri Sai's name and at that time one recluse appeared at the entrance to the temple. He announced that he had come from Sri Kanaka Durga temple at Vijayawada and asked for Dakshina (offering). I gave him one Rupee coin, which he accepted and went away. A thought occurred, after his departure, in my mind that I should have given at least Rs.10 as an offering as it was our anniversary that day. I then resolved that if he came back I would give him Rs.10 as an offering. By that time the temple priest opened the sanctum sanctorum doors. Your mother and me performed Kumkuma Archana (ritual worship of the deity using vermilion coloured powder), came out of the temple and sat on the steps outside. A Sikh recluse, wearing white clothes, went around the temple once and sat next to us. He had a cloth bag slung on his shoulder. He held a tin in one hand and a short stick in his other hand. The moment I looked at him I could visualize Sri Sainath in him. I asked the Sikh recluse wherefrom had he come. He replied stating that he came from an Ashram (hermitage) in Nasik City on the banks of Godavari River. I imagined him to be Sri Sai in that form, gave Rs.10 as an offering, which I had resolved to give the earlier recluse if he came back. The Sikh recluse accepted Rs.10 offering, blessed your mother and me and then left. When he was accepting Rs.10 from me the Sikh recluse appeared tome as Sri Sai himself. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote about Sri Haribhau Karnik at the end of this chapter. After reading that episode I resolved in 1991 that I would offer clothes, in the name of Sri Sai, on every Guru Purnima day (a Hindu holy festival). It is for Sri Sainath to accept my resolution of offering clothes in HIS name on every Guru Purnima day. How Guru Purnima will be celebrated by me in future depends on Sri Sainath's grace and not in my hands*.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father

* Sai Ba - Ni - Sa told the translator that by Baba's grace he has been fulfilling his resolution by performing Vastra Danam (offering of clothes) on every Guru Purnima day since then.
Translated from the Telugu original into English by Sri Sai devotee Madhusudan Nori.
Secunderabad.

SAI IN LETTERS -32

OM SAI

Hyderabad

06 February 1992
(Chapter - 34)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant continued to describe the Mahima (supernatural power) of Udi (sacred ash) in this chapter also. Sri Sai Satcharitra is a treasure house for Leelas (divine occurrences) of Sri Sai before HE attained Maha Samadhi (an act of merging the spirit with the eternal spirit GOD). Sai devotees are witness to Sri Sai Leelas performed after the year 1918 i.e. from the time Sri Sai ceased to exist in HIS human form. Cultivate faith in words of Sri Sai quoted in this chapter. His words are - Those who step into Dwarakamayi in full faith, will never suffer from any disease or ailment in this life-. Prior to 1989 I suffered many a time with severe pain in my joints. I did not suffer any more from these joint pains after 1990 to this date. I attribute this improvement in my health to my visit to Shirdi, stepping into Dwarakamayi and surrendering myself at Sri Sai's feet in 1990. Note Sri Sai's words quoted in the episode of Dr. Pillai in this chapter. His words are - Tell him to be fearless. Why should he suffer for 10 births? I can mitigate all sins of his past lives in 10 days-. In my opinion an ordinary human being can never utter such words to generate courage in a hopeless situation. The supreme GOD incarnated as Sri Sai in a human form and only HE could forgive sins of devotees, mitigate consequences of such sins and bring relief. This way HE ensured that devotees developed unflinching faith in the supreme GOD. Sri Sai's words uttered in HIS human form showcase HIS divinity and humility. Note these words - I am not God, I am not Lord, I am only HIS obedient servant-.

Many Mahatmas (great souls), Yogis (God realized souls) and God's incarnations have taken birth on this earth in this Kali Yuga (age of Kali). But none of them spoke as Sri Sai had spoken. None of them can be compared to Sri Sai. Sri Sai had cured many people, suffering from various diseases and given up as hopeless cases by the Doctors of the day. In some cases Sri Sai transferred the ailments from the patients to himself and liberated them from their suffering. HE always uttered, while curing the ailments of patients - Allah Malik Hai, Allah achcha karega (God is the Master, HE will cure)-. Has any recluse, mendicant or Yogi of the present day uttered such words. Just think about it. Fill your thoughts fully with Sri Sai; HE will take good care of you.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -33

OM SAI

Hyderabad
(Chapter - 35)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant described a few miracles performed by Sri Sai and also the supernatural power of Udi (sacred ash) in this chapter. The persons, mentioned in the chapter only experienced these miracles. These incidents removed negative feelings held in mind by those individuals and filled their hearts with happiness. When Kaka Mahajani's friend was climbing the steps of Dwarakamayi, Sri Sai lovingly invited him to enter. The tone and the voice of Sri Sai resembled greatly with those of the friend's departed father. Thus the endearing invitation extended by Sri Sai filled the friend's heart with immense happiness; he forgot himself and prostrated at the feet of Sri Sai. I had a similar experience in my life and I will narrate the same now. My father passed away during 1974 when you were just about 8 months old baby. He never appeared in my dreams since then. I surrendered myself at Sri Sai's feet in 1989. I can never forget the words I heard from Sri Sai's picture at 5 AM early morning on a day in October 1991 (I do not remember the exact date when this happened).

The words I heard that early morning were - Have you completely forgotten me? See me in your son Chakrapani. - and the voice was that of my departed father. I was both astonished as well as pleased at that time. Thinking deeply on this occurrence, I have realized that Sri Sai is present both in those who are older than I am as well as in those who are younger than I am. Sri Sai says the same thing in the 15th chapter. HIS words are - Worship me always in your heart and in the hearts every individual-. I will bring to your notice an incident to prove this view. Please read the book titled Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi written by late Rao Bahadur M.W. Pradhan, J.P., in which the last days in the life of Sri Nanasaheb Nimonkar are described. He was blessed and fortunate to see Sri Sai Baba in even his wife during the last days of his life. I am writing a very important message for you in this letter. Incase you yearn and aspire for the divine grace of Sri Sai Baba, you make a personal effort to learn about HIM instead of seeking HIM through middlemen. If you feel so, you may listen to words uttered by middlemen, but please do not address them as Sadgurus (Good Preceptors).

Now-a-days one comes across many devotees of Sri Sai claiming them to be Sadgurus, by prefixing that title before their names. They claim that they are the only ones who have truly surrendered to Sri Sai and are getting accepted as such in the society. These may be Acharyas (Professors) in Sai University, but there is only one Chancellor who is Sri Sai Baba himself. Similarly there may be great many ardent devotees of Sri Sai, but these devotees cannot be called as Sadgurus. Listen to anyone speaking about Sri Sai; understand the good values from such speeches and Seeing Sri Sai in them pay your respects by touching their feet. Your salutations will reach Sri Sainath. Episode of Kaka Mahajani's friend, narrated in this chapter, contains the following words of Sri Sai - You take that away. Remove the wall of dualism separating us. Then we can meet face to face and see eye to eye-. Sri Sai devotees going to middlemen for finding out about Sri Sai, even after coming to know these words of Sri Sai, is utterly ridiculous. Now you may ask me to explain my conduct on this issue. I do admit that during the period: 1989 - 90 I did go to middlemen and the so-called Sadgurus for finding out about Sri Sai. Sri Sainath himself corrected this aberration of mine. Once we realize our mistakes and make amends, we will not normally repeat the mistake. Now recollect the incident of raisins described in the episode of Kaka Mahajani's master from this chapter. Similar incident occurred in my life also. I was doing my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra on a Thursday 06 February 1992, i.e. yesterday. I was thinking about what should be offered to Sri Sai that night. At that time a woman, selling vegetables on the street, was asking your mother whether she would buy Bottle Gourd. Your mother irritably replied in the negative. Even though I was doing devotional reading, I could hear the conversation, but was in no position to interrupt my daily ritual worship to get up and go to the door. That woman was not accepting refusal to buy and was telling your mother to check up with the master of the house. Your mother got annoyed and chased away that vegetable seller from our door. I was getting a desire for offering Bottle Gourd preparation to Sri Sai that night. I resolved that if the vegetable seller comes to our door again, I would buy Bottle Gourd and make its preparation in the night. In the meanwhile I completed my daily ritual of reading Sri Sai Satcharitra and came to the front door. At that moment another woman, with a basket full of Bottle Gourds, came in front of our house door and asked -Sir, do you want Bottle Gourds? -. I was elated at this, bought a Bottle Gourd, prepared a dish using it and made an offering of the same along with Roti (roasted wheat pan cake) to Sri Sai at night.
I believe that Sri Sai devotees, who have read Sri Sai Satcharitra, will consider this incident as a happy event. Sri Sai's words on contributions to good & righteous causes, contained in this chapter are - If I take one Rupee as Dakshina (offering) from anyone I will have to return 10 times that amount to that person. I will never take anything gratis-. Would you like me to write my views on this statement? OK, then read on. I get unknown happiness in my mind when I give one Rupee as an offering in Sri Sai's name to any aspirant on any day. I have never experienced shortage of food and clothing. Prior to 1989, I faced financial hardships, could not even afford to get my clothes pressed by washer man and suffered mental agony for selling the gold ring, worn by me, to make both ends meet. I did not face such a miserable situation after 1990. I settled all the loans taken for construction of our house. I did not have to borrow money or take loan in my life after 1990. I did not have any big bank balance. What I had was a huge balance called contentedness and deep satisfaction in my mind. Probably this state is the result of my offering one Rupee as an offering in Sri Sai's name to poor and needy whenever I came across them. The inner meaning of Sri Sai's words - I will give ten folds of what I receive - is that HE will give ten folds Happiness and Peace.

I will now write one more thing. For getting a good night's sleep do as I now suggest.

Contemplate on Sri Sai, wear a white mark of Vibhuti (sacred ash) from Dhuni (sacred fire place) at Dwarakamayi (Sri Sai's residence), lie down with your head towards west and place all problems faced by you in front of Sri Sai seeking HIS advise. Sri Sai will appear in one form or other in your dream and advise you on the course of action to be taken by you.

I am writing this from my personal experience. Similar opinion is expressed very lucidly by Late Sri Rao Bahadur M.W. Pradhan in his book titled Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, written in English. Please read this book at least once and note what is written in page 49 of the book. Strengthen your faith in Sri Sai by doing so. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote beautifully on Annadaanam (offering of food) in this chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra. Whenever a feeling, for offering food to the needy in the name of Sri Sai, arises in your heart please go ahead and do it without any inhibition. You will realize that after everyone has finished eating all the food served by you, there will still be some items of food left over. An incident of Sri Sai appearing in the form of a snake in Sri Balaji Patil's house is narrated in this chapter. I had also experienced a similar incident in my life. I dreamt, on a night during January 1992, that I was heating water during pre-dawn hours for my early morning bath. When I was getting ready to commence my bath I noticed that a snake entered the bathroom apparently with a desire to bathe. I woke up with a start and started thinking about the significance of this dream. I closed my eyes in contemplation and visualized that priests were pouring warm water on Sri Sainath's Samadhi and thus bathing Sri Sai. I realized that the dream implied that Sri Sai is indicating to me that I must perform daily abhishekham (ritual bathing of an idol by pouring water over it while chanting specified Mantras - holy hymns) to HIM. I have started a daily practice, after finishing my early morning bath, of taking water in my cupped hands, meditating on Sri Sai and then releasing the held water from my cupped palms. I am getting a feeling of daily bathing Sri Sai in this manner. I cannot put in words the amount of joy experienced by me in those moments. I trust that you will also start this daily practice of my bathing Sri Sai and earn HIS divine grace. On the day Sri Sai appeared in the form of a snake in the bathroom in my dream, HE once again appeared in the form of my Muslim friend Sri Samad in my dream. In the dream my friend was writing, about his experiences, joys & sorrows in his life, in a letter to me. I thought about the significance of this dream. I interpreted the dream as Sri Sai ordering me to compare the experiences and joys & sorrows in my life with Sri Sai Satcharitra and accordingly write letters to you. I am writing these letters to you in this firm belief of HIS orders tome.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -34

OM SAI

Hyderabad

08 February 1992
(Chapter - 36)

Dear Chakrapani,
This chapter contains description of mysterious ways of Sri Sai asking Dakshina (offering) and the means used by HIM for fulfilling wishes of HIS devotees. It becomes crystal clear that one needs experience in spiritual matters for understanding these phenomena. Contemplate on the reasons for Sri Sai accepting Dakshina (offering) from one gentleman and refusal to accept the same from another gentleman, narrated in the episode of two gentlemen from Goa in this chapter. There was also a similar event in my life. I went to Sri Ganesh temple, located near Secunderabad railway station, on a morning during 1990 and worshipped the Lord in the temple. When I came out of the temple, Sri Sai, in the form of an elderly gentleman, confronted me and asked me for an offering by stretching his arm in front of me. My spontaneous response was to give him one Rupee coin. I started to proceed towards Sri Panduranga temple, which was located close by, while mentally meditating on Sri Sai's name. I was thinking that I am always giving one Rupee coin as an offering to Sri Sai and why is Sri Sai not asking a bigger amount as an offering from me? I was inflated with ego and was walking with a thought in my mind that had Sri Sai asked me I would have given one more one Rupee coin as an offering. As I approached Gokul Lodge en-route, a 30year old young FAQIR glared towards me, called me with anger in his tone and uttered these words in Hindi -Do I appear like a beggar to your eyes? Am I starving and asking for an offering? What are you thinking? Give me an offering in the name of Sri Shirdi Sai -. I was greatly frightened when I heard those loud and angry words from a FAQIR in a public place. I asked mentally pardon for my arrogant thoughts, took out a two Rupees currency note from my pocket and gave it to the young FAQIR. I started walking briskly, with an agitated mind and praying to Sri Sai, and reached Sri Panduranga Vithal temple.

This incident generated a chain of thoughts in my mind. Sri Sai comes to know, very easily, our innermost thoughts. HE is Omnipresent and Omniscient. I came to a firm conclusion that HE is the ruler of every individual's heart. I believe that this incident in my life will make you happy and start thinking about spiritual matters. Sri Sai never accepted any money as alms from any one. HE accepted money only as Dakshina (offering) and that too for freeing the giver from his / her past debt. Even if you offer a large amount of money as Dakshina (offering) to Sri Sai, HE will not accept it. HE will accept only the exact amount owed by you and this is my firm belief. I also want to live my life, through Sri Sai's grace & blessings, without aspiring for money / wealth from any one else. Only Sri Sainath can fulfill this wish of mine. Now Sri Sai Satcharitra is witness to this fact that wife of Sri Aurangabadkar, who did not conceive even once during her 27 years of married life, conceived and gave birth to a son only after receiving blessings of Sri Sai. I am witness to two similar incidents of recent origin. Firstly brother-in-law, of my sister, was married for 10 years and the couple was issue less. The couple then went on a pilgrimage to Shirdi, prayed to Sri Sai for progeny and on their return the lady conceived. A healthy male child was born in due course of time.

Secondly my friend's daughter was married for 8 years but without an issue. At that stage she undertook Parayana (devotional reading) of Sri Sai Satcharitra for earning the grace of Lord Sainath. She conceived by HIS grace, on completion of the Parayana, and gave birth to a healthy male child in due course of time. I am writing about these incidents from my life so that you can realize that Sri Sai, even though not present in HIS physical form in these days, is present as a Holy Spirit amongst us. There will be no dearth of happiness and peace in the lives of those, who wholeheartedly surrender themselves at the Divine feet of Sri Sai. There will not be any shortage of food and clothing in their houses. Devotees of Sri Sai do not hanker for unlimited wealth but are satisfied with whatever they possess through HIS grace. This is a true fact observed by me in life. If you aspire for both happiness and peace in your life as well as adequate food and clothing in your house, then please pray to Sri Sai and fully surrender yourself at HIS divine feet. HE will take care of you.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -35

OM SAI

Hyderabad

09 February 1992
(Chapter - 37)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant described Sri Sai's attributes and details of the procession to Chavadi (one of the 2 places in Shirdi where Sri Sai used to sleep) in this chapter. Sri Hemadri Pant writes - HE was never lazy, never dozed but was ever alert and was always present to the Aathma (Inner spirit)-. HE himself mended his worn out Kafnis (a type of robe worn by him) during afternoon hours when HE had free time from his devotees. HE never permitted his devotees, who volunteered to take on this task, to mend his old robes. In doing so HE has set an example to his devotees to give up laziness. We must understand, from this, that HE did not mend old torn robes but mended the broken lives of HIS devotees. Sri Hemadri Pant writes further - Let the knowledge, gained from association with HIM; be with us till our last breath! Let us forever serve HIS feet with devotion from bottom of our hearts! Let us see HIM in all living beings! Let us LOVE HIS name forever-! How fortunate was Sri Hemadri Pant, who put into practice each word said by HIM in his life and became an ideal to be followed by fellow Sai Bandhus (Sai devotees). If you can truly follow the path shown by him you will become a true Sri Sai devotee. We are all born after 1918 and hence were not fortunate enough to witness the procession to Chavadi of Sri Sai. Hence please read this chapter with full devotion and concentration fill your heart with Sri Sai and get a feel of the procession to Chavadi by visualizing the same. Sri Hemadri Pant describes the blessedness of Sri Sai's chillum (earthen smoking pipe) thus - Even the inanimate Chillum becomes blessed by coming into contact with HIM. Initially it had to undergo much turmoil's and travails. The earth was subjected to trampling by the pot maker, was dried in hot sun, was baked in kiln to finally become a Chillum and then became blessed by the divine touch and kiss of Sri Sai Baba-. I was meditating on Sri Sai and HIS devotees of those days, thinking about HIM. I then heard these words uttered by an unfamiliar voice - Your life is like a molten lump of iron, let it be beaten by sledgehammer on an anvil and then quenched by dipping in a liquid called Sai. See the form and color taken by that lump of iron-. That unfamiliar voice belonged to my ardent GOD Sri Sainath, the lump of iron is my life, sledgehammer blows are experiences of my life and I am eagerly waiting for that day for me to be immersed in a liquid called Sri Sai and thus become blessed. After completion of ritual worship of Sri Sai at the end of the procession to Chavadi, all devotees retired to their respective homes. At that time Sri Sai used to call Tatya and tell him - Take good care of ME. If you feel like you may go home but come once in the night to attend to my needs-. It is hard to hear these words of Sri Sai and comprehend them. Aren't you wondering that Sri Sai, who takes care of millions of people, is asking Tatya to take care of HIM? Now I will reveal a small secret. Sri Sai never slept at any time, even during night. He left HIS gross body at Dwarakamayi or Chavadi during nights (seemingly to be sleeping), and traveled millions of miles in HIS ethereal body to save and take care of those devotees of HIS earnestly requesting for HIS succour. At that time HIS gross body was in deep meditation. One should never speak to Sri Sai, when HE is in deep meditation. Erroneously if someone speaks to HIM at such times, Sri Sai's meditation gets disturbed and may result in harm to Sri Sai's devotees. Sri Sai sought help of Tatya and Mhalsapati to ensure that no one touches the gross body of Sri Sai or speak to HIM at such times when HE is in deep meditation. This aspect has amply been described in an English book titled The Incredible Sai Baba written by Mr. Arthur Osborne. I will write such details in my forthcoming letters. Shall I take leave then?

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -36

OM SAI

Hyderabad

10 February 1992
(Chapter 38)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant elaborated, in this chapter, on Annadanam (offering of food to hungry) performed by Sri Sai at Shirdi, details of utensils used by HIM for preparing the food, the way HE cooked the Naivedyam (items of food offered to GOD) and the abundant LOVE Sri Sai had for Sri Hemadri Pant. All aspects of performing Annadanam have clearly been explained in this chapter. It is said - Feeding the hungry & poor (Annadanam) is the best amongst all varieties of charity-.

I will now mention as an example two individuals, known to me, whose name comes to my mind while discussing this matter. First name is that of Mrs. Docca Seethamma, resident of Vakkalanka (a village near my native place in Konaseema area of coastal Andhra Pradesh), who had spent all her wealth on performing Annadanam (feeding the hungry and poor) and thus earned the name of Annapoorna (name of a Goddess of Benares / Varanasi / Kasi who is provider of food to all) in Konaseema area. She herself used to cook the items of food and feed all persons visiting the village, without differentiating whether they are relatives, strangers and are of any caste. This fact was even noticed by the then British Government ruling India. She never cared for her own health and continued to cook, even when she was unwell, and performed Annadanam. Her generous nature and blessedness are thus evident. The second name is that of Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu, husband of my maternal aunt. He did not have any children of his own, but he gathered many children of his relatives, under his roof providing them with shelter and bore the entire expenditure on account of their education and food. Thus he was a great soul who did Vidyadanam (charity towards education) and Annadanam (charity towards providing food).

I humbly state that I was one amongst those children who grew up under his roof. Sri Somayajulu uncle was fighting for his life and was on the deathbed on 29 January1991. That day was Grihapravesam (house warming ceremony or ritual of entering a new house for the first time) and he inquired, from his sick bed, whether each and every 200 invitees for the Annadanam had properly been fed. You can see that even at the last moments of his life he was concerned that Annadanam be performed without any fault.

He merged in Sri Sai on 30 January 1992 Thursday at 1:20 PM Ekadasi (an auspicious day of Hindu lunar month) after hearing the afternoon Harati. Isn't this the result of his performing Annadanam? Now I will write about an incident that occurred in my life while performing Annadanam, so read on carefully. That day 17 October 1991 was Vijaya Dashami (last day of Hindu festival Dussera) and I prayed to Sri Sai, after the morning Harati, from the bottom of my heart saying - Baba grant me an opportunity to feed at least 10 people in my house today. I will eat only after feeding 10 people-. This was the vow taken by me that morning. I performed the afternoon Harati. Invited guests and visitors started arriving at our house for lunch. By 3 PM 9 guests have been fed and I did not have my meal as yet. I had vowed before Sri Sai that I will eat only after feeding 10 individuals and I was determined to keep my word. 10th guest did not arrive and it was 4 PM in the evening. Even your mother finished her meal and my etermination to fulfill my vow increased. A fleeting thought crossed my mind that couldn't Sri Sai send 10 individuals to my house for a meal? I had been fasting since morning, was suffering from hunger pains in my stomach and was in mental agony, as the 10th guest did not arrive. Not knowing what to do, I looked at Sri Sainath's portrait with sad eyes. HIS bewitching smile was testing my patience. If the saying that Sri Sai never permitted anyone to fast was true, then why am I in this situation with hunger on this day? What is the significance of the bewitching smile on Sri Sai's face when I am suffering from hunger pains? I needed answers to these 2 questions and was wondering on whom to approach for the answers. At that moment my eyes fell on the book titled Sai Baba of Shirdi - a Unique Saint written by MV Kamath & VB Kher, bought by me on 16 October 1991, in the bookshelf in front of me. I opened the bookshelf, took that book in my hand, praying wholeheartedly to Sri Sai - You came to my house yesterday in the form of this new book and I can visualize you in this book. You must give answers to my agonizing questions. This is not a test for me but a test for YOU. If you like your devotee to suffer by fasting, I can remain without food for a full one day. 10th guest has not yet arrived at my house for a meal. I will have my meal only after the 10th guest finishes his meal. It is for YOU to tell me what to do now-. Praying to Sri Sai thus, I held the new book in my hands closed my eyes and opened the book randomly.

When I opened my eyes, the book was open at page No. 135 and I started searching for answers to my questions on that page. Sri Sai visualized in the form of last sentence on that page and gave answers sought by me thus - Do you want me to eat more? Go now and have your meal-. I was filled with unexplained happiness. Did Sri Sai himself arrive as the 10th guest in my house and had HIS meal? I could not believe it, as I have not seen any individual arriving as the 10th guest. I did not even see any animal coming to our house so HE could not have come in the form an animal. I was wondering about in which form had Sri Sai come and took HIS meal. It was then that my eyes fell on an ant, which was circumambulating round the plate, with food offerings, placed in front of Sri Sai's portrait. Sri Sai's words, contained in the 9th chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, came to my mind. These words were - Similarly cats, pigs, flies, cows etc. are all my forms. I am going around in these forms. I am present in all living beings-. I mentally paid my respects and thanked Sri Sai, realized that Sri Sai never made HIS devotees to undertake fasting and had my meal as 11th person at 4:45 PM on that day. You must understand one aspect from this incident; Sri Sai immensely liked Annadanam (feeding the hungry). Whenever and wherever Annadanam is being performed, HE will be present there in some form or other and blesses HIS devotees. Just observe the way Sri Sai used to offer Naivedyam (offering food) to GOD.

Devotees used to bring various dishes & delicacies to Dwarakamayi and place them before Sri Sai. HE used to take out a small amount from each dish & delicacy into a vessel and offer the contents of the vessel to GOD. What should we learn from this? GOD does not look for the taste in dishes & delicacies offered to HIM by devotees, but looks for the extent of devotion with which these have been offered. That's why Sri Sai never bothered much about the taste of food offered to HIM. HE sought only LOVE from his devotees. Before consuming any edible item you offer the same with devotion to Sri Sai and HE will happily accept the same. When I was meditating on a particular day Sri Sai said - I prefer the plain and sweet Sapota (an Indian fruit - Chikoo in Hindi - Scientific name Achras Sapota) fruit to beautiful and tempting Pampara Panasa (an Indian fruit of citrus genre - Scientific name Pomelmoos) fruit. Sri Sai is GOD to all of us. What that GOD likes is a sweet Sapota called LOVE. If we LOVE SAI, without realizing we will start loving our contemporaries by seeing Sri Sai in them. Remember that synonym for LOVE is SAI.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -37

OM SAI

HYDERABAD

11 February 1992
(Chapter - 39)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant described in detail Sri Sai's knowledge of Sanskrit and construction Of Booty Wada (Stone Masonry mansion built by Sri Booty with blessings of Sri Sai) in this chapter. Love and adoration of Sri Sai, by the residents of Shirdi village, has been narrated in this chapter. Particular time and place have not been specified for taking Sri Sai's name but anyone can meditate on HIS name at any place and time. Sri Sai interpreted well a sloka (poem) in Sanskrit language from Srimad Bhagawad Gita (A Hindu classic in which Lord Krishna enlightens Arjuna before the commencement of the battle at Kurukshetra in Mahabharata). Note the subtle way in which Sri Sai pricked the inflated balloon called ego of Sri Nanasaheb Chandorkar, who prided himself to be an expert Scholar of Sanskrit language. The purpose of education is acquisition of knowledge by each and every individual and dispelling the darkness of ignorance from others. But Nanasaheb's knowledge of Sanskrit made his ego bloat up. Sri Sai, during his conversation with Nanasaheb, explained the meaning of the Sanskrit sloka (poem) and its nuances in a simple language and subdued Nanasaheb’s ego. Imagine what could be the message being conveyed to us by Sri Sai through such incidents. I will now write the aspects, of that Sanskrit Sloka, liked by me, so read on. Driving away ignorance is acquiring knowledge and wisdom. Expelling darkness is obtaining light. Eradication of the principle of duality is being aware of non-dualism. When we think in terms of these strains, we remember the wise words of our elders. If you do no harm to your contemporaries it is as good as doing a favor to them. If you desist from deriding GOD and YOGI (GOD realized soul) it is as good as worshipping them. Aren’t these words full of wisdom? We must always remember these words in our minds. Now let us consider the Samadhi Mandir (a place of permanent rest and temple) built by Sri Gopal Mukund Booty in Shirdi. Are you astonished by Sri Sai simultaneously appearing in a dream on a night to Shyama and Booty and telling them to build a wada (mansion) along with a temple for him? We can understand from this occurrence that Sri Sai is GOD himself and hence HE can simultaneously appear, either in his physical form or as a vision in a dream, to HIS devotees at different places. Sri Sai, when HE was alive in HIS physical form in Shirdi in those days, simultaneously appeared in a dream as a vision to two devotees and told them what HE wanted them to do. In the present times, when Sri Sai is no longer physically present in Shirdi, HE still appears as a vision in dreams of HIS devotees. We can infer from the foregoing that there is no Death for Sri Sai in those days, at present times and in future yet to come and that HE is Omnipresent at all times. I realized and accepted the statement, Baba and Muralidhara (one who holds flute – another name of Lord Krishna) are one and the same, made in this chapter as true. This realization happened on a Thursday 14 December 1989, the day your elder sister bought Panchaloha (an alloy of 5 metals) idols of Sri Sainath and Muralidhara at Bangalore and presented them to me. Your sister did not know much about Sri Sai on that day i.e. 14 Dec 89 and it is my firm belief that Sri Sainath himself inspired her to purchase those two idols and made her present them to me.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -38

OM SAI

HYDERABAD

12 February 1992
(Chapter – 40)

Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant beautifully described the Sai Leelas (Divine actions of Sri Sai) in this chapter. Reading these Leelas gives rise to a powerful desire in us for experiencing them. If Sri Sai makes similar incidents occur in our lives we can then soak in the happiness generated by them. Sri Sai fulfills such wishes of HIS devotees and brings happiness to them. I am but one of HIS numerous devotees who has experienced such happiness through HIS Leelas. I will narrate my experience with Sri Sai in this letter. Hemadri Pant says in this chapter " Sri Sai placed HIS hand on the devotee’s head, transferred HIS energy to them for destruction, of all discrimination (religious / caste / language) which differentiates, and imparts integration – unity with the real self – Godhead." I have gone through such an experience. My uncle, husband of my mother’s younger sister, Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayazulu garu – a Sri Sai Devotee, was on his deathbed. On 29 January 1992 after completion of noon harati to Sri Sai, even though my uncle was suffering from unbearable pain, he called me to his bedside, lovingly looked at me and placed his hand on my head. He stroked gently on my head and at that time I experienced a feeling that Sri Sai was blessing me by placing HIS hand on my head. Sri Hemadri Pant narrated in this chapter an incident through which he experienced a Sri Sai Leela. The incident was Sri Sai’s arrival in the form of a photograph at the residence of Sri Hemadri Pant. I quote from the chapter "Sri Hemadri Pant unwrapped the newspaper, used to wrap the package, and found with delight a big framed beautiful picture of Sri Sai inside. He was immensely wonder struck; his heart melt and tears of joy flowed from his eyes. He had goose pimples, he bent forwards and touched with reverence Baba’s feet in the picture."

I have experienced a similar incident in my life. It was during the year 1990 I had decided to install a new-framed picture of Sri Sai on Vijaya Dasami day (10th day of the Dasara festival) in our house and do Anna Santarpana (feeding of the poor). I had bought a nice photo of Sri Sai and gave it for framing well in time, in fact 7 days before Vijaya Dasami, in a photo framing shop near our house and had even paid an advance amount of Rs. 50 to the shop owner. He promised to deliver the framed photo in 2 days time. He did not keep his word and the framed photo was not even ready on the penultimate day. I confronted the shop owner on his breach of promise and his response was " Why are you getting agitated? I will work in the night to complete the framing job and deliver the finished product at your doorstep tomorrow well in time for your Puja (ritual worship). This is my promise." I believed in his promise.

The next day dawned, it was Vijaya Dasami, the hour of worship was approaching and our house did not have a framed picture of Sri Sai Samadhi Mandir along with HIS idol. One had to go a long distance to a market for purchasing a ready made framed picture of Sri Sai for which there was not enough time. The time for the noon Harati was fast approaching and I did not know what to do. In that helpless situation I could not do anything but pray to Sri Sai from the bottom of my heart and asked for a solution to the problem faced by me. At that time I did not even possess the book Sri Sai Satcharitra, on the life of Sri Sai, and did not read that book. My thoughts were going haywire as I did not possess the desired framed photo of Sri Sai, did not know how to perform the noon Harati and unconsciously I picked up a book of pictures, purchased by me in 1989 during my first visit to Shirdi. The picture of Sri Sai on the cover of the book did not catch my fancy. I opened the book and saw the picture of Sri Sai, visualized by me, on the 1st page. At that moment I experienced the same feeling experienced by Sri Hemadri Pant in those days. Immediately I placed that picture on a table and gave the noon Harati. I did not know that that book contained a picture of Sri Sai as visualized and desired by me. I trusted that Photo frame dealer before Vijaya Dasami, but he let me down. I put all my trust and faith in Sri Sai as a last resort, at the time of noon Harati on that Vijaya Dasami day, and HE alleviated my mental anguish by HIS coming to my home in the form of a picture in that book. So you place your full faith and trust, from the depths of your mind, in GOD i.e. Sri Sai when you are cornered in a difficult situation and HE will come forward in some form or other to help you. You must believe in this principle.

In service of Sri Sai,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -39

OM SAI

Hyderabad

13.02.92
(Chapter 41)

Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant dealt mainly about the Importance of Sri Sai’s picture, the method of serving Sri Sai without any intermediaries and books / treatises, which can be used for daily Devotional reading, in this chapter and nicely elaborated on these aspects. “ Framed pictures of many yogis (God realized souls) hung in the house of Sri Ali Mohammed were worn out due to wear and tear of time, but the framed picture of Sri Sai survived the effect of time wheel. This incident shows that Sai Baba is omniscient and omnipotent.” Similar incident occurred in my life. My father bought a small picture of Sri Sai and got it framed about 40 years ago. Today that frame is disintegrating after being attacked by termites but Sri Sai’s picture still looks new and with life. SriHemadri Pant says in this chapter “ Baba knows the past, present and future of everything. He adroitly manipulates the strings and fulfills the desires of His devotees.” There is absolutely no doubt regarding this aspect. Sri Sai knows every incident that occurred in my life. HE knows that I am writing these letters to you in these days.

Once you complete reading all these letters, give a pause and think for a while about the inseparable relationship between Sri Sai Satcharitra and my life. Once when I was in meditation, Sri Sai said, “ What are your feelings after reading My Life Story? Don’t you feel and see MY INFLUENCE on your life?” In this chapter you can see the analogy between the questioning Balak Ram and stealing of rags that Baba did not like this attitude of asking others. “HE himself is ever willing to answer any question and hence did not like anyone asking others about Baba.” Even after being so written, so explicitly in Sri Sai Satcharitra, it is nothing but our ignorance if we approach others to learn about Sri Sai, HIS biography and HIS philosophy. Therefore every literate individual must read the version of Sri Sai Satcharitra in one’s own mother tongue and it is better to seek clarifications on one’s doubts directly from Sri Sai during meditation. Such Sadhana (practice) is very much essential to every seeker, as it is not possible to get answers through intermediaries. The fact that I did go to a couple of intermediaries, during 1989 – 90, for finding out more about Sri Sai is true. But I have discontinued such a practice there after. Now I meditate on Sri Sai, before retiring to bed at night, and pray to HIM to enlighten me on things baffling me. I place the problems faced by me before HIM and convey my doubts about spiritual matters to HIM and seek answers from HIM. Sri Sai with HIS abundant love for me, appears in my dreams and through such visions provides answers to my doubts. I pray that all Sai devotees adopt such a procedure and obtain peace and happiness in their lives.

In Sri Sai seva,
Your father.

SAI IN LETTERS -40

OM SAI

Hyderabad

14.02.92
(Chapter – 42)

Dear Chakrapani,
I cannot express in words the relationship that exists between this chapter and my life. I have read with reverence Sri Sai Satcharitra many times. Whenever I did devotional reading of chapters 42, 43 and 44, I was transported to 1918 and used to contemplate on Baba’s attaining Mahasamadhi (soul departing from the physical body). Once when I was in such state on contemplation, a thought occurred in my mind – whether it would be possible for me to see, now at this present time, the scene of Baba’s attainment of Mahasamadhi in 1918? I prayed to Sri Sai thus – “Sainath you have attained Mahasamadhi in the year 1918. Even now your soul is moving amongst your devotees (Sai Bandhus) and is filling the void created by your not being physically present Among’st us. Can you please make it possible for me to experience at this present time that feelingexperienced by your devotees in 1918 when you attained Mahasamadhi?” thus I pleaded to my father Sri Sai. A conviction, that Sri Sai definitely satisfies the wishes of HIS devotees, took roots in me. That conviction of mine attained a form to become apparent in the month of January 1992. I am about to write the details of that experience, so please read on with devotion.

My recourse to Sai, who fed me, educated me and who was husband of my aunt (mother’s younger sister) was Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu garu. He became a believer of Sri Sainath in 1991 and undertook devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. He expressed a desire to go on a pilgrimage to Shirdi. He could not accompany me on the pilgrimage to Shirdi during December 1991 due to unavoidable circumstances. He became a grand father on 12 January 1992, and the newborn male baby was christened Sai Shankar. Days passed by peacefully. The sea is also calm and serene just before arrival of a storm. He became unwell, was suffering and expressed a desire on 23 January 1992 – Thursday – to see me. I went to see him at 10 AM on next day 24 January 1992. He embraced me with tears in his eyes and conveyed that he cannot explain and express the pain he was suffering from. We took him to a doctor in the evening. The doctor advised that he be admitted in a big hospital. We immediately took him to a reputed nursing home and admitted him there. A team of specialists examined him, and we were told that his condition is critical and sinking.

We were advised to intimate by telegram all relatives about the critical status of his health. A week earlier than this day an auspicious date, for Gruhapravesham (a religious house warming ceremony) of his newly constructed house, was fixed for 12 February 1992. He was suffering like the legendary Bhishmacharya (of the epic Mahabharatha), on the deathbed in the nursing home. Would it be possible for him to take part in the religious ceremony of Gruhapravesham of the newly built house, at an expense of Rs. 3 lakhs? Such a thought occurred in my mind. In the past when Sri Sai was unwell, Sri Gopal Mukund Booty and other devotees also harbored similar thoughts on whether or not Sri Sai will enter and sanctify the newly built Wada (stone masonry building) at an expense of Rs. 1 lakh by Sri Booty. Not knowing what I should do in such a situation I did Namasmarana (devotional chanting of Lord’s name). Thinking that it would be better if there was another auspicious day before 12 February 1992, I discussed the issue with his brothers and went to a priest’s house, which is situated close by to the nursing home. The priest called me to enter his Puja room (a room with altar where prayers are offered). I felt the feeling of being invited by the benign smile on the face of Sri Sainath’s portrait placed in the altar, and I considered that as a good omen. An oil lamp was lit in front of the idol of Sri Sainath in the altar; the light from that lamp lit a ray of hope in my heart. That priest fixed an
auspicious time as 9:49 AM on 29 Jan 92 Dasami (10th day of moon in a 15 day waxing / waning period) for Gruhapravesam. I did shashtanga namaskar (An act of obeisance to the almighty by stretching oneself fully in prone position on the floor, to Sri Sai in the altar and walked out courageously.

I told all relatives that the auspicious moment for Gruhapravesham of the newly constructed house will now take place at 9:49 AM on 29 January 1992. I have also conveyed this piece of news to my ailing uncle. He expressed a doubt whether he would stay alive till that date. He was 73 years old, had no children of his own but had borne the expenses for feeding and educating many children of his relatives and extended family. I am one amongst those children who benefited from his generosity. These virtuous acts of his will make him go through the Gruhapravesham ritual of his newly built house on 29 Jan 92, as the revised auspicious moment for the occasion was fixed in Sri Sai’s presence. The Doctor was expressing no hope for the patient to take part in the ritual on this revised auspicious moment. We left the responsibility, for what and how the event is going to take place on Sri Sainath. 9th principle, out of 11 principles pronounced by Sri Sainath, is “ You transfer your burdens on to me and I will bear them.” The present situation is a test for Sri Sai, and also is a test for the faith held by Sai devotees. He, my uncle, stopped eating food from 23 Jan 92, was not in a position to eat anything. By the grace of Sri Sai he drank a glass of buttermilk on 27 Jan19 92. He was meditating on Sri Sai’s name and was eagerly waiting for the auspicious moment of 29 Jan19 92 to arrive. 27th Jan19 92 night went off peacefully. He commenced his fight with death with new vigor on 28 Jan 1992. All the relatives were apprehensive about the Gruhapravesham taking place due to his physical condition, hence were visiting him in the nursing home and going back. The doctors gave him a sedative to relieve him of the unbearable pain being suffered by him. He woke up with a charming smile on his face on 29 Jan19 92. Although there was a smile on his face, the expressions on the faces of doctors present there reflected anxiety indicating hopeless situation. There was still a period of 2 hours for the auspicious moment of Gruhapravesham. I was getting a feeling that the ray of hope in me was flickering and was about to be extinguished by wind. Patient’s eyes were reflecting his desire to be present at the Gruhapravesham of his newly built house.

I went to the priest’s house and saw the peaceful cum gentle smile on the face of Sri Sainath in the picture. HIS devotees are being thrown about here and there in a storm. What is the significance of the gentle smile on Sri Sai’s face? An unexpected courage surged within me. I narrated the situation to the priest. He referred to the almanac and said that Dasami (10th day of 15 days moon phase) commences from 9 AM and hence the Gruhapravesham ceremony can be performed soon after that. I returned immediately to the Nursing home, sanctified the patient by giving him a vibhuthi bath (an act of rubbing / smearing the body with sacred ash), made the patient to wear new clothes, brought an ambulance at 8:30 AM to take him to his newly constructed house. The doctors were not agreeing to the patient being moved in such a manner. I prayed to Sri Sai. This is a test put by Sri Sai. I gathered courage and took the patient to the newly constructed house. All relatives were eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sri Somayajulu garu. All eyes were focused on the patient being brought out lying on a stretcher from the ambulance, but the eyes of the patient were focused on his new house. I was silently chanting Sri Sai’s name every moment, the clock struck 9 in the morning, musicians started playing Sannayi / Shehnai (a wind instrument), the patient cannot walk, he is lying on a stretcher, his wife and my aunt was standing by his side with a pumpkin in her hands, the priest was standing next to her. All of us entered the new house together accompanied by priest chanting mantras and musicians playing Sannayi. I understood then the significance of the benign smile radiating from Sri Sainath’s portrait. We were all mentally disturbed and anxious to a great extent about what was going to happen but Sri Sainath smilingly accepted as well as took over the burden of Gruhapravesham and made HIS 9th principle come true. In other words Sri Sainath kept HIS word and ensured that the Gruhapravesham ceremony took place smoothly. Is not this a Sri Sai Leela (miracle)? Is not this a proof and witness to the 11 principles enunciated by HIM? Pause and think about what you have read so far. Develop faith and trust only in HIM. I will continue writing about the subsequent events in my next letter.

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."