Sri Madhusudhan Nori, Hyderabad, India
" Madhusudan Nori was born on 26 March 1943 at Pune in a deeply religious family. After graduating in Mechanical Engineering from Pune University in 1963 he was commissioned as a Technical Officer in Indian Air Force. He settled down in Secunderabad after his retirement from service.. He has undertaken the task of translating, from the original Telugu to English, Sai Ba-Ni-Sa's letters to his son."
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SAI IN LETTERS (Saibanisa's letters to his Son)
PROLOGUE
Dear Sai Bandhus,
Salutations. I went to Shirdi in 1989 and had Darshan of Sri Sainath in the Samadhi Mandir. The moment my eyes fell on the Divine idol of Sai , I realized that HE is my MASTER and I am HIS servant. I forgot myself momentarily in the Bliss of that realization. I accepted Sri Sai Satcharitra ( Life History of Sri Sai Baba) as a daily devotional reading book on 07 June 1990. I had a desire to make my son take up daily devotional reading of the book Sri Sai Satcharitra from 06 Jan 1992. From that day I started writing my experiences with Sri Sai and my thoughts on Sri Sai Satcharitra in form of letters to my son. My efforts bore fruit and my son Chakrapani developed immense faith in Sri Sai. I humbly attribute this success of mine to HIS BLESSINGS & GRACE. Hopefully, reading these letters result in transforming those, who do not know about Sri Sai , into Sai Devotees, I will consider my efforts have borne fruit through HIS GRACE.
In service of Sri Sai,
Yours,
Sai - Ba - Ni - Sa
Hyderabad , 24 September 1995
PS . I request the readers to read first Sri Sai Satcharitra in English by Late Sri Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji , before reading these letters. .
Showing posts with label 09.Sai In Letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 09.Sai In Letters. Show all posts
Sunday, August 10, 2008
SAI IN LETTERS (01-10)
SAI IN LETTERS - 1
OM SAI
Hyderabad
06 January 1992
Chapter 1
Dear Chakrapani,
07 June 1990 Thursday is an unforgettable day in my life. I commenced daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra from that day. I thought of ways to inspire you to undertake daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra . These letters are the result from that thought process. I intend to write 48 letters, representing 51 chapters of Sri Sai Satcharitra.
Please read the chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra corresponding to the letter, before reading my letter. Then you will understand my experiences with Sri Sai, leading to growth in you of faith in Sri Sai. You will come across one question, on the relationship between Sri Sai and you, in the Prologue to Sri Sai Satcharitra. My answer to that question is in the following 3 sentences:
(a) Your relationship with Sri Sai is that of between father and son.
(b) Your relationship with Sri Sai is that of between GOD and you.
(c) Your relationship with Sri Sai is that of between Master and his Slave.
I opted for the relationship of the third category, i.e. between Master and his Slave.
You may be troubled with an issue of daily devotional reading of Guru Charitra (Preceptor's Life History) mentioned in the prologue. It is very difficult to implement the practices mentioned in the Guru Charitra. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote the Sri Sai Satcharitra in Marathi language for dispelling these difficulties. Sri Pratthi Narayana Rao translated this book into Telugu language as Life History of Sri Sai Baba and drove away our difficulties. If we do daily devotional reading of Life History of Sri Sai Baba it is equivalent to daily devotional reading of Guru Charitra.I must tell you of few incidents before elaborating on the contents of the first chapter. I think these incidents will generate enthusiasm in you. I heard of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's name in 1964 when I was studying in a college at Kakinada. In those days many people spoke either admiringly or derogatorily of him. I did not show any interest in these discussions. I wondered whether GOD can exist in human form and whether Sri Sathya Sai is GOD. Sri Sathya Sai appeared in my dream same night (1964) and touched me on my shoulder. I felt flow of electric waves in my body and could not withstand the effects thereof. Sri Sathya Sai said to me - You have not reached the stage to understand Sai Philosophy, until then you cannot worship Sai -. I did not know anything about Sri Shirdi Sai in 1964. I completed my education in1965 and embarked on my career. One of my friends gave me a picture of Sri Shirdi Sai in 1989. I hung that picture on a wall in our house. As I started looking at the picture, HIS enchanting smile gave rise to lots of thoughts. I started searching for meanings of those chains of thought inspired by looking at the picture. Then I recalled what Sri Sathya Sai told me in my dream in 1964. The course of my life took a new turn in 1989. An unknown person appeared in my dream, on one night in 1989, and said - Your water tank is empty, fill it up with fresh water-. Sri Shirdi Sai compares Human mind to water tank, and fresh thoughts to fresh water. I accepted Sri Shirdi Sai as my Master with these new thoughts.Sri Hemadri Pant tells at the beginning of the first chapter of Sri Sai Sathcharitra that Sri Sainatha is Sri Ganesha. That's why before commencing any task think of Sri Sai and offer your prayers to HIM - it is same as thinking of and offering prayers to Vinayaka ( another name of Ganesha). Paying respects to elders is in our culture and tradition. Sri Hemadri Pant followed that tradition and reminded us about our forgotten traditions.
If today I am comfortable and happy, it is as a result of blessings received from my grand father Sri Ravada Sitaramayya, grand mother Smt Saraswatiamma, father Sri Ravada Venkat Rao, mother Smt Ramanamma, uncle Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu and aunt Smt
Kameswaramma. I bow and pay my respects to all of them. In the first chapter Sri Hemadri Pant has also paid his respects to all readers of the book. I pay my respects to all elders and my blessings all younger than me, who read these letters of mine. Sri Hemadri Pant described Sri Sai Baba as an incarnation of Sri Dattatreya.
When I was once in meditation Sri Sai said - Tranquility is becoming rare even in forests nowadays. Therefore my devotees must set up an altar for Sri Dattatreya in each house and peacefully meditate on HIM -. So I believe that Sri Sai Baba is an incarnation of Sri Dattatreya. Sri Hemadri Pant described the episode of grinding of wheat by Sri Sai Baba in the first chapter of the book. I hope that you have understood the inner significance of wheat grinding. When I was meditating on Sri Sai on this subject , HE gave me a message, which I am narrating to you , so please listen carefully. - You become wheat to be ground in a grinding mill called society, become flour to be converted into Bread for my devotees-. Each Sai Devotee, understanding significance of this message, must strive for the welfare of fellow human beings and do justice to the society.
You can see the grinding mill, used by Sri Sai Baba for grinding wheat, even today in Sri Sai Samadhi Temple (Dwarakamayi) in Shirdi. Many devotees visit Shirdi to see and pay their respects to that Grinding Mill . When I paid my respects to that Grinding Mill in Dwarakamayi I remembered a question posed by Bhakta Kabir to his disciples. He asked - What is wrong in worshipping a grinding mill made of stone, which gives wheat flour to people in society, when we worship idols sculpted from stone? -. Once Sri Sai Baba , while narrating events of his previous births, said - I was Kabir in my earlier birth and used to spin yarn-. That means Sri Sai when born as Kabir used to say - Individuals in a society are like a yarn, to be fed into a loom for being woven as good cloth.- When he was reborn as Sri Sai Baba he said - All Sai devotees in society must be ground in a grinding mill to become flour for conversion into bread for fellow human beings.-
Pani, I have so far narrated events about Sri Sai Baba described in the first chapter by Sri Hemadri Pant and messages revealed during meditation to me by Sri Sai . Contemplate once again about contents of this letter and ask yourself about how much of good use you can be for the society. Ask Sri Sai for an answer to your question, receive HIS answer and try to implement HIS message.
With this I am closing my experiences on the first chapter. I may get new revelation tomorrow and I will try to convey them with reference to context to you. Please look forward to my second letter tomorrow.
In Service of Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -2.
Chapter 2
7th January 1992
Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant wrote about himself, the proposed writing of the book, his real name, how he acquired the name of Hemad Pant and the necessity of Guru (Master) in the second chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra. I need not write about myself in this letter. You know me since you became aware of the world and have seen the change in me after July 1989. What type of person your father was before July 1989and what change change has occured in his life after July 1989 need not be elaborated in detail to you by me. You have seen the change in me but you do not know the compelling reasons responsible for the change in me. My eagerness to explain all those reasons is finding its place in these letters. Hemad Pant contemplated many times about his competence or lack of it to undertake writing of the book, prior to commencement of writing of this book. In my case I am taking the idea of conveying information about Sri Sai to you through the medium of letters as my competence and am writing these letters. Many people have written many books about Sri Sai Baba, please read them. Also read these letters being written by your father. In my opinion Sri Sai is the relationship between father and son. As a father there is nothing wrong about my informing you about such Sai. Hemad Pant had the inspiration from Shyama and Blessings from Sri Sai for writing Sri Sai Satcharitra. In my case your mother encouraged me to write these letters. Whether blessings of Sri Sai are there or not can only be known through these 48 letters I intend to write. Only myself, yourself and the future will be the only witness. Hemad Pant wrote in the second chapter that he is greatly indebted to Sri Nanasaheb Chandorkar for inspiring him to visit Shirdi and have Darshan of Sri Sai Baba and that he cannot repay this debt. There is a similar incident in my case. I am indebted to our neighbour Sri Bhonsale, Accounts Officer in ECIL. Matters pertaining to EGO were discussed in the second chapter. I will now narrate how Sri Sai removed my ego, so please read carefully. I used to boast with pride to everyone that everyday I give Harati to Sri Sai at 5 AM in the morning and at 9 PM at night. Once the alarm, which was set to go at 5 O' clock, went off instead at 5.30, which resulted in my giving Harati to Sri Sai at 5.45 in the morning. On completion of Harati when I looked up at the portrait of Sri Sai, HIS looks conveyed - What is matter today, you are late in giving Harati - and thus crushed my prideand ego. Sri Hemad Pant says in the second chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, that he was witness to Divine Leelas of Sri Sai, which filled him with happiness. That happiness itself prompted to write this book. I have not seen Sri Sai in person. We cannot see HIM in person now, but I have personally experienced happiness through HIS Divine Leelas and that happiness has prompted me to write these letters. Then shyama's inspiration and Sri Sai's permission enabled Sri Hemadri Pant to write Sri Sai Satcharitra. Now your mother's encouragement is enabling me to write these letters to you.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -3.
OM SAI
Hyderabad
08 January 1992
Chapter 3
Dear Chakrapani,
I will write to you today about the incidents narrated in the third chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra. Sri Sai says -Believe in what I say. Writing of my LEELAs will drive away ignorance. Those who listen, with DEVOTION and INTEREST, these LEELAs will have their attachment to worldly things reduced. Unflinching devotion will rise as waves of LOVE. Those who get fully immersed in MY LEELAs will get Pearls of Wisdom -. I believe 100% in these utterings of Sri Sai. I will strive till my last breath to acquire these Pearls of Wisdom. Sri Hemadri Pant writes -GOD assigns different tasks to different devotees, He assigned the task of writing this Satcharitra to me-. I think that Sri Sai has assigned me the task of writing these letters to you. LightHouses are essential for guiding those travelling by sea. Similarly stories of Sri Sai are lights of beacon for guiding those crossing this ocean of Life. Sri Sai took care of HIS devotees as HIS OWN Children. Sri Sai took care of all needs of Sri Hemadri Pant after he retired from Government in 1916. I humbly pray to Sri Sai to grant me the oppertunity to happily dedicate myself in service of Sri Sai after my retirement from Government service in the same way as HE has done in the past for Sri Hemadri Pant. Contemplate on the message of Sri Sai through the Rohilla story. -Each person must pray to GOD daily, but such prayers should not be like shrill shouts of a shrew. There should be tranquility in prayers to GOD-. The main aspect of discourse given by Sri Sai to his devotees is - Remember well that I know whatever you do and wherever you may be, Everything is known to ME-. This one sentence is enough to live with faith in Sri Sai. At the end of third chapter Sri Sai showed the right way to live life. HE instructed his devotees to concentrate fully their sights on HIM, after shedding laziness, excess sleep, ever-fluctuating mind and excessive attachment to sensual pleasures of the body. Sri Hemadri Pant's last sentence of this chapter is - Let Sri Sai be installed in everyone's hearts-. Let us, you and me, install Sri Sai in our hearts.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -4
OM SAI
Hyderabad
09 January 1992
Chapter 4
Dear Chakrapani,
I could write about only about a few things in the letter written to you yesterday. Today let us recapitulate the fourth chapter. Sri Hemadri Pant had vividly described the duties of enlightened souls. - GOD incarnates Himself in different ages / periods of time for protecting the Righteous and punishing the Wicked. This is Kali Yuga (age of Kali), if GOD undertakes the task of of punishing or eliminating the Wicked, then more than half of the population on this earth would have to be punished or eliminated. This would endanger the Human species itself. Hence GOD incarnated as an enlightened soul Sri Sai for converting the Wicked into the Righteous ones as an ongoing task. As a result lots of people are being converted to become righteous. Advent of Sri Sai has made a remote village called Shirdi into a vibrating place of Holy Pilgrimage. My attempt to describe the countenance of Sri Sai will be like showing a candle to the glowing full moon. Sri Hemadri Pant very nicely described Sri Sai's looks in the fourth chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, please read the chapter carefully and visualize for yourself. Devotees from far and wide, from all corners of India, came to Shirdi up to 1918 for seeing Sri Sai Baba in person. Today devotees from all over the world are coming to Shirdi seeking blessings of Sri Sai. Gouli Bua, a 95 years old devotee, said in those days -Sri Sai incarnated to shower HIS Mercy on destitute and poor. This statement is literally true. While Kakasaheb Dixit was in meditation in those days, Sri Sai appeared as Vithal of Pandharpur. After a while on the same day a vendor of photographs came along with a photograph matching exactly with the vision he had in meditation. Kakasaheb Dixit purchased that photograph, installed it in his altar and started worshipping the same. While I was meditating in 1991, Sri Sai appeared as SHIVA and told me to worship the visualized form. When I went to Shirdi in December 1991, I was delighted to see in a shop a photograph of Sri Sai as SHIVA matching exactly the vision I had earlier that year. I bought the photograph, installed it in my altar and started worshipping it. When I read Bhagawantrao Kshirsagar's story I felt that what Sri Sai has said then could amply be applicable to my life. My father, a devotee of Sri Sai, passed away in 1974. We did not worship Sri Sai in our house from 1974 to 1989. Sri Sai did not perform HIS LEELA 's and Miracles to show HIS greatness. These LEELAS and Miracles were performed as demanded by the situation for lighting the spark of Enlightenment in the devotees. One such Miracle was flowing of waters from Ganga and Yamuna from the toes of Sri Sai in response to Das Ganu's wish to bathe at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag. How lucky is that Das Ganu for having experienced this miracle. Devotees of Sri Sai tried in-vain to find out about who were Sri Sai's parents, where was he born and from where he came to Shirdi. Actually who can be parents of GOD? How can GOD be born? Such questions about birthplace of GOD and HIS parents are proofs of stupidity and ignorance. Sri Sai told his devotees that HIS Preceptor / Master meditated and practiced Penance in an underground closed chamber under a Neem tree in Shirdi. Today that place is called Guru Sthan (Master's place) by Sai devotees. I went for the first time to Shirdi in 1989 and had Darshan of Sri Sai in Samadhi Mandir. I commenced daily devotional study of Sri Sai Satcharitra on 07 June 1990. When I was asleep once in 1990, Sri Sai appeared in my dream and showed me that underground chamber under Neem tree in Shirdi. That vision coincided exactly with the description of the underground chamber in Sri Sai Satcharitra. This incident has firmly convinced me that as Sri Sai spoke to HIS devotees in 1858, HE continues to do so even today although HE attained Samadhi earlier. The place where Sri Sai Samadhi Mandir stands today in Shirdi was once a beautiful garden lovingly tended by Sri Sai. This act of tending a garden with love by Sri Sai is a clear direction given by HIM to mankind that they should lovingly serve not only fellow human beings and animals but also plants and trees which too have a life. A true example of Loving and Conserving NATURE. Hoping that you too will tread the path shown by Sri Sai.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father
SAI IN LETTERS -5
OM SAI
Hyderabad
10 January 1992
Chapter - 5
Dear Chakrapani,
I will elaborate today on the fifth chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra . Due to similarity in the incidents narrated in this chapter and the way Sri Sai entered my life, my devotion and belief in this chapter is great. Hemadri Pant narrated first the episode of Chand Patil searching for his missing mare and the manner in which Sri Sai helped Chand Patil in this matter. There is an issue for serious contemplation in this episode. Chand Patil was a wealthy man and it is a fact that he lost his mare. He could easily have bought, if he wished, ten mares of the type he lost. Then why did he search for his lost mare only? One needs to think deeply on this aspect. Probably Sri Sai's view of Chand Patil is that of an individual who has satiated himself with all worldly pleasures. Sri Sai drew Chand Patil into HIS fold for igniting spiritual thinking in him, creating aversion to worldly pleasures and completely freeing him from Arishad Vargas (six types of behavioral patterns). Dada Kelkar says in the 21st Chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra that a Mare can be compared to the Divine Grace of GOD. In Sri Sai's view what Chand Patil has lost is GOD's Grace. Hence we must understand that Sri Sai took Chand Patil into HIS fold for making him get back his lost Grace of GOD. Hemadri Pant writes that when a Fakir ( Sri Sai ) arrives, along with Chand Patil's marriage party , at the Khandoba Temple in Shirdi. Bhaktha Mhalsapati addresses the Fakir - Welcome Sai - thus welcoming HIM with reverence. People of Shirdi started calling that Fakir as SAI BABA from that day. Today the name SAI has found a permanent abode in the hearts of millions of Devotees. Arthur Osborne came to India in 1957, stayed in Shirdi for a long time gathering material on Sri Sai and wrote a book in English titled The Incredible Sai Baba. Hemadri Pant describes Sri Sai's daily routine this way - Sri Sai visited Rahata, situated 3 miles away from Shirdi , brought saplings of Marigold, Oleander and Jasmine, prepared beds for them in Shirdi, planted them and watered them. A beautiful garden took shape at that place as a result of Sri Sai's loving efforts -.
Now Baba's Samadhi is at the same place. Just pause for a moment and think about the message conveyed to His Devotees by Sri Sai through this episode. Human lives are like flowering shrubs. They need protection and loving care for their growth. They should bloom like flowers, without selfishness for reaching the Lotus Feet of the GOD. As a beautiful tree which shelters all without selfishness and ultimately merges with the Mother Nature, so is Sri Sai's life spent in selfless service of HIS Devotees upto HIS attainment of Maha Samadhi. Hemadri Pant describes the episode of installing Padukas at the base of the Neem tree. -They decided to install Baba's Padukas at the base of the Neem tree as a memorial to the fact that Baba meditated under that tree when He first came to Shirdi. They decided to get Baba's Padukas sculpted from stone -. There is parallel to this episode in my life. On a saturday in July 1989, the day of commencement of the first journey to Shirdi in my life, I started as usual to go to Hanuman Temple and Maisamma Goddess Temple with Rs 4 in my pocket. (It was my habit to visit every Saturday Hanuman Temple for offering worship with Rs 2, then go to nearby Maisamma Goddess Temple for lighting a lamp with Rs 1 and give Rs1 as alms to an old poor lady.) While entering the Hanuman Temple as usual, poor old lady who always sits under the Neem tree wished me as always. After completing worship and paying Rs 2 to the priest, I came out with balance Rs 2 and approached the Neem tree for giving Rs 1 as alms to the poor old lady. When I was about to give Rs 1 coin to the por old lady I saw an old poor man, dressed in Khaki shirt & Khaki shorts, with grey beard, a cloth piece tied on his head, a shoulder bag with him, a tin container on floor near him, a short stick in one of his hands and stretching the palm of his other hand in front of me asking for alms. I was now in a dilemma as I had two Rs 1 coins and if I gave them as alms to the poor old lady and the poor old man, what would I then give for lighting a lamp in Maisamma Goddess Temple? I thought for a moment and then gave the two coins in my hand as alms to the poor old lady and the poor old man. As I was coming out I was troubled with many thoughts. Who was the poor old man under the Neem tree, who was not there when I entered the Temple? I had never seen him before. With these thoughts I looked back and that poor old man smiled while looking at me.
I was captivated by an unknown power from his face. I reached home with many thoughts going through my mind. The moment a thought occurred that the poor old man could be Sri Sai Baba, I went back to the Temple. By then the poor old man had gone away. I asked the familiar poor old lady about the poor old man, wearing Khaki shirt & Khaki shorts, and her reply further astonished me. Her description of that poor old man is this - That poor old man was dressed in White Dhoti , White Vest, cloth piece tied on his head, a shoulder bag with him, a tin container in his hand, a short stick in his other hand came and sat next me. He enquired from me whether any of the visitors to that Temple give alms. I replied that a gentleman entered the Temple a little while ago and after coming out he will give me Rs 1 and if you ask him you will also get Rs 1. How lucky is that poor old lady, Sri Sai Baba actually sat next to her. He took Rs 1 as alms from me without my realising his true identity. Thereafter I searched for that poor old man on many Saturdays but have not seen him even once till now. I firmly believe that Sri Sai Baba himself appeared that day to take Rs 1 as alms from me and smilingly blessed me. Thus Sri Sai blessed me under a Neem tree in DAE Colony in Hyderabad on the day I commenced my first ever journey to Shirdi and I resolved to install Padukas of Sri Sai under that tree. The way this wish of mine was fulfilled by Sri Sai is even more astonishing. I asked friends for assistance for getting Padukas of Sri Sai sculpted from marble and for installing them under that tree. Not only did I get any help but also many hurdles came in the way. Not knowing how to proceed further in the matter, I stood thinking under that Neem tree on a certain Saturday. Sri Sai prompted the priest in the Hanuman Temple to suggest a way out to me.The priest came out of the Temple, approached me under the Neem tree and made two requests to me. Firstly he wanted me to purchase for him a pair of footwear as his feet are becoming sore by walking bare feet on hot earth. Secondly he wanted me to purchase kerosene stove for him as he was facing immense difficulties in cooking. I was elated on hearing these two requests realizing that Sri Sai ordered me to provide new Padukas(Foot wear) to the temple and arrange for the holy Dhuni (Fire).
I purchased both the items next thursday and when I helped the priest to put on the new foot wear I got the satisfactory feeling as if I have installed Padukas of Sri Sai and when I presented the kerosene stove to the priest, I got the feeling of arranging a Dhuni in a newly built Sai Temple. Now think about the significance of Sri Sai lighting lamps using water instead of oil. There is nothing wrong in asking for help in performing Divine Tasks of GOD. Such tasks should not be stopped because help is not forthcoming. The task should be completed from within whatever means one has instead of complaining that something or the other is not available and stopping the Divine Task. Sri Sai asked the merchants for oil needed for the Divine Task of lighting the lamps in the Mosque. Merchants turned down HIS request. Still HE had unflinching devotion and belief in GOD and hence could light the lamps using water as fuel. HE never castigated the merchants for their refusal to give oil. Although a Fakir named Johar Ali, who was not as enlightened as Sri Sai was, called and treated Baba as his disciple, HE was never hurt and proved HIS equanimity by not being moved by either praise or disrespect. Understand that having faith in feet of Sri Sai Baba, who dedicated HIS life for service of HIS Devotees, means having faith in humanity.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -6
Hyderabad
11 January 1992
Chapter 6
Dear Chakrapani,
I think I wrote mainly about my experiences with Sri Sai in my letter yesterday. Shall I tell the purpose of my writing about my experiences to you? Sri Sai performed many Divine Leelas till 1918 when HE was present in human form amongst people. Today HE is not amongst us anymore. The thought that HE is not amongst us should not come to Sai Devotees. Every Sai Devotee must share his experiences with other Sai Devotees for fostering and sustaining the thought that HE is still amongst us. Following this dictum has resulted in my letters being filled mostly with my experiences with Sri Sai. Hemadri Pant says in this chapter - When conversing with anyone only tales of Sri Sai come to mind for citing as examples. When I intend to write about some matter, without HIS Grace & Inspiration I can write neither a word nor a sentence.
I understood this statement to be literally true in my life. I consider that Sri Sai's Grace & Inspiration alone are making me write these letters. Sri Sai's words - Food and Clothing will always be adequately available in MY Devotee's house -. The absolute truth in this statement can be understood by comparing the situation in my house prior to 1989 to the situation prevailing today, and I believe in Sri Sai's statement to be eternally true. Hemadri Pant described gloriously the Sri Rama Navami celebrations in Shirdi. This brings to mind how Sri Sai got Sri Rama Navami to be celebrated in our house in 1991. I will now narrate a small miracle performed by Sri Sai on that day, so pay attention. Previous night Sri Sai appeared in my dream in the form of an unknown person and told me - Rama and Lakshmana will will come to your house to accept your offerings -. Next morning is Sri Rama Navami and I told your mother that Sri Sai would come to our house in the form of two brothers, like Rama and Lakshmana, to accept our offerings. After telling her I completely forgot about the issue. That night after completing the Arati your mother and myself were discussing about the Sri Rama Navami celebrations in our house on that day when your mother suddenly asked me whether Sri Sai did come to our house and accepted our offerings or not. I did not remember this issue till then. I started to recapitulate immediately who all were the guests who came to our house that day from morning to night. My surprise was limitless when I remembered that my friend Sri Raghuraman, along with his two daughters, visited our house in the evening and left after accepting our offerings. My heart was filled with Bliss the moment I recollected that his daughters were twins, and Sri Sai has visited our house in their form. I prostrated myself immediately at the Lotus feet of Sri Sainath and expressed my gratitude. In those days Sri GopalaRao Gund attained Bliss by serving Sri Sai. Whether this Gopala Rao will attain Bliss or not by serving Sri Sai will depend entirely on Grace and Blessings of Sri Sai.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -7
OM SAI
Hyderabad
12 January 1992
CHAPTER - 7
Dear Chakrapani ,
I wrote only about few incidents in my last letter. But by now you must have realised that Sri Sai's words , said then and now , to be eternally true. I will have to write many pages if I have to cover all important episodes in the life of Sri Sai in this letter , hence I cannot write about them now . Even though HE was actually an incarnation of GOD, HE never claimed that HE was GOD. HE always used to say that HE was only an obedient servant of GOD and GOD is above all. Sri Sai, in his initial days, used to examine the sick and ailing people in the village and give medicines to them. By HIS example HE had indicated to HIS devotees to consider SERVICE to MANKIND as SERVICE to GOD. HE could not see HIS devotees suffering from illness and hence took on those illnesses on HIMSELF for giving relief to HIS devotees. Periodically HE used to perform Yogic Practices of Dhouti (cleaning of intestines) and Khanda Yoga (separation and attachment of limbs) for cleaning HIS body of ailments taken on from devotees by HIM. His immense Love for children can be well understood by the two incidents. Firstly during Deepavali festival in 1910 the way HE saved the life of a blacksmith's son, who accidentally fell into the furnace in a village faraway from Shirdi, by thrusting HIS hand into the Dhuni in the Dwarakamayi in Shirdi. Secondly the manner in which HE transferred bubonic plague bubos from the body of Khaparde's son to HIS body for relieving the suffering of the boy. Sri Sai used to play with small children in Shirdi and HE used to enjoy the pristine love radiated by the children. Now I will write about something that many people do not know. Prior to 1908 Sri Sai Baba did not permit anyone to worship HIM. In 1908 a 6 year old boy named Bapu Rao, recognized Sri Sai Baba as GOD and started worshiping HIM every day by placing one flower on HIS head and saluting HIM. That act of worship started by small boy Bapu Rao acted as a beacon for worshiping HIM by millions of Sai devotees today.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -8
OM SAI
Hyderabad
13 January 1992
Chapter - 8
Dear Chakrapani ,
I cannot write about my experiences in this letter, as Hemadri Pant described about the daily routine of Sri Sai and about the relationship between HIM and HIS main devotees in those days. Hemadri Pant, who was closely associated with Sri Sai says about the human body - Do neither neglect the body, nor pamper the body but take good care of it adequately just as the horse rider takes good care of his horse till the destination for the journey is reached -. At this stage I will remind you of some incidents when you were a child. After you learnt riding a bicycle you used to go to a cycle shop, rent a bicycle, ride it carefully, then return it to the shop and settle the hire charges for the duration of your usage.
Similarly for travelling on this highway called LIFE, we rent a cycle called BODY for 100 hours (100 years) from GOD. Unfortunately we ride that cycle (Body) carelessly thus damaging it and returning it to the shop keeper (GOD) without completing 100 hours (100 years). Having faith and trust in preceptor called Sri Sai, will guide us to Entire class good care of the cycle (Body) and we can ride the cycle (Body) smoothly on the highway (Life) as long as we live. Sri Sai never tolerated idleness. GOD has given us good intelligence and also time for using it properly. Just imagine the consequences if you permit a disease called idleness to take root. Idleness causes us to imperfectly perform our tasks, which leads us to tell lies for survival in the world. Once idleness and lying (lack of integrity) take firm root in our lives, this will lead to stealing. One's life is totally ruined once habits of idleness, lying and stealing are acquired. That's why do not ever permit idleness to enter your life. Just try and imagine what Sri Sai used to do in the afternoon, when he was alone as devotees had gone to their houses after the morning programme. At that time He used to take a thread and needle and carry out repairs to HIS torn Kafni (item of clothing). By chance if any devotees were around at that time and offered to do the repairs HE never agreed saying - Never let a devil called idleness to come anywhere near you -.
Hemadri Pant wrote in detail about Baba going around the streets begging for food. Sri Sai used to place all the food collected in an earthen vessel in Dwarakamayi. Firstly the woman, who cleans the mosque, took some food from the vessel, and then dogs & cats in the mosque took some food from the vessel, whatever food left in the vessel was then mixed by Sri Sai and partook it. HE never cared for taste and never thought about the taste of what that is being eaten. That's how Sri Sai used to eat his food. Now I will narrate an incident of my childhood. When I was studying in 7 Th standard, Science Master was explaining about Balanced diet in the lesson. I was not at all attentive in the class on that day, and did not listen properly the lesson being taught. At the end of the class, Science Master wanted to test whether I was attentive or not and asked me - What is Balanced diet? -. I had not been attentive when the lesson was being taught, I will have to give some reply otherwise I will have to stand up on the bench as punishment for not being attentive in the class. I thought for a moment and replied - Balanced diet means mixing all the items of food in a vessel first and then partaking the same -. Entire class burst out in loud laughter. If any of those classmates of mine of that day have become Sai Devotees today and if they go back to that day and recapitulate the incident now, I wonder what would their reaction be today. Tatya Kote Patil and Mhalsapati used to sleep in Dwarakamayi every night with Sri Sai. They used to sleep with their heads eastwards, westwards and northwards respectively and their feet touching each other. When I contemplated on reasons for this unusual sleeping arrangements the answer I got is - There is life on the earth in Easterly , Westerly and Northerly directions, but there is no human life at the South Pole-. Sri Sai knew the secrets not known to us and hence HE never slept with His head in Southerly direction.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -9
OM SAI
Hyderabad
14 January 1992
Chapter - 9
Dear Chakrapani ,
Hemadri Pant narrated experiences of Sri Sai Devotees in this chapter. I have not experienced specifically the aspects covered in the chapter but after reading about the need for begging I feel like writing to you about one incident. I had a dream while sleeping at night on 05 October 1991 . I saw Sri Sai , in the form of my mother who gave birth to me, standing next to a Mosque and looking at me. A lame beggar was near the Mosque and was pleading pitifully in the name of Sri Sai for alms. I was looking at my mother. My mother (your grand mother) said looking at me -Why are you standing like this? Today is Saturday, why dont you give some rice to that poor fellow? Thus she ordered me -. I woke up with a start. I have started a practice of putting one fist full of rice grains for Sri Sai in a shoulder bag kept aside for Sri Sai, everyday after daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. I used the rice so collected in the shoulder bag for giving as alms to poor , and for preparing offering to Sri Sai on Festival days such as Sri Rama Navami , Vijaya Dashami etc.. and the consecrated offering was then distributed to Sri Sai Devotees . I believe that Sri Sai has ordered me this way to do Annadanam ( feeding the needy and uninvited guests ). I have faith that Sri Sai will give me the strength for me to abide by HIS order to feed the hungry till the end of my life . Hemadri Pant writes at the end of ninth chapter - See GOD in all beings -.
I will write about my experiences on this aspect . These events had occurred in my life during 1991. It was summer time and extremely hot during noon hours. I was going out of the house. There was a dirty water drain in front of the house and a white bull was drinking the dirty water from the drain to quench thirst. I felt bad at that sight. Even though an idea occurred that Sri Sai has come in the form of bull in front of my house, I ignored the thought, didn't even bring a bucket of good water from inside for the bull to drink and proceeded on my work. Next day I went to Bhopal on duty and during the return journey I bought a glass of buttermilk at a railway station to quench my thirst. I noticed then that stall owner was washing used glasses in a bucket with dirty water and selling buttermilk in those glasses to the travelers in the train. After drinking that glass of buttermilk, repentance rose in my heart for not even giving a bucket of good water to Sri Sai in the form of a bull, which was quenching thirst from dirty water drain in front of our house and I felt very sad. The sadness felt brought about a change in me. That incident was the cause for arranging an open good water storage basin in front of our house for animals to drink clean water. I will now write about an incident that occurred on Deepavali in 1991. Your mother and myself were worshipping Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) that Deepavali night at 8 PM in the upstairs room of our house. The priest was reciting holy mantras (verses ) where as my mind was concentrated on Sri Sai Baba's photograph hanging on the opposite wall . Even though worship of Lakshmi was in progress my mind was seeking blessings of Sri Sai.
May be for proving the point that Sri Sai never refused wishes of His Devotees, Sri Sai in the form of a pale orange coloured frog was jumping around close to my feet. My mind was filled with uncontrolled happiness. Sri Sai's own words - Only those who can see HIM in all living beings such as Dogs, Cats, Cows, Pigs, Flies etc., realize that HE is omnipresent and offer food to them before partaking it themselves, are HIS true and dear devotees. HE exhorted everyone to give up dualism, that you are one and the remaining living beings are the other, realize the UNITY and serve HIM -. I understand the significance of this statement on seeing that frog. It was Deepawali day, it did not rain that day, there was no rain on preceding ten days, the period was past monsoon time when appearance of frogs is common, worship was taking place in upstairs room and how can that frog appear from nowhere at that point of time and at that place. This incident is enough proof for Sri Sainath fulfilling wishes of HIS devotees as only Sri Sainath could assume the figure of frog and appear in front of me in response to my desire for HIS blessing on that day. This is my firm belief. I will now relate another incident, which occurred on 22 November 1991. That day , as per the direction received from Sri Sai during daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra, I went to Sri Panduranga temple in Secunderabad . When I was approaching the temple a lame dog followed me and stopped outside the temple. I looked at the lame dog with kindness and entered the temple. The priest was not present in the temple. I asked the attender to fetch the priest. That day instead of the priest, his polio afflicted son came limping, entered the sanctum - sanctorum and performed the worship ritual. At that time I visualized Sri Sainath simultaneously in Panduranga's idol, in the lame priest's son performing the worship ritual and in the lame dog waiting outside the temple. This incident had fortified my faith in Sri Sai and made HIS statement - Serve ME giving up dualism that you are different from all other living beings - to be literally true.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -10
OM SAI
Hyderabad
15 January 1992
Chapter - 10
Dear Chakrapani,
I must write about some details of Sri Sai in this letter . The details of Sri Sai's life , written by Sri Hemadri Pant in the tenth chapter, are more elaborate than the details I am going to write . Hence please read carefully tenth chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra . Sri Hemadri Pant says - We will safely reach our destination in life if we have full faith in Sri Sai to steer the journey -. You must understand well this concept. That's why I will give you one fine example. While undertaking long distance train journey, we reserve a berth in sleeper coach by paying additional charge for ensuring peaceful sleep during night and have a comfortable journey. If we do not pay additional additional charge for a berth in sleeper coach, we would have to travel in an unreserved general coach, which is always overcrowded with no place to stand even most of the times. We must realize that those who pay charges called Shraddha ( Devotion ) and Saburi ( Patience) to Sri Sai for ensuring their journey of LIFE comfortable are all our Sai Bandhus ( Sai relations or Sai Devotees ).
No one knew in those days when Baba was born or who are Baba's parents. Hence Hemadri Pant did not give any details on these aspects . Some say that when GOD incarnates as a Man amongst mankind HE must be born to parents. Others do not agree with this view. In this matter I cannot discuss which view point is correct, but can give examples to support both view points. What I am going to say is not from my personal experience or revelations during meditation , but from epics and scriptures and gleaned from study of history. Incarnations of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna belong to the first category i.e.. details of their parents, place and date of birth are known . Cases of Saints Namdev and Kabir belong to the second category i.e.. historical records of the present times say that they were not born as normal human beings. Namdev and Kabir were found as small babies floating in Bhima and Bhagirathi rivers respectively by their foster parents. In such a situation it is not important to debate on which category Sri Sai belonged to.
It is enough we believe that Sri Sai is an incarnation of GOD. Hemadri Pant wrote about Baba's mission and advice in the tenth chapter. I am one of those who believe that the easiest and best path for attaining liberation is chanting Sri Sai's name and follow HIS teachings , as in this age of Kali one cannot easily practice Yoga , Sacrifices and chanting of Mantras (Divine verses) properly.
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."
OM SAI
Hyderabad
06 January 1992
Chapter 1
Dear Chakrapani,
07 June 1990 Thursday is an unforgettable day in my life. I commenced daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra from that day. I thought of ways to inspire you to undertake daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra . These letters are the result from that thought process. I intend to write 48 letters, representing 51 chapters of Sri Sai Satcharitra.
Please read the chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra corresponding to the letter, before reading my letter. Then you will understand my experiences with Sri Sai, leading to growth in you of faith in Sri Sai. You will come across one question, on the relationship between Sri Sai and you, in the Prologue to Sri Sai Satcharitra. My answer to that question is in the following 3 sentences:
(a) Your relationship with Sri Sai is that of between father and son.
(b) Your relationship with Sri Sai is that of between GOD and you.
(c) Your relationship with Sri Sai is that of between Master and his Slave.
I opted for the relationship of the third category, i.e. between Master and his Slave.
You may be troubled with an issue of daily devotional reading of Guru Charitra (Preceptor's Life History) mentioned in the prologue. It is very difficult to implement the practices mentioned in the Guru Charitra. Sri Hemadri Pant wrote the Sri Sai Satcharitra in Marathi language for dispelling these difficulties. Sri Pratthi Narayana Rao translated this book into Telugu language as Life History of Sri Sai Baba and drove away our difficulties. If we do daily devotional reading of Life History of Sri Sai Baba it is equivalent to daily devotional reading of Guru Charitra.I must tell you of few incidents before elaborating on the contents of the first chapter. I think these incidents will generate enthusiasm in you. I heard of Sri Sathya Sai Baba's name in 1964 when I was studying in a college at Kakinada. In those days many people spoke either admiringly or derogatorily of him. I did not show any interest in these discussions. I wondered whether GOD can exist in human form and whether Sri Sathya Sai is GOD. Sri Sathya Sai appeared in my dream same night (1964) and touched me on my shoulder. I felt flow of electric waves in my body and could not withstand the effects thereof. Sri Sathya Sai said to me - You have not reached the stage to understand Sai Philosophy, until then you cannot worship Sai -. I did not know anything about Sri Shirdi Sai in 1964. I completed my education in1965 and embarked on my career. One of my friends gave me a picture of Sri Shirdi Sai in 1989. I hung that picture on a wall in our house. As I started looking at the picture, HIS enchanting smile gave rise to lots of thoughts. I started searching for meanings of those chains of thought inspired by looking at the picture. Then I recalled what Sri Sathya Sai told me in my dream in 1964. The course of my life took a new turn in 1989. An unknown person appeared in my dream, on one night in 1989, and said - Your water tank is empty, fill it up with fresh water-. Sri Shirdi Sai compares Human mind to water tank, and fresh thoughts to fresh water. I accepted Sri Shirdi Sai as my Master with these new thoughts.Sri Hemadri Pant tells at the beginning of the first chapter of Sri Sai Sathcharitra that Sri Sainatha is Sri Ganesha. That's why before commencing any task think of Sri Sai and offer your prayers to HIM - it is same as thinking of and offering prayers to Vinayaka ( another name of Ganesha). Paying respects to elders is in our culture and tradition. Sri Hemadri Pant followed that tradition and reminded us about our forgotten traditions.
If today I am comfortable and happy, it is as a result of blessings received from my grand father Sri Ravada Sitaramayya, grand mother Smt Saraswatiamma, father Sri Ravada Venkat Rao, mother Smt Ramanamma, uncle Sri Upadhyayula Pereswara Somayajulu and aunt Smt
Kameswaramma. I bow and pay my respects to all of them. In the first chapter Sri Hemadri Pant has also paid his respects to all readers of the book. I pay my respects to all elders and my blessings all younger than me, who read these letters of mine. Sri Hemadri Pant described Sri Sai Baba as an incarnation of Sri Dattatreya.
When I was once in meditation Sri Sai said - Tranquility is becoming rare even in forests nowadays. Therefore my devotees must set up an altar for Sri Dattatreya in each house and peacefully meditate on HIM -. So I believe that Sri Sai Baba is an incarnation of Sri Dattatreya. Sri Hemadri Pant described the episode of grinding of wheat by Sri Sai Baba in the first chapter of the book. I hope that you have understood the inner significance of wheat grinding. When I was meditating on Sri Sai on this subject , HE gave me a message, which I am narrating to you , so please listen carefully. - You become wheat to be ground in a grinding mill called society, become flour to be converted into Bread for my devotees-. Each Sai Devotee, understanding significance of this message, must strive for the welfare of fellow human beings and do justice to the society.
You can see the grinding mill, used by Sri Sai Baba for grinding wheat, even today in Sri Sai Samadhi Temple (Dwarakamayi) in Shirdi. Many devotees visit Shirdi to see and pay their respects to that Grinding Mill . When I paid my respects to that Grinding Mill in Dwarakamayi I remembered a question posed by Bhakta Kabir to his disciples. He asked - What is wrong in worshipping a grinding mill made of stone, which gives wheat flour to people in society, when we worship idols sculpted from stone? -. Once Sri Sai Baba , while narrating events of his previous births, said - I was Kabir in my earlier birth and used to spin yarn-. That means Sri Sai when born as Kabir used to say - Individuals in a society are like a yarn, to be fed into a loom for being woven as good cloth.- When he was reborn as Sri Sai Baba he said - All Sai devotees in society must be ground in a grinding mill to become flour for conversion into bread for fellow human beings.-
Pani, I have so far narrated events about Sri Sai Baba described in the first chapter by Sri Hemadri Pant and messages revealed during meditation to me by Sri Sai . Contemplate once again about contents of this letter and ask yourself about how much of good use you can be for the society. Ask Sri Sai for an answer to your question, receive HIS answer and try to implement HIS message.
With this I am closing my experiences on the first chapter. I may get new revelation tomorrow and I will try to convey them with reference to context to you. Please look forward to my second letter tomorrow.
In Service of Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -2.
Chapter 2
7th January 1992
Dear Chakrapani,
Sri Hemadri Pant wrote about himself, the proposed writing of the book, his real name, how he acquired the name of Hemad Pant and the necessity of Guru (Master) in the second chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra. I need not write about myself in this letter. You know me since you became aware of the world and have seen the change in me after July 1989. What type of person your father was before July 1989and what change change has occured in his life after July 1989 need not be elaborated in detail to you by me. You have seen the change in me but you do not know the compelling reasons responsible for the change in me. My eagerness to explain all those reasons is finding its place in these letters. Hemad Pant contemplated many times about his competence or lack of it to undertake writing of the book, prior to commencement of writing of this book. In my case I am taking the idea of conveying information about Sri Sai to you through the medium of letters as my competence and am writing these letters. Many people have written many books about Sri Sai Baba, please read them. Also read these letters being written by your father. In my opinion Sri Sai is the relationship between father and son. As a father there is nothing wrong about my informing you about such Sai. Hemad Pant had the inspiration from Shyama and Blessings from Sri Sai for writing Sri Sai Satcharitra. In my case your mother encouraged me to write these letters. Whether blessings of Sri Sai are there or not can only be known through these 48 letters I intend to write. Only myself, yourself and the future will be the only witness. Hemad Pant wrote in the second chapter that he is greatly indebted to Sri Nanasaheb Chandorkar for inspiring him to visit Shirdi and have Darshan of Sri Sai Baba and that he cannot repay this debt. There is a similar incident in my case. I am indebted to our neighbour Sri Bhonsale, Accounts Officer in ECIL. Matters pertaining to EGO were discussed in the second chapter. I will now narrate how Sri Sai removed my ego, so please read carefully. I used to boast with pride to everyone that everyday I give Harati to Sri Sai at 5 AM in the morning and at 9 PM at night. Once the alarm, which was set to go at 5 O' clock, went off instead at 5.30, which resulted in my giving Harati to Sri Sai at 5.45 in the morning. On completion of Harati when I looked up at the portrait of Sri Sai, HIS looks conveyed - What is matter today, you are late in giving Harati - and thus crushed my prideand ego. Sri Hemad Pant says in the second chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, that he was witness to Divine Leelas of Sri Sai, which filled him with happiness. That happiness itself prompted to write this book. I have not seen Sri Sai in person. We cannot see HIM in person now, but I have personally experienced happiness through HIS Divine Leelas and that happiness has prompted me to write these letters. Then shyama's inspiration and Sri Sai's permission enabled Sri Hemadri Pant to write Sri Sai Satcharitra. Now your mother's encouragement is enabling me to write these letters to you.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -3.
OM SAI
Hyderabad
08 January 1992
Chapter 3
Dear Chakrapani,
I will write to you today about the incidents narrated in the third chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra. Sri Sai says -Believe in what I say. Writing of my LEELAs will drive away ignorance. Those who listen, with DEVOTION and INTEREST, these LEELAs will have their attachment to worldly things reduced. Unflinching devotion will rise as waves of LOVE. Those who get fully immersed in MY LEELAs will get Pearls of Wisdom -. I believe 100% in these utterings of Sri Sai. I will strive till my last breath to acquire these Pearls of Wisdom. Sri Hemadri Pant writes -GOD assigns different tasks to different devotees, He assigned the task of writing this Satcharitra to me-. I think that Sri Sai has assigned me the task of writing these letters to you. LightHouses are essential for guiding those travelling by sea. Similarly stories of Sri Sai are lights of beacon for guiding those crossing this ocean of Life. Sri Sai took care of HIS devotees as HIS OWN Children. Sri Sai took care of all needs of Sri Hemadri Pant after he retired from Government in 1916. I humbly pray to Sri Sai to grant me the oppertunity to happily dedicate myself in service of Sri Sai after my retirement from Government service in the same way as HE has done in the past for Sri Hemadri Pant. Contemplate on the message of Sri Sai through the Rohilla story. -Each person must pray to GOD daily, but such prayers should not be like shrill shouts of a shrew. There should be tranquility in prayers to GOD-. The main aspect of discourse given by Sri Sai to his devotees is - Remember well that I know whatever you do and wherever you may be, Everything is known to ME-. This one sentence is enough to live with faith in Sri Sai. At the end of third chapter Sri Sai showed the right way to live life. HE instructed his devotees to concentrate fully their sights on HIM, after shedding laziness, excess sleep, ever-fluctuating mind and excessive attachment to sensual pleasures of the body. Sri Hemadri Pant's last sentence of this chapter is - Let Sri Sai be installed in everyone's hearts-. Let us, you and me, install Sri Sai in our hearts.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -4
OM SAI
Hyderabad
09 January 1992
Chapter 4
Dear Chakrapani,
I could write about only about a few things in the letter written to you yesterday. Today let us recapitulate the fourth chapter. Sri Hemadri Pant had vividly described the duties of enlightened souls. - GOD incarnates Himself in different ages / periods of time for protecting the Righteous and punishing the Wicked. This is Kali Yuga (age of Kali), if GOD undertakes the task of of punishing or eliminating the Wicked, then more than half of the population on this earth would have to be punished or eliminated. This would endanger the Human species itself. Hence GOD incarnated as an enlightened soul Sri Sai for converting the Wicked into the Righteous ones as an ongoing task. As a result lots of people are being converted to become righteous. Advent of Sri Sai has made a remote village called Shirdi into a vibrating place of Holy Pilgrimage. My attempt to describe the countenance of Sri Sai will be like showing a candle to the glowing full moon. Sri Hemadri Pant very nicely described Sri Sai's looks in the fourth chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, please read the chapter carefully and visualize for yourself. Devotees from far and wide, from all corners of India, came to Shirdi up to 1918 for seeing Sri Sai Baba in person. Today devotees from all over the world are coming to Shirdi seeking blessings of Sri Sai. Gouli Bua, a 95 years old devotee, said in those days -Sri Sai incarnated to shower HIS Mercy on destitute and poor. This statement is literally true. While Kakasaheb Dixit was in meditation in those days, Sri Sai appeared as Vithal of Pandharpur. After a while on the same day a vendor of photographs came along with a photograph matching exactly with the vision he had in meditation. Kakasaheb Dixit purchased that photograph, installed it in his altar and started worshipping the same. While I was meditating in 1991, Sri Sai appeared as SHIVA and told me to worship the visualized form. When I went to Shirdi in December 1991, I was delighted to see in a shop a photograph of Sri Sai as SHIVA matching exactly the vision I had earlier that year. I bought the photograph, installed it in my altar and started worshipping it. When I read Bhagawantrao Kshirsagar's story I felt that what Sri Sai has said then could amply be applicable to my life. My father, a devotee of Sri Sai, passed away in 1974. We did not worship Sri Sai in our house from 1974 to 1989. Sri Sai did not perform HIS LEELA 's and Miracles to show HIS greatness. These LEELAS and Miracles were performed as demanded by the situation for lighting the spark of Enlightenment in the devotees. One such Miracle was flowing of waters from Ganga and Yamuna from the toes of Sri Sai in response to Das Ganu's wish to bathe at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag. How lucky is that Das Ganu for having experienced this miracle. Devotees of Sri Sai tried in-vain to find out about who were Sri Sai's parents, where was he born and from where he came to Shirdi. Actually who can be parents of GOD? How can GOD be born? Such questions about birthplace of GOD and HIS parents are proofs of stupidity and ignorance. Sri Sai told his devotees that HIS Preceptor / Master meditated and practiced Penance in an underground closed chamber under a Neem tree in Shirdi. Today that place is called Guru Sthan (Master's place) by Sai devotees. I went for the first time to Shirdi in 1989 and had Darshan of Sri Sai in Samadhi Mandir. I commenced daily devotional study of Sri Sai Satcharitra on 07 June 1990. When I was asleep once in 1990, Sri Sai appeared in my dream and showed me that underground chamber under Neem tree in Shirdi. That vision coincided exactly with the description of the underground chamber in Sri Sai Satcharitra. This incident has firmly convinced me that as Sri Sai spoke to HIS devotees in 1858, HE continues to do so even today although HE attained Samadhi earlier. The place where Sri Sai Samadhi Mandir stands today in Shirdi was once a beautiful garden lovingly tended by Sri Sai. This act of tending a garden with love by Sri Sai is a clear direction given by HIM to mankind that they should lovingly serve not only fellow human beings and animals but also plants and trees which too have a life. A true example of Loving and Conserving NATURE. Hoping that you too will tread the path shown by Sri Sai.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father
SAI IN LETTERS -5
OM SAI
Hyderabad
10 January 1992
Chapter - 5
Dear Chakrapani,
I will elaborate today on the fifth chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra . Due to similarity in the incidents narrated in this chapter and the way Sri Sai entered my life, my devotion and belief in this chapter is great. Hemadri Pant narrated first the episode of Chand Patil searching for his missing mare and the manner in which Sri Sai helped Chand Patil in this matter. There is an issue for serious contemplation in this episode. Chand Patil was a wealthy man and it is a fact that he lost his mare. He could easily have bought, if he wished, ten mares of the type he lost. Then why did he search for his lost mare only? One needs to think deeply on this aspect. Probably Sri Sai's view of Chand Patil is that of an individual who has satiated himself with all worldly pleasures. Sri Sai drew Chand Patil into HIS fold for igniting spiritual thinking in him, creating aversion to worldly pleasures and completely freeing him from Arishad Vargas (six types of behavioral patterns). Dada Kelkar says in the 21st Chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra that a Mare can be compared to the Divine Grace of GOD. In Sri Sai's view what Chand Patil has lost is GOD's Grace. Hence we must understand that Sri Sai took Chand Patil into HIS fold for making him get back his lost Grace of GOD. Hemadri Pant writes that when a Fakir ( Sri Sai ) arrives, along with Chand Patil's marriage party , at the Khandoba Temple in Shirdi. Bhaktha Mhalsapati addresses the Fakir - Welcome Sai - thus welcoming HIM with reverence. People of Shirdi started calling that Fakir as SAI BABA from that day. Today the name SAI has found a permanent abode in the hearts of millions of Devotees. Arthur Osborne came to India in 1957, stayed in Shirdi for a long time gathering material on Sri Sai and wrote a book in English titled The Incredible Sai Baba. Hemadri Pant describes Sri Sai's daily routine this way - Sri Sai visited Rahata, situated 3 miles away from Shirdi , brought saplings of Marigold, Oleander and Jasmine, prepared beds for them in Shirdi, planted them and watered them. A beautiful garden took shape at that place as a result of Sri Sai's loving efforts -.
Now Baba's Samadhi is at the same place. Just pause for a moment and think about the message conveyed to His Devotees by Sri Sai through this episode. Human lives are like flowering shrubs. They need protection and loving care for their growth. They should bloom like flowers, without selfishness for reaching the Lotus Feet of the GOD. As a beautiful tree which shelters all without selfishness and ultimately merges with the Mother Nature, so is Sri Sai's life spent in selfless service of HIS Devotees upto HIS attainment of Maha Samadhi. Hemadri Pant describes the episode of installing Padukas at the base of the Neem tree. -They decided to install Baba's Padukas at the base of the Neem tree as a memorial to the fact that Baba meditated under that tree when He first came to Shirdi. They decided to get Baba's Padukas sculpted from stone -. There is parallel to this episode in my life. On a saturday in July 1989, the day of commencement of the first journey to Shirdi in my life, I started as usual to go to Hanuman Temple and Maisamma Goddess Temple with Rs 4 in my pocket. (It was my habit to visit every Saturday Hanuman Temple for offering worship with Rs 2, then go to nearby Maisamma Goddess Temple for lighting a lamp with Rs 1 and give Rs1 as alms to an old poor lady.) While entering the Hanuman Temple as usual, poor old lady who always sits under the Neem tree wished me as always. After completing worship and paying Rs 2 to the priest, I came out with balance Rs 2 and approached the Neem tree for giving Rs 1 as alms to the poor old lady. When I was about to give Rs 1 coin to the por old lady I saw an old poor man, dressed in Khaki shirt & Khaki shorts, with grey beard, a cloth piece tied on his head, a shoulder bag with him, a tin container on floor near him, a short stick in one of his hands and stretching the palm of his other hand in front of me asking for alms. I was now in a dilemma as I had two Rs 1 coins and if I gave them as alms to the poor old lady and the poor old man, what would I then give for lighting a lamp in Maisamma Goddess Temple? I thought for a moment and then gave the two coins in my hand as alms to the poor old lady and the poor old man. As I was coming out I was troubled with many thoughts. Who was the poor old man under the Neem tree, who was not there when I entered the Temple? I had never seen him before. With these thoughts I looked back and that poor old man smiled while looking at me.
I was captivated by an unknown power from his face. I reached home with many thoughts going through my mind. The moment a thought occurred that the poor old man could be Sri Sai Baba, I went back to the Temple. By then the poor old man had gone away. I asked the familiar poor old lady about the poor old man, wearing Khaki shirt & Khaki shorts, and her reply further astonished me. Her description of that poor old man is this - That poor old man was dressed in White Dhoti , White Vest, cloth piece tied on his head, a shoulder bag with him, a tin container in his hand, a short stick in his other hand came and sat next me. He enquired from me whether any of the visitors to that Temple give alms. I replied that a gentleman entered the Temple a little while ago and after coming out he will give me Rs 1 and if you ask him you will also get Rs 1. How lucky is that poor old lady, Sri Sai Baba actually sat next to her. He took Rs 1 as alms from me without my realising his true identity. Thereafter I searched for that poor old man on many Saturdays but have not seen him even once till now. I firmly believe that Sri Sai Baba himself appeared that day to take Rs 1 as alms from me and smilingly blessed me. Thus Sri Sai blessed me under a Neem tree in DAE Colony in Hyderabad on the day I commenced my first ever journey to Shirdi and I resolved to install Padukas of Sri Sai under that tree. The way this wish of mine was fulfilled by Sri Sai is even more astonishing. I asked friends for assistance for getting Padukas of Sri Sai sculpted from marble and for installing them under that tree. Not only did I get any help but also many hurdles came in the way. Not knowing how to proceed further in the matter, I stood thinking under that Neem tree on a certain Saturday. Sri Sai prompted the priest in the Hanuman Temple to suggest a way out to me.The priest came out of the Temple, approached me under the Neem tree and made two requests to me. Firstly he wanted me to purchase for him a pair of footwear as his feet are becoming sore by walking bare feet on hot earth. Secondly he wanted me to purchase kerosene stove for him as he was facing immense difficulties in cooking. I was elated on hearing these two requests realizing that Sri Sai ordered me to provide new Padukas(Foot wear) to the temple and arrange for the holy Dhuni (Fire).
I purchased both the items next thursday and when I helped the priest to put on the new foot wear I got the satisfactory feeling as if I have installed Padukas of Sri Sai and when I presented the kerosene stove to the priest, I got the feeling of arranging a Dhuni in a newly built Sai Temple. Now think about the significance of Sri Sai lighting lamps using water instead of oil. There is nothing wrong in asking for help in performing Divine Tasks of GOD. Such tasks should not be stopped because help is not forthcoming. The task should be completed from within whatever means one has instead of complaining that something or the other is not available and stopping the Divine Task. Sri Sai asked the merchants for oil needed for the Divine Task of lighting the lamps in the Mosque. Merchants turned down HIS request. Still HE had unflinching devotion and belief in GOD and hence could light the lamps using water as fuel. HE never castigated the merchants for their refusal to give oil. Although a Fakir named Johar Ali, who was not as enlightened as Sri Sai was, called and treated Baba as his disciple, HE was never hurt and proved HIS equanimity by not being moved by either praise or disrespect. Understand that having faith in feet of Sri Sai Baba, who dedicated HIS life for service of HIS Devotees, means having faith in humanity.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -6
Hyderabad
11 January 1992
Chapter 6
Dear Chakrapani,
I think I wrote mainly about my experiences with Sri Sai in my letter yesterday. Shall I tell the purpose of my writing about my experiences to you? Sri Sai performed many Divine Leelas till 1918 when HE was present in human form amongst people. Today HE is not amongst us anymore. The thought that HE is not amongst us should not come to Sai Devotees. Every Sai Devotee must share his experiences with other Sai Devotees for fostering and sustaining the thought that HE is still amongst us. Following this dictum has resulted in my letters being filled mostly with my experiences with Sri Sai. Hemadri Pant says in this chapter - When conversing with anyone only tales of Sri Sai come to mind for citing as examples. When I intend to write about some matter, without HIS Grace & Inspiration I can write neither a word nor a sentence.
I understood this statement to be literally true in my life. I consider that Sri Sai's Grace & Inspiration alone are making me write these letters. Sri Sai's words - Food and Clothing will always be adequately available in MY Devotee's house -. The absolute truth in this statement can be understood by comparing the situation in my house prior to 1989 to the situation prevailing today, and I believe in Sri Sai's statement to be eternally true. Hemadri Pant described gloriously the Sri Rama Navami celebrations in Shirdi. This brings to mind how Sri Sai got Sri Rama Navami to be celebrated in our house in 1991. I will now narrate a small miracle performed by Sri Sai on that day, so pay attention. Previous night Sri Sai appeared in my dream in the form of an unknown person and told me - Rama and Lakshmana will will come to your house to accept your offerings -. Next morning is Sri Rama Navami and I told your mother that Sri Sai would come to our house in the form of two brothers, like Rama and Lakshmana, to accept our offerings. After telling her I completely forgot about the issue. That night after completing the Arati your mother and myself were discussing about the Sri Rama Navami celebrations in our house on that day when your mother suddenly asked me whether Sri Sai did come to our house and accepted our offerings or not. I did not remember this issue till then. I started to recapitulate immediately who all were the guests who came to our house that day from morning to night. My surprise was limitless when I remembered that my friend Sri Raghuraman, along with his two daughters, visited our house in the evening and left after accepting our offerings. My heart was filled with Bliss the moment I recollected that his daughters were twins, and Sri Sai has visited our house in their form. I prostrated myself immediately at the Lotus feet of Sri Sainath and expressed my gratitude. In those days Sri GopalaRao Gund attained Bliss by serving Sri Sai. Whether this Gopala Rao will attain Bliss or not by serving Sri Sai will depend entirely on Grace and Blessings of Sri Sai.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -7
OM SAI
Hyderabad
12 January 1992
CHAPTER - 7
Dear Chakrapani ,
I wrote only about few incidents in my last letter. But by now you must have realised that Sri Sai's words , said then and now , to be eternally true. I will have to write many pages if I have to cover all important episodes in the life of Sri Sai in this letter , hence I cannot write about them now . Even though HE was actually an incarnation of GOD, HE never claimed that HE was GOD. HE always used to say that HE was only an obedient servant of GOD and GOD is above all. Sri Sai, in his initial days, used to examine the sick and ailing people in the village and give medicines to them. By HIS example HE had indicated to HIS devotees to consider SERVICE to MANKIND as SERVICE to GOD. HE could not see HIS devotees suffering from illness and hence took on those illnesses on HIMSELF for giving relief to HIS devotees. Periodically HE used to perform Yogic Practices of Dhouti (cleaning of intestines) and Khanda Yoga (separation and attachment of limbs) for cleaning HIS body of ailments taken on from devotees by HIM. His immense Love for children can be well understood by the two incidents. Firstly during Deepavali festival in 1910 the way HE saved the life of a blacksmith's son, who accidentally fell into the furnace in a village faraway from Shirdi, by thrusting HIS hand into the Dhuni in the Dwarakamayi in Shirdi. Secondly the manner in which HE transferred bubonic plague bubos from the body of Khaparde's son to HIS body for relieving the suffering of the boy. Sri Sai used to play with small children in Shirdi and HE used to enjoy the pristine love radiated by the children. Now I will write about something that many people do not know. Prior to 1908 Sri Sai Baba did not permit anyone to worship HIM. In 1908 a 6 year old boy named Bapu Rao, recognized Sri Sai Baba as GOD and started worshiping HIM every day by placing one flower on HIS head and saluting HIM. That act of worship started by small boy Bapu Rao acted as a beacon for worshiping HIM by millions of Sai devotees today.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -8
OM SAI
Hyderabad
13 January 1992
Chapter - 8
Dear Chakrapani ,
I cannot write about my experiences in this letter, as Hemadri Pant described about the daily routine of Sri Sai and about the relationship between HIM and HIS main devotees in those days. Hemadri Pant, who was closely associated with Sri Sai says about the human body - Do neither neglect the body, nor pamper the body but take good care of it adequately just as the horse rider takes good care of his horse till the destination for the journey is reached -. At this stage I will remind you of some incidents when you were a child. After you learnt riding a bicycle you used to go to a cycle shop, rent a bicycle, ride it carefully, then return it to the shop and settle the hire charges for the duration of your usage.
Similarly for travelling on this highway called LIFE, we rent a cycle called BODY for 100 hours (100 years) from GOD. Unfortunately we ride that cycle (Body) carelessly thus damaging it and returning it to the shop keeper (GOD) without completing 100 hours (100 years). Having faith and trust in preceptor called Sri Sai, will guide us to Entire class good care of the cycle (Body) and we can ride the cycle (Body) smoothly on the highway (Life) as long as we live. Sri Sai never tolerated idleness. GOD has given us good intelligence and also time for using it properly. Just imagine the consequences if you permit a disease called idleness to take root. Idleness causes us to imperfectly perform our tasks, which leads us to tell lies for survival in the world. Once idleness and lying (lack of integrity) take firm root in our lives, this will lead to stealing. One's life is totally ruined once habits of idleness, lying and stealing are acquired. That's why do not ever permit idleness to enter your life. Just try and imagine what Sri Sai used to do in the afternoon, when he was alone as devotees had gone to their houses after the morning programme. At that time He used to take a thread and needle and carry out repairs to HIS torn Kafni (item of clothing). By chance if any devotees were around at that time and offered to do the repairs HE never agreed saying - Never let a devil called idleness to come anywhere near you -.
Hemadri Pant wrote in detail about Baba going around the streets begging for food. Sri Sai used to place all the food collected in an earthen vessel in Dwarakamayi. Firstly the woman, who cleans the mosque, took some food from the vessel, and then dogs & cats in the mosque took some food from the vessel, whatever food left in the vessel was then mixed by Sri Sai and partook it. HE never cared for taste and never thought about the taste of what that is being eaten. That's how Sri Sai used to eat his food. Now I will narrate an incident of my childhood. When I was studying in 7 Th standard, Science Master was explaining about Balanced diet in the lesson. I was not at all attentive in the class on that day, and did not listen properly the lesson being taught. At the end of the class, Science Master wanted to test whether I was attentive or not and asked me - What is Balanced diet? -. I had not been attentive when the lesson was being taught, I will have to give some reply otherwise I will have to stand up on the bench as punishment for not being attentive in the class. I thought for a moment and replied - Balanced diet means mixing all the items of food in a vessel first and then partaking the same -. Entire class burst out in loud laughter. If any of those classmates of mine of that day have become Sai Devotees today and if they go back to that day and recapitulate the incident now, I wonder what would their reaction be today. Tatya Kote Patil and Mhalsapati used to sleep in Dwarakamayi every night with Sri Sai. They used to sleep with their heads eastwards, westwards and northwards respectively and their feet touching each other. When I contemplated on reasons for this unusual sleeping arrangements the answer I got is - There is life on the earth in Easterly , Westerly and Northerly directions, but there is no human life at the South Pole-. Sri Sai knew the secrets not known to us and hence HE never slept with His head in Southerly direction.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -9
OM SAI
Hyderabad
14 January 1992
Chapter - 9
Dear Chakrapani ,
Hemadri Pant narrated experiences of Sri Sai Devotees in this chapter. I have not experienced specifically the aspects covered in the chapter but after reading about the need for begging I feel like writing to you about one incident. I had a dream while sleeping at night on 05 October 1991 . I saw Sri Sai , in the form of my mother who gave birth to me, standing next to a Mosque and looking at me. A lame beggar was near the Mosque and was pleading pitifully in the name of Sri Sai for alms. I was looking at my mother. My mother (your grand mother) said looking at me -Why are you standing like this? Today is Saturday, why dont you give some rice to that poor fellow? Thus she ordered me -. I woke up with a start. I have started a practice of putting one fist full of rice grains for Sri Sai in a shoulder bag kept aside for Sri Sai, everyday after daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. I used the rice so collected in the shoulder bag for giving as alms to poor , and for preparing offering to Sri Sai on Festival days such as Sri Rama Navami , Vijaya Dashami etc.. and the consecrated offering was then distributed to Sri Sai Devotees . I believe that Sri Sai has ordered me this way to do Annadanam ( feeding the needy and uninvited guests ). I have faith that Sri Sai will give me the strength for me to abide by HIS order to feed the hungry till the end of my life . Hemadri Pant writes at the end of ninth chapter - See GOD in all beings -.
I will write about my experiences on this aspect . These events had occurred in my life during 1991. It was summer time and extremely hot during noon hours. I was going out of the house. There was a dirty water drain in front of the house and a white bull was drinking the dirty water from the drain to quench thirst. I felt bad at that sight. Even though an idea occurred that Sri Sai has come in the form of bull in front of my house, I ignored the thought, didn't even bring a bucket of good water from inside for the bull to drink and proceeded on my work. Next day I went to Bhopal on duty and during the return journey I bought a glass of buttermilk at a railway station to quench my thirst. I noticed then that stall owner was washing used glasses in a bucket with dirty water and selling buttermilk in those glasses to the travelers in the train. After drinking that glass of buttermilk, repentance rose in my heart for not even giving a bucket of good water to Sri Sai in the form of a bull, which was quenching thirst from dirty water drain in front of our house and I felt very sad. The sadness felt brought about a change in me. That incident was the cause for arranging an open good water storage basin in front of our house for animals to drink clean water. I will now write about an incident that occurred on Deepavali in 1991. Your mother and myself were worshipping Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) that Deepavali night at 8 PM in the upstairs room of our house. The priest was reciting holy mantras (verses ) where as my mind was concentrated on Sri Sai Baba's photograph hanging on the opposite wall . Even though worship of Lakshmi was in progress my mind was seeking blessings of Sri Sai.
May be for proving the point that Sri Sai never refused wishes of His Devotees, Sri Sai in the form of a pale orange coloured frog was jumping around close to my feet. My mind was filled with uncontrolled happiness. Sri Sai's own words - Only those who can see HIM in all living beings such as Dogs, Cats, Cows, Pigs, Flies etc., realize that HE is omnipresent and offer food to them before partaking it themselves, are HIS true and dear devotees. HE exhorted everyone to give up dualism, that you are one and the remaining living beings are the other, realize the UNITY and serve HIM -. I understand the significance of this statement on seeing that frog. It was Deepawali day, it did not rain that day, there was no rain on preceding ten days, the period was past monsoon time when appearance of frogs is common, worship was taking place in upstairs room and how can that frog appear from nowhere at that point of time and at that place. This incident is enough proof for Sri Sainath fulfilling wishes of HIS devotees as only Sri Sainath could assume the figure of frog and appear in front of me in response to my desire for HIS blessing on that day. This is my firm belief. I will now relate another incident, which occurred on 22 November 1991. That day , as per the direction received from Sri Sai during daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra, I went to Sri Panduranga temple in Secunderabad . When I was approaching the temple a lame dog followed me and stopped outside the temple. I looked at the lame dog with kindness and entered the temple. The priest was not present in the temple. I asked the attender to fetch the priest. That day instead of the priest, his polio afflicted son came limping, entered the sanctum - sanctorum and performed the worship ritual. At that time I visualized Sri Sainath simultaneously in Panduranga's idol, in the lame priest's son performing the worship ritual and in the lame dog waiting outside the temple. This incident had fortified my faith in Sri Sai and made HIS statement - Serve ME giving up dualism that you are different from all other living beings - to be literally true.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -10
OM SAI
Hyderabad
15 January 1992
Chapter - 10
Dear Chakrapani,
I must write about some details of Sri Sai in this letter . The details of Sri Sai's life , written by Sri Hemadri Pant in the tenth chapter, are more elaborate than the details I am going to write . Hence please read carefully tenth chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra . Sri Hemadri Pant says - We will safely reach our destination in life if we have full faith in Sri Sai to steer the journey -. You must understand well this concept. That's why I will give you one fine example. While undertaking long distance train journey, we reserve a berth in sleeper coach by paying additional charge for ensuring peaceful sleep during night and have a comfortable journey. If we do not pay additional additional charge for a berth in sleeper coach, we would have to travel in an unreserved general coach, which is always overcrowded with no place to stand even most of the times. We must realize that those who pay charges called Shraddha ( Devotion ) and Saburi ( Patience) to Sri Sai for ensuring their journey of LIFE comfortable are all our Sai Bandhus ( Sai relations or Sai Devotees ).
No one knew in those days when Baba was born or who are Baba's parents. Hence Hemadri Pant did not give any details on these aspects . Some say that when GOD incarnates as a Man amongst mankind HE must be born to parents. Others do not agree with this view. In this matter I cannot discuss which view point is correct, but can give examples to support both view points. What I am going to say is not from my personal experience or revelations during meditation , but from epics and scriptures and gleaned from study of history. Incarnations of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna belong to the first category i.e.. details of their parents, place and date of birth are known . Cases of Saints Namdev and Kabir belong to the second category i.e.. historical records of the present times say that they were not born as normal human beings. Namdev and Kabir were found as small babies floating in Bhima and Bhagirathi rivers respectively by their foster parents. In such a situation it is not important to debate on which category Sri Sai belonged to.
It is enough we believe that Sri Sai is an incarnation of GOD. Hemadri Pant wrote about Baba's mission and advice in the tenth chapter. I am one of those who believe that the easiest and best path for attaining liberation is chanting Sri Sai's name and follow HIS teachings , as in this age of Kali one cannot easily practice Yoga , Sacrifices and chanting of Mantras (Divine verses) properly.
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."
SAI IN LETTERS (11-20)
SAI IN LETTERS -11
OM SAI
Hyderabad
16 January 1992
Chapter - 11
Dear Chakrapani,
I want to write few words firstly in this letter about whether Sri Sai has a form or not when Sri Sai came to Shirdi for the first time, HE never told anyone that HIS name is Sai. When a Judge asked HIM his name, HE replied - They call me SAI BABA. HE was given THAT NAME by our Sai Bhagat Mhalsapati. Sri Sai told HIS Devotees that HE has no form. Our elders call this aspect as Nirguna Swaroopa ( one without form). Worshipping Sri Sai as Nirguna Swaroopa (a formless one) is actually worshipping Nirguna Brahma (formless absolute). This method of worship is very difficult and hence cannot be practiced by most people. That's why we worship GOD with human form. Worshipping Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and Sri Shirdi Sainath belongs to this category of worshipping GOD with human form. This type of worship is easy for practicing by all of us. Sri Sai is Omnipresent and was found everywhere, so wrote Hemadri Pant in this chapter. I agree with this view of Hemadri Pant. I have experienced Omniscience of Sri Sai many times in my life. Instead of writing all these experiences now in one letter, I feel that it will be better to write about them with reference context of an aspect under consideration. We know that Doctor Pandit applied sandalwood paste on Sri Sai's forehead, but what is the Sai's Philosophy behind that act? We have to ponder on this question. Sri Sai gave a vision of Dr. Pandit's Preceptor in HIMSELF to Dr. Pandit, to prove the point that GOD is always with HIS Devotee and that there is no difference between GOD and a SELF realized person. Haji Siddique Phalke's experience with Sri Sai was in contrast with Dr. Pandit's experience .
Sri Sai did not permit Haji Siddique Phalke to enter the Dwarakamayi for full nine months, as egoism was not fully eliminated in Haji. I worship daily Sri Sai and worship different Deities unfailingly on Saturdays by visiting temples . I was filled fully with pride (ego) that I am very pious person. When I recollect the way priests, of every temple I visited on Datta Jayanti day (a Saturday) in 1991, deflated my ego indicates certainly that Sri Sai removes egoism from HIS Devotees and opens their eyes to HIS Omniscience. I started believing from that day that GOD is Omnipresent, HE is present in Temple, in your house and in your mind etc., and leaving behind my ego started worshipping HIM at home. Hemadri Pant wrote in eleventh chapter that Baba has control of five elements. He narrated two examples to support this aspect. I will narrate an incident experienced by me to you so read on. I went to Shirdi for the first time on a Saturday during the month of July in 1989 on our way to Shiridi. We commenced our journey to Bus stand in an autorikshaw that afternoon. It started raining heavily at that time and I could not fathom what to do in such a situation. I prayed to Sri Sai to stop the incessant rain, started meditating on Sri Sai's name and commenced our travel in autorikshaw getting drenched from the rain. By the time the autorikshaw neared halfway through, the rain stopped completely . I believe that Sri Sai had interceded and stopped the rain to make the travel to Shirdi comfortable for HIS Devotees , as HE had actually done in the past at Shirdi when HE came out of Dwarakamayi and ordered - STOP , STOP , reduce your fury and subside - for saving the residents of Shirdi from torrential rain. Once we develop faith in Sri Sai, we must nurture the faith for not only for the journey to Shirdi, but also for our journey of LIFE for realizing GOD.
In service of Sri Sai ,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -12
17 January 1992
Chapter - 12
Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant wrote in detail experiences of Sri Sai Devotees in the 12th chapter. Before I start writing about a small incident experienced by me, just recall what Hemadri Pant said about Sri Sai Devotees - Unless HE calls no one can go to Shirdi and unless HE permits no one can leave Shirdi safely -.
This is literally true. Think about my case, probably I have written about this incident in one of my earlier letters. Yes, that incident of a dream on a night in 1964 wherein Sri Sathya Sai appeared and gave a message. In accordance with that message I got good fortune to think of Sri Sai in 1989. Sri Hemadri Pant described nicely details about one devotee by name Moolay Sastri. Sri Sai blessed Moolay Sastri by giving him 4 bananas. Sri Sai blessed me in 1991 by sending Moolay Sastri to my house. Isn't this surprising? I spoke with my friend Sri Moolay in office on a certain day (I don't remember the exact date) in 1991. He is a Maharashtrian Brahmin and a very good friend of mine. I was relaxing at home on that day, after returning from office, when the Postman arrived and delivered a fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba. When I took the magazine out from its wrapper I was delighted to go through the verse, depicting Sri Sai blessing Moolay Sastri by giving him 4 bananas. I opened the magazine and was fully engrossed in reading the articles in the magazine when my friend Sri Moolay (with whom I had a conversation in my office that morning) came to my house and had tea with me. What did Sri Sai convey through this incident? Think about this. Moolay Sastri was full of ego in those days and did not believe fully in Sri Sai's divinity. But Sri Sai did not discriminate between HIS devotees and blessed the egotistic Moolay Sastri by giving 4 bananas to him. I was reading these details about Moolay Sastri in the fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba, and Sri Sai blessed me by making my colleague in office Sri Moolay to visit me at the same time, signifying and warning that if one is full of ego then one should get rid of the inner ego. We must remember this always. I am writing what I consider my answer to the question - What must we learn from the stories of Sri Moolay Sastri and a Doctor narrated in this chapter? You must have unflinching faith in your GURU (Preceptor) and your chosen form of GOD. Once we develop full faith in our GURU, it will never diminish. Only HE will appear in the form of your chosen form of GOD and lead you in the spiritual path that will help in your progress and development.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -13
OM SAI
Hyderabad
18 January 1992
Chapter - 13
Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant described incidents of devotees being fully cured of their ailments through Sri Saibaba's Grace in this chapter. Hemadri Pant quoted Sri Sai as having said to HIS devotees - I am not interested in the ritual of worship. I do not need eight fold or sixteen fold methods of Yoga and types of worship. I dwell only where DEVOTION exists -. Hemadri Pant wrote in detail what Sri Saibaba did for welfare of those who fully surrendered to HIM in Sri Sai Satcharitra. Though I may not write in such detail, I must bring to your notice some aspects. Sri Sai did not initially show any interest in Bhimaji Patil's case because he has to suffer and atone for the sins committed in the past, that is the natural way of Karmic action and reaction and no one can escape from it. At that time Bhimaji Patil says that he is helpless from all quarters, only GOD can help those shunned by all, believing fully that Sri Sai is his GOD he came to Shirdi and pitifully cried seeking refuge in Sri Sai. That helpless cry of Bhimaji Patil touched Sri Sai's heart and HE used HIS Divine power to restore Bhimaji Patil's health by fully curing his ailment simply by ordering the disease to disappear. HE cured malarial fever of Bala Ganpat Shimpi by telling him to feed rice mixed with curds to a black dog in front of a temple. Is not this surprising? What must be understood here is that Sri Saibaba does not accept anything from anybody without reason. HE proved that SAI is another name for FAITH by making Bala Ganpat Shimpi feed a black dog rice mixed with curds with his own hands. Let us now consider the case of Bapusaheb Booty. He was a millionaire in those days. He had no dearth of money. He had many Doctors attending to him. He was suffering from dysentery, vomiting and cholera, and all prescribed medicines had no effect on these diseases. Sri Sai pointed a finger at him to remove his ego, ordered not to purge or vomit and told him to take protein rich food and thus fully curing his ailments without any medicines. HE cured pain in the ear of Alandi Swami by mere uttering a word and cured diarrhoea of Kaka Mahajani by asking him to eat poor man's almonds i.e.. monkeynuts ( groundnuts). Further HE cured stomach ache of Dattopant , piles of Shyama , stomach aches of Nanasaheb Chandorkar and Gangadhar Pant, not by administering medicines but simply by HIS Grace . Even after coming to all these astonishing cases of cure, if we cannot develop faith in Sri Sai, that is not HIS fault but our stupidity. You will recall that you suffered from malarial fever in 1990 when you were preparing for EAMCET (Engineering and Medical Common Entrance Test) examination. Sri Sai took pity on you and cured you of the ailment before the examination so that you could appear for the same. Whether you believe this or not I firmly believe this to be true.
With unflinching faith in Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -14
OM SAI
Hyderabad
19 January 1992
Chapter -14
Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant while describing attributes of Yogeeshwara (Supreme Yogi) in this chapter, says at one place - For achieving liberation in this life one must NEVER be IDLE and LAZY -. This statement is literally true. Sri Sai was never IDLE at any time. HE used to sit alone and mend HIS torn Kafni (robe) by using needle and thread in the afternoons when no devotees were present. If HIS devotees came forward to undertake this task out of LOVE for HIM, HE never used to agree to it. If we permit Idleness to enter our lives, that Idleness will bring along Untruthfulness for company. Once these two traits, Idleness and Untruthfulness, enter our lives, seeds of desire to Steal will unknowingly get sown in our mind. When these traits get full control of any person's life, it is well known that that person is set on a path of destruction and only GOD can reform such person to take the path for liberation. Hemadri Pant writes - If you hear with devotion Sri Sai Leelas then you will have a divine vision of Sri Sai -. It is all right if you do not listen to Sai Leelas in other's lives, but it is enough if you do not forget the Sai Leelas that occurred in your life. I will now narrate some of the Sai Leelas that occurred in your life so that you can recall them. I believe that after reading them you will agree. You were sad on that day in 1990 when you came to know that you did not secure admission in OMEGA (an Institute for coaching EAMSET aspirants) for studying. Then you were elated when you saw your name in the waiting list.
That evening the postman delivered the fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba and that issue contained a message - You have gained only admission to a college, you need to study very diligently -. Is not this a Leela (Miracle) shown by Sri Sai in your life! I suppose that you will remember Sri Sai's message revealed on 24 July 1991 while devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter 29 - He will definitely pass the examination this year - Your results were declared the next day 25 July 1991 and you secured 1331 rank, just recall these facts. Think about this. Sri Sai gave you a message each time in the fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba with my life membership number 1916. Your hall ticket roll number for EAMCET (Engineering and Medical Common Entrance Test) was 59318. The rank obtained by you in that test was 1331. When you add up all the digits of each of these three numbers and their sums you will arrive finally at a single digit number 8 in all the three cases. There is nothing wrong in assuming that the lucky number chosen by Sri Sai for you is 8. Digit 8 also represents eight good qualities required in devotees for worshipping mentioned in Sri Sai Satcharitra by Hemadri Pant. Devotees of Sri Sai mainly constituted from the Hindu and Muslim faiths but HE had devotees professing faith in other religions also. Ruttonji Shapurji Wadia belonging to Parsi faith was most important amongst the devotees of other faiths. You need to know the life story of this Ruttonji. You have said many times that Wealth is the only important thing in life. Realize that this belief is wrong. Ruttonji was a big businessman in those days and he was a millionaire. He was liberal, philanthropic and charitable to those needing material aid. People of Nanded used to call him Dana Karna (a title implying comparison to Karna, from the epic Mahabharatha, who was known for his charitable nature and who never refused anything demanded from him by a supplicant). Even such an individual had an unfulfilled desire. That desire could not be met by wealth. That unfulfilled desire was lack of any progeny especially male one. Neither his Good Samaritan nature nor his wealth could satisfy his wish and longing for a son. When he realized that this wish could only be fulfilled by Sri Saibaba, he went to Shirdi, prostrated at Sri Sai's feet and washed them with his tears. Sri Sai's grace finally fulfilled his desire in time and a son was born. If you think for some time whether he got happiness from his wealth or from Sri Sai's grace , you will then realize. Sri Sai used to accept money as Dakshina (offering of money to holy persons ), but HE neither accepted money as alms nor permitted HIS devotees to accept money as alms. Sri Sai used to accept Dakshina from morning to evening and money so collected was then distributed to the poor the same evening without retaining anything for Him.
Next morning HE commenced the day again as a penniless Fakir. Sri Sai used to tell HIS devotees - There are two obstacles to follow the path of spiritual life. First obstacle is WOMAN and the second obstacle is WEALTH -. HE used to ask for Dakshina from HIS devotees for testing their attachment to WEALTH. When a devotee passed this test, HE used to tell the devotee to visit the house of a female devotee named Radhakrishna Mayi in Shirdi for testing whether had desire for other women (a woman other than one's own wife). When a devotee passed these two tests, then Sri Sai showered HIS grace and aided in his progress in spiritual life. Today Sri Sai is not amongst us in his human form. Each Sri Sai devotee, installing Sri Sai in one's heart, must conduct and pass these two tests by themselves, and obtain Sri Sai's grace.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -15
OM SAI
Hyderabad
20 January 1992
Chapter - 15
My dear Pani,
When I read this 15th chapter for the first time, during my first daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra, and learnt how Sri Sai showered HIS Love and Grace on HIS devotees, my eyes were filled with tears of joy. Cholkar was one such blessed one who obtained that Love and Grace. Every Sai Devotee must travel on Sai Path, as demonstrated by Cholkar, and must finally wither away on Sai Path for merger with Sri Sai, as was done by Megha Shyama. That is why Cholkar and Megha Shyama are my favourites amongst Sai Devotees. If my life goes along the path tread by them, it will be my good fortune. We must recall Cholkar's story daily for ensuring we live our lives with contentment. Hemadri Pant says in the Post Script to this chapter, probably to emphasize this aspect - Whoever reads this chapter with utmost devotion everyday, will overcome difficulties in their lives by Grace of Sri Sai -. Before I comment on other aspects of this chapter I will tell about an incident. I took a vow like Cholkar did at that time. After discharging all responsibilities in my life, I will go to Shirdi, offer 15 Kgs of sugar candy to Sri Sai in Dwarakamayi and distribute the sanctified sugar candy to the devotees present on that day and also to other Sai Devotees known to us here. This vow of mine can be fulfilled only by Grace of Sri Sai. Hemadri Pant wrote in this chapter that Sri Sai says - You may go to anyplace of your choice in this world, I will always be with you -.
This statement of Sri Sai is literally true. I can say happily and with confidence that Sri Sai was with me in my travels abroad. I will write details of these experiences as per reference to context in other letters of mine. Now contemplate on what message did Sri Sai convey to ordinary folks like us through the episode of two lizards. Even living beings of lower order than human one love their contemporary living beings. Then why do brothers, born from the same womb of their mother, fight amongst themselves? So questions Sri Sai. I was to depart on 05 May 1991 on tour abroad to Korea. I went to Sri Anjaneya Temple on 04 May 1991 (Saturday), stood before the portrait of Sri Sai and prayed from the bottom of my heart to make my trip abroad successful. I had an experience then, I was praying to Sri Sai in concentration with my eyes closed regarding my trip abroad and I heard repeated noise Tick - Tick - Tick made by a big lizard, which was at the rear of that portrait. I felt this to be a good omen. With Sri Sai's Grace my trip abroad was commenced on 05 May 1991 and successfully concluded on 21 May 1991. I am always reminded of my feeling that Sri Sai blessed me in the form of lizard on that Saturday in response to my sincere prayers. Now I will write about a thought, which came to my mind in a lighter vein. A lizard expressed happiness by uttering Tick - Tick - Tick that day in Dwarakamayi and Sri Sai told those present that the lizard was happy as its sister is coming from Aurangabad. On this day i.e. Saturday 04 May 1991, a lizard uttered Tick - Tick - Tick from the rear of Sri Sai's portrait seemed to tell me to go on my trip abroad via Aurangabad to remember it's sister. Reason for entertaining such a thought is that the aeroplane I was travelling in took off from Bombay and was on course for a foreign country Korea, when the Pilot's announcement that the plane was flying over Aurangabad airport was heard from the speakers and then I understood the significance of the Lizard saying Tick - Tick - Tick. Sri Sai travelled with me, sitting next to me in that flight. I will try to narrate those details in my forthcoming letters. Wait with enthusiasm till then.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -16
OM SAI
Hyderabad
21 January 1992
Chapters - 16 , 17
Dear Chakrapani,
Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji combined Chapters 16 & 17 of the original Sri Sai Satcharitra written in Marathi by Hemadri Pant into an integrated one in his English version of the book . Hence I am writing only one letter to cover the aspects of these two chapters . Hemadri Pant vividly described Sri Sai's views on Brahma Jnana ( Ultimate Divine Knowledge ). Everyone cannot easily obtain and imbibe this Brahma Jnana . Earnest desire to acquire Brahma Jnana will result in bringing contentment in a person's life. Life spent in such contentment is BLISS SUPREME. That's why everyone must live their lives with an earnest desire for acquiring Brahma Jnana. I had a terrifying dream on a night during April 1991. In the dream I was living in a lake surrounded by big crocodiles. I was terrified and was shivering every moment with fear. After waking up next morning I tried to find the meaning for that dream in Sri Sai Satcharitra and when I opened the book it was Chapters 16 - 17 wherein I found the meaning for that dream. From that day I had started striving for driving out jealousy and ego from myself. It will be my good fortune if Sri Sai remains with me in these efforts of mine. You must start your efforts from now to acquire good traits spelled out by Sri Sai for becoming entitled to receive Brahma Jnana. If you start your efforts at this young age you will get desire for Brahma Jnana by the time you discharge your responsibilities in this life. I was doing daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra and was reading Chapters 16 - 17 on 01 January 1991 at 06: 00 AM. I was very much drawn by these words spoken by Sri Sai - My Treasury is full. I can give whatever is desired by you, but DO YOU HAVE THE QUALITIES THAT ENTITLE YOU TO RECEIVE OR NOT? I must firstly examine whether you deserve or not. If you listen carefully to what I say then you will definitely be benefited. I will never utter a lie sitting in this Dwarakamayi -. I was elated and was in a happy frame of mind. I was about to leave home for office at 08:30 AM when Mrs. Raju, a Sri Sai Devotee, came to our house and gave me a greeting card wishing us a very Happy New Year. That greeting card had a picture of Sri Sai with a beautiful smile lighting up his face and a Sai Message underneath the picture. The message on the card was the same as that I read a few hours earlier in daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra i.e. - My treasury is full ... you will definitely be benefited -. I have taken this incident as Sri Sai Leela (Miracle) and expressed my sincere gratitude to Sri Sai for HIS Grace on that New Years Day.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -17
OM SAI
Hyderabad
22 January 1992
( Chapters 18 & 19 )
Dear Chakrapani,
I will write my views on events described in Chapters 18 & 19. Once you understand these views of mine and when you feel that they will be useful to your friends, you can ask them to read this letter. Remember what Hemadri Pant said in this context - Sadguru (Good preceptor) is like a monsoon cloud and HE showers profusely HIS nectarine teachings over a large and wide area. We must assimilate fully these teachings to our hearts content and put them into practice in day to day life, and then propagate without any doubt, these to others for their benefit -.
Last night I completed reading Shirdi Diary of the Honourable G S Khaparde. When I was about to replace this book in its place in the bookshelf this morning, I suddenly got an urge to get a Sri Sai Message. I closed my eyes, opened that book randomly at page 69 and read the dialogue that took place between Sri Khaparde and Sri Sai on 30 January 1912 - When I mentioned about my writing letters, HE smiled and said It is better moving your hands than sitting idle -. This was the Sri Sai Message I got this morning. I had written in my second letter that I got inspiration to write these letters from your mother on 06 January 1992, you must be remembering this. I have received permission from Sri Sai today through Sri Sai message for writing these letters and I have got confidence this moment that I will be able to write 48 letters to you on Sri Sai Satcharitra with Grace from Sri Sai.
I believe that Sri Sai will give this confidence to my mind always. Hemadri Pant says in this chapter - When the period for one's evil actions come to an end, GOD arranges for his meeting a Yogeeswara (Saint) who gives directions to tread correct path for ensuring ones welfare -. This statement is literally true. When the time for my evil actions came to an end in 1989 GOD showed me the Divine Feet of a Yogeeswara (Sri Sai) to signaling commencement of better times. I am surrendering myself this day by placing my head at HIS Divine Feet and seek refuge in HIM. It is said in this chapter that Sri Sai made Hari Vinayak Sathe to undertake devotional reading of Sri Guru Charitra in one week. Sri Sai made me undertake devotional reading of Sri Guru Charitra in one week during 1991. Your mother was made to undertake devotional reading of one chapter per day of the book. I consider this as our good fortune. Quickness of Baba's response to help a devotee depends on his steadfastness and equanimity of mind in devotion.
It is written that sometimes Baba subjects devotees to difficult tests before showing the correct path. I have been undertaking daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra with steadfastness from 07 June 1990. I cannot see the result from this daily devotional reading of the book, because my wish was of such nature. Shall I tell you what that wish was, do not feel upset on reading about that wish of mine, I wished that the end to my life's journey comes peacefully while I am doing daily devotional reading of the book. Sri Sai will have to make this wish of mine come true and you will have to stand witness to whether this wish of mine has been fulfilled or not.
We are required to make an offering of two things to our Guru, the first offering is SHRADDHA (Unflinching Devotion) and the second offering is SABURI (Patience). If you accept Sri Sai as your Guru, then worship HIM with unflinching devotion and patience. Try to obtain the Grace of Sri Sai. I will be happy when you pass on this advice of mine to your children later in your life. You must remember one thing, if you repose faith in Sri Sai then do not approach anyone else for obtaining directions or divine name / verse for chanting. Hemadri Pant wrote elaborately his views on this aspect, read these views and understand them well. I went to many people, from 1989 to 1991, for finding out about Sri Sai, as I was restless for knowing about HIM. I was not satisfied. Then I remembered Sri Sai telling HIS Devotee BV Deo to directly ask HIM if wanted to know anything about HIM, and have started directly asking Sri Sai for answers to my questions since then. Now I will give you an advice please follow it.
Please read English and Telugu versions of Sri Sai Satcharitra written by Hemadri Pant in Marathi. Understand well the Philosophy of Sri Sai. Please take the path shown by Sri Sai's Philosophy, for your life's journey and experience peaceful existence. Same concept has been said by Hemadri Pant in this chapter in this way - Yes BABA, waywardness of my mind has departed, I have got real peace, calmness and have found the path of truth -. You will understand the inner meaning of this sentence. Sri Sai gives a nice example for the relationship between the Guru ( Preceptor ) & Shishya ( student aspirant for knowledge) and compared it with the relationship between a mother tortoise and its child . I will give another example similar to this one. A Mother undertakes various forms of worships / rituals / fasting etc. for the well being and good future of her children as per our Hindu culture and traditions. Just think the implication of this. A mother has her offspring always near to her heart, irrespective of the fact that sometimes the offspring may physically be away and far from their mother (like when studying in boarding schools, higher education at distant places and practicing their chosen vocation at far away locations), and hence undertakes different forms of worship / fasting for their welfare. Sri Sai Devotees have installed HIM in their hearts and minds, and hence obtained HIS GRACE & LOVE, both in those days as well as now, in the same way. Remember these words said by Sri Sai, - No one goes to another person without any reason, so do not harshly and rudely drive away a person or even an animal coming to you -.
I do not have to elaborate much on this aspect, because you can well remember how a wild cat entered our house a month ago at 5 AM following the milkman and became a domesticated pet in our house. Sri Sai also said - Breakdown the wall that separates you and ME, then there will be a way for our meeting. The feeling that you are different from ME keeps a Devotee away from his Guru (Preceptor). Unless that feeling is destroyed we cannot unite -. That is why you must recognize this aspect and establish a direct relationship with Sri Sai, keeping away intermediaries. Hemadri Pant made it known that Sri Sai did not like those addicted to alcohol. I suppose that this is the reason why I gave up drinking alcohol in 1991. This is my good fortune. On the subject of wages of labour, Sri Sai said - One should not take another's labour without giving just remuneration -. By this the worker will be happy and the employer will be contented. How nicely and aptly said for Harmony at all workplaces.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -18
OM SAI
Hyderabad
23 January 1992
Chapter 20)
Dear Chakrapani,
I will write about Sai Leelas (Miracles) that occurred in our house, in this letter. The way Sri Sai showed interest and spoke to each devotee, calling them by name, at the time of noon meals, was described thus in 20th chapter - Anna (brother) go for your noon meals, Baba go to your dwellings, Bapu have your meals -. I have got a feeling that this is the truth.
I will narrate an incident at our house for you to recall, to prove this to be true. 29 September 1990 was Vijaya Dasami (10th day of Hindu festival of Dusserah). I invited all the masons, carpenters, workers and supervisors (who built our house) for the noon meal on that day. After giving noon Aarati to Sri Sai and consecrating the items prepared, we started serving food to all invitees. There was an unknown and uninvited 10-year-old boy amongst those who had come for the noon meal. I presumed that the boy was related to the Supervising Mason and did not make an issue of his presence. I was serving a sweet dish, when I was about to serve the sweet dish to that boy the Banana leaf in front of him flew aside giving rise to a situation for me to serve the sweet dish on the floor. I caught that Banana leaf, replaced it in front of that boy and served the sweet dish on the leaf. That boy was looking at what was being served to others, as if nothing has happened.
After a while I was serving Vegetable Biryani (a rice preparation) to all the guests and when I was about to serve that boy, the Banana leaf in front of him flew aside, and the biryani fell from the serving spoon to the floor, instead of being served on the leaf. Even after flying aside of the leaf in front of him twice there was no change in feelings on that boy's face. He seemed to have fixed his sights on whether everyone else was satisfying fully their appetite for good food or not. Everyone else had eaten to their hearts content whereas that boy ate very little. I gave each invitee Rs. 2 as a token offering, after they completed their meals. All of them pocketed the Rs. 2 coin given by me and went away. Only that boy looked at the Rs. 2 coin given by me and expressed his happiness through his eyes. Seeing the happiness in that boy's eyes gave me happiness. That boy did not work on building our house. I did not invite him for the noon meal at our house.
When the items were being served he was observing others eating but he did not eat properly. When the Banana leaf placed in front of him flew aside twice, due to wind, situation arose to serve the items on Mother Earth (floor), and there was no reaction from him. When Rs. 2 coin was given to him as a token offering, as was done to all other invitees, the bewitching smile on that boy's face reminded me of the smile on Sri Sai's face, as depicted in HIS portraits.
This gave rise to a thought in me that probably Sri Sai came to our house in the form of Bala Sai ( Sai as a small boy) and took part in the Annadaanam ( serving food to the poor ) performed by me, but did not eat properly as I did not invite HIM and accepted only Rs. 2 coin given as a token offering by me . I spent the remainder of that day with this thought recurring again and again. Please read carefully and with full concentration this chapter to imbibe the practical way in which Sri Sai explained Ishopanishad (Explanatory commentary of last chapter of Yajurveda) to HIS devotee Das Ganu. Realize that Happiness and Grief are states of mind and depend on the attitude of mind. We must be content with whatever is given to us by GOD. We should not covet the wealth of others. We must accept what we have and be contented. When we are able to implement these tenets in our lives there will be no place for not being at peace. One can live happily a contended life. I am praying to Sri Sai to grant you that life.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -19
OM SAI
Hyderabad
24 January 1992
(Chapter 21)
Dear Chakrapani,
I am writing this letter from my own experiences with Sri Sai, not only being present at Shirdi but also being present at any nook and corner of this world for appearing before an aspirant who devotedly seeks HIM. So read on the following narrative carefully as the contents will generate lot of enthusiasm in you. Hemadri Pant wrote thus at the beginning of 21st chapter - Institution of Yogeeswaras (Saints) has been and is prevalent from times immemorial.
Many Yogis (Saints) incarnated at different places and carried on the Tasks assigned to them. Even though they executed their assigned tasks at different places, all of them acted at the behest of a single GOD. But each Saint knew what the other Saints are doing; they never acted at cross-purposes and always complemented each others work. Sometimes the task commenced by one Saint was carried on further by another Saint -. Remember these words and complement these with the experiences in my life, then you will say that what Hemadri Pant has written to be literally true.
I was reading 21st chapter during my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra on that day 11 April 1991. The message contained in the episode of Sri VH Thakur, B.A., touched greatly my heart. That message was what Appa - a Kannada Yogi (a Saint from the present day Karnataka state) - said to Sri VH Thakur, B.A. I believe that THAT Message is applicable to me, because there is similarity in the events experienced by me and by Sri VH Thakur. Let us see the message first - You must read this book. If you do so, your wishes will be fulfilled. When you travel northwards in future in connection with your work, you will come across a great Yogi (Saint), because of good luck due to accumulation of good deeds. He will show you the path to be taken by you in future. He will bring PEACE to your mind and BLISS in your life -. On that day when I read this chapter during my daily devotional reading, it was decided in the Organization, in which I am working, that 4 officers are to be sent to Korea on Official work. Names of 8 officers short listed were being talked about, my name was amongst those 8, but only 4 will be sent abroad and which 4 the Lady Luck is going to favor is not known to anyone. If the Sri Sai Message, revealed in the daily devotional reading on 11 April 1991, is to become true in my case then my name must figure amongst the 4 finally selected by the authorities. Thinking that all events occur by the Grace of Sri Sai, I left the responsibility on Sri Sai.
I was summoned by my superiors after two days for affixing my signatures on the application for issue of a Passport. My joy then was endless and I was on cloud Nine. By Grace of Sri Sai my name was second in the list of 4 Engineers to be sent abroad. First name was that of Sri Srinivasa Rao, my friend, and the second name was mine. Visa for the trip arrived from New Delhi on 1 May 1991 and we flew from Hyderabad to Mumbai on 5 May 1991. We were to fly in an aeroplane from Mumbai to Korea. Korea is situated in NorthEast direction from India. We took off from Mumbai airport at midnight of 05 May 1991 / early hours of 06 May 1991 in an aeroplane for Korea and reached that country at 6:30 PM on 06 May 1991. I will write my experiences abroad, with reference to context, in my forthcoming letters to you. Please wait patiently till then. Hemadri Pant wrote - Sri VH Thakur prostrated before Sri Sai, placed his head on HIS feet and prayed to Sri Sai to accept him and bless him-. This is the good providence earned by Sri VH Thakur then. Now Sri Sai gave me similar good providence.
I completed reading the 51st (last) chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, as a part of my daily devotional reading, on 15 May 1991 in Korea. I did not get any revelation or experience Grace of Sri Sai on that day, thus with a heavy heart I spent the whole day doing my assigned work in the office. Mr. Lee, my Korean friend, took me and my colleague Sri Srinivasa Rao out for Dinner at 8:00 p.m. on that day. On completion of dinner at 9:30 p.m., Mr. Lee took us out for a drive in his car to show us Chang Wan City by night. Even though I was looking at beautifully lit buildings, streets, shops etc., my mind was still filled with sorrow as Sri Sai did not give me any revelation or made me experience HIS Grace on completing the reading of the 51st chapter. Sri Sai was aware of my feelings and made my friend Mr. Lee to say to me at 9:45 p.m. - Gopal, please look at the hills at the outskirts of this city, there is a Buddhist Temple on that hill, lights in that temple are still glowing, should you desire to see that temple shall we go there? -. On hearing these words I felt that Sri Sai was speaking to me and immediately gave my consent. Mr. Lee drove his car at a speed of 100 KPH and took us to that hill. It was 10:15 p.m. by then, and the normal closing time of that temple was 10:00 p.m. Mr. Lee said that Let us try our luck, and we raced up to the Buddhist Temple on top of that hill. We had a feeling that the temple doors were kept open especially for us. Buddhist Lama of that temple was dressed in spotless white clothes. His head was fully bald, he had a round face, was very fair (white complexion) in color, and he welcomed us with a bewitching smile on his face. At that instant I experienced that Sri Sai is inviting us into Dwarakamayi. Mr. Lee was greatly surprised at the pleasant invitation from the Lama. Mr. Lee introduced me and my colleague Sri Srinivasa Rao as having come from India to the Buddhist Lama. That Lama expressed his pleasure in meeting us and recalled his visiting Buddha Gaya in India. That Lama took us into the temple and offered us freshly brewed Green Tea as per the Korean Custom.
I felt as if Sri Sai was personally serving us tea in Dwarakamayi. Now I will write about another incident. Hemadri Pant writes about Kakaji in chapter 30 thus -Who can see a Yogi (Saint) unless HE wills it? Even a leaf on a tree will not move unless ordered by HIM. The greater the anxiety, devotion and faith shown by a devotee for having a vision of a Yogi (Saint) the quicker and stronger fulfillment of his desire will take place. HE, who invites to have a vision, will also make arrangements for welcoming -. It so happened in Kakaji's life in those days. My first visit to Shirdi in 1989 and visit to Buddhist temple in Chang Wan city in Korea on 15 May 1991 also happened in the same way. I take all this as Sri Sai blessing me on completion of 51st chapter of daily devotional reading. I will now write about an incident that occurred in that temple. I had kept aside two one-Dollar notes separately in my purse before I commenced my journey from India. I intended to give these two Dollars as an offering to any Saint whom I may happen to meet in Korea. This was the vow taken by me in India at the commencement of the journey. Sri Sai appeared in the form of Lama in that Buddhist Temple before me. My mind was filled with happiness. I paid compliments to the Lama (Sri Sai) by bringing my palms together, prostrated at HIS feet, placed my head on HIS feet and prayed for HIS blessings. I requested HIM to accept the two Dollars from me as an offering. He blessed me and told me to place the two Dollars at the feet of Buddha idol. (Sri Sai never accepted an offering at night from any devotee - this fact is stated in page 246 of the book Sai Baba of Shirdi - A Unique Saint written by Sri MV Kamath). That Buddhist Lama gave a Silver Locket with blessing to each one of us - three. That Silver Locket was engraved with SWASTIKA figure.
You can see the same SWASTIKA figure on the wall of Shirdi Sai Samadhi Mandir. I had a feeling of Sri Sai granting a boon to me when that Buddhist Lama gave me that Silver Locket. That Silver Locket is now in the Altar set up in our house for praying. Sri Hemadri Pant described the nine ways of worship. I have chosen the path of Smarana (Remembering) from the nine paths of devotion for my Sadhana (Practice). If we remember and recall Sri Sai's name each moment of our lives, HE will always save us, HE will grant us Mukti (Deliverance from birth - death cycle). I like Sri Sai Message in 21st chapter - Do not talk ill of others, do not criticize others unnecessarily -. If we put into practice in life these two tenets, then all are our friends all are the forms of Sri Sai.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -20
OM SAI
Hyderabad
25 January 1991
(Chapter 22)
Dear Chakrapani,
The way in which Sri Sai saved HIS devotees from poisonous creatures is described in this chapter. Are not some human beings too full of poison? Sri Sai had also saved HIS devotees from such human beings many times. Hemadri Pant wrote at the end of this chapter that Sri Sai said - Do not waste your energy by participating in unnecessary quarrels, killings etc., but be patient. GOD will save every one -. This is a clear message from Sri Sai to the humanity.
My wish is that each Sri Sai Devotee must understand this message and lead a happy life. I will write about Sri Sai calling Dwarakamayi as Masjid Mother and about my experiences with Masjid mother. I went to Shirdi during December 1991. At dawn I recited the morning Aarati in Dwarakamayi during that visit. After completion of reciting the aarati, I searched for a sugar candy packet (brought for giving as an offering to Sri Sai) in my pockets but could not find the same. Agony, for my inability to offer sugar candy to Sri Sai, started increasing leaps and bounds in my heart. I was in a dilemma what to do? Should I go back to my hotel room and fetch another packet of sugar candy for offering to Sri Sai or should I seek pardon from Sri Sai for my inability to offer sugar candy? Thoughts in my mind were swinging like a pendulum between these two options. At that moment I noticed a 60-year old woman devotee coming in with a box full of sugar candy and offering some sugar candy from that box to Sri Sai. On seeing that sight, I was filled with an unexplained happiness. Sri Sai never disappoints HIS devotees in Dwarakamayi under any circumstance. HE sees devotees problems as HIS own problem and HE HIMSELF shows the solution to the devotee.
Thinking thus, I approached the old lady and asked for some sugar candy. That old lady willingly and smilingly took out a spoonful of sugar candy into a piece of paper and gave it to me. Sri Sai (in the form of old woman i.e. in the form of a mother) appeared before me in Dwarakamayi and showed the solution to my problem. HE appeared in the form of a mother. That's why remember always that Sri Sai and Sai Mother are one and the same. I wrote to you, in the 9th letter about Chapter 9, that Sri Sai used to ask for offerings and that I had started a practice of putting a fist full of rice in a shoulder bag everyday after completing my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. Just recall that I had mentioned in that letter that Sri Sai appeared in my dream, in the form of my mother in Dwarakamayi, and thus made me realise the importance of Dwarakamayi. Hemadri Pant wrote in 22nd chapter that Sri Sai said - GOD is present in all living beings -.
Each Sri Sai devotee must recognize the truth in this statement and proceed on the path shown by Sri Sai. I was restless for treading this path and hence I made arrangements for storing water in front of our house, so that even animals can quench their thirst during the intolerably hot months of summer season. I want you also to take this path of compassion towards even animals and try to relieve their thirst and other needs, and thus follow in my footsteps after me. In this way earn and obtain the Grace from Sri Sai. You will then become a true Sri Sai devotee.
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."
OM SAI
Hyderabad
16 January 1992
Chapter - 11
Dear Chakrapani,
I want to write few words firstly in this letter about whether Sri Sai has a form or not when Sri Sai came to Shirdi for the first time, HE never told anyone that HIS name is Sai. When a Judge asked HIM his name, HE replied - They call me SAI BABA. HE was given THAT NAME by our Sai Bhagat Mhalsapati. Sri Sai told HIS Devotees that HE has no form. Our elders call this aspect as Nirguna Swaroopa ( one without form). Worshipping Sri Sai as Nirguna Swaroopa (a formless one) is actually worshipping Nirguna Brahma (formless absolute). This method of worship is very difficult and hence cannot be practiced by most people. That's why we worship GOD with human form. Worshipping Sri Rama, Sri Krishna and Sri Shirdi Sainath belongs to this category of worshipping GOD with human form. This type of worship is easy for practicing by all of us. Sri Sai is Omnipresent and was found everywhere, so wrote Hemadri Pant in this chapter. I agree with this view of Hemadri Pant. I have experienced Omniscience of Sri Sai many times in my life. Instead of writing all these experiences now in one letter, I feel that it will be better to write about them with reference context of an aspect under consideration. We know that Doctor Pandit applied sandalwood paste on Sri Sai's forehead, but what is the Sai's Philosophy behind that act? We have to ponder on this question. Sri Sai gave a vision of Dr. Pandit's Preceptor in HIMSELF to Dr. Pandit, to prove the point that GOD is always with HIS Devotee and that there is no difference between GOD and a SELF realized person. Haji Siddique Phalke's experience with Sri Sai was in contrast with Dr. Pandit's experience .
Sri Sai did not permit Haji Siddique Phalke to enter the Dwarakamayi for full nine months, as egoism was not fully eliminated in Haji. I worship daily Sri Sai and worship different Deities unfailingly on Saturdays by visiting temples . I was filled fully with pride (ego) that I am very pious person. When I recollect the way priests, of every temple I visited on Datta Jayanti day (a Saturday) in 1991, deflated my ego indicates certainly that Sri Sai removes egoism from HIS Devotees and opens their eyes to HIS Omniscience. I started believing from that day that GOD is Omnipresent, HE is present in Temple, in your house and in your mind etc., and leaving behind my ego started worshipping HIM at home. Hemadri Pant wrote in eleventh chapter that Baba has control of five elements. He narrated two examples to support this aspect. I will narrate an incident experienced by me to you so read on. I went to Shirdi for the first time on a Saturday during the month of July in 1989 on our way to Shiridi. We commenced our journey to Bus stand in an autorikshaw that afternoon. It started raining heavily at that time and I could not fathom what to do in such a situation. I prayed to Sri Sai to stop the incessant rain, started meditating on Sri Sai's name and commenced our travel in autorikshaw getting drenched from the rain. By the time the autorikshaw neared halfway through, the rain stopped completely . I believe that Sri Sai had interceded and stopped the rain to make the travel to Shirdi comfortable for HIS Devotees , as HE had actually done in the past at Shirdi when HE came out of Dwarakamayi and ordered - STOP , STOP , reduce your fury and subside - for saving the residents of Shirdi from torrential rain. Once we develop faith in Sri Sai, we must nurture the faith for not only for the journey to Shirdi, but also for our journey of LIFE for realizing GOD.
In service of Sri Sai ,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -12
17 January 1992
Chapter - 12
Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant wrote in detail experiences of Sri Sai Devotees in the 12th chapter. Before I start writing about a small incident experienced by me, just recall what Hemadri Pant said about Sri Sai Devotees - Unless HE calls no one can go to Shirdi and unless HE permits no one can leave Shirdi safely -.
This is literally true. Think about my case, probably I have written about this incident in one of my earlier letters. Yes, that incident of a dream on a night in 1964 wherein Sri Sathya Sai appeared and gave a message. In accordance with that message I got good fortune to think of Sri Sai in 1989. Sri Hemadri Pant described nicely details about one devotee by name Moolay Sastri. Sri Sai blessed Moolay Sastri by giving him 4 bananas. Sri Sai blessed me in 1991 by sending Moolay Sastri to my house. Isn't this surprising? I spoke with my friend Sri Moolay in office on a certain day (I don't remember the exact date) in 1991. He is a Maharashtrian Brahmin and a very good friend of mine. I was relaxing at home on that day, after returning from office, when the Postman arrived and delivered a fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba. When I took the magazine out from its wrapper I was delighted to go through the verse, depicting Sri Sai blessing Moolay Sastri by giving him 4 bananas. I opened the magazine and was fully engrossed in reading the articles in the magazine when my friend Sri Moolay (with whom I had a conversation in my office that morning) came to my house and had tea with me. What did Sri Sai convey through this incident? Think about this. Moolay Sastri was full of ego in those days and did not believe fully in Sri Sai's divinity. But Sri Sai did not discriminate between HIS devotees and blessed the egotistic Moolay Sastri by giving 4 bananas to him. I was reading these details about Moolay Sastri in the fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba, and Sri Sai blessed me by making my colleague in office Sri Moolay to visit me at the same time, signifying and warning that if one is full of ego then one should get rid of the inner ego. We must remember this always. I am writing what I consider my answer to the question - What must we learn from the stories of Sri Moolay Sastri and a Doctor narrated in this chapter? You must have unflinching faith in your GURU (Preceptor) and your chosen form of GOD. Once we develop full faith in our GURU, it will never diminish. Only HE will appear in the form of your chosen form of GOD and lead you in the spiritual path that will help in your progress and development.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -13
OM SAI
Hyderabad
18 January 1992
Chapter - 13
Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant described incidents of devotees being fully cured of their ailments through Sri Saibaba's Grace in this chapter. Hemadri Pant quoted Sri Sai as having said to HIS devotees - I am not interested in the ritual of worship. I do not need eight fold or sixteen fold methods of Yoga and types of worship. I dwell only where DEVOTION exists -. Hemadri Pant wrote in detail what Sri Saibaba did for welfare of those who fully surrendered to HIM in Sri Sai Satcharitra. Though I may not write in such detail, I must bring to your notice some aspects. Sri Sai did not initially show any interest in Bhimaji Patil's case because he has to suffer and atone for the sins committed in the past, that is the natural way of Karmic action and reaction and no one can escape from it. At that time Bhimaji Patil says that he is helpless from all quarters, only GOD can help those shunned by all, believing fully that Sri Sai is his GOD he came to Shirdi and pitifully cried seeking refuge in Sri Sai. That helpless cry of Bhimaji Patil touched Sri Sai's heart and HE used HIS Divine power to restore Bhimaji Patil's health by fully curing his ailment simply by ordering the disease to disappear. HE cured malarial fever of Bala Ganpat Shimpi by telling him to feed rice mixed with curds to a black dog in front of a temple. Is not this surprising? What must be understood here is that Sri Saibaba does not accept anything from anybody without reason. HE proved that SAI is another name for FAITH by making Bala Ganpat Shimpi feed a black dog rice mixed with curds with his own hands. Let us now consider the case of Bapusaheb Booty. He was a millionaire in those days. He had no dearth of money. He had many Doctors attending to him. He was suffering from dysentery, vomiting and cholera, and all prescribed medicines had no effect on these diseases. Sri Sai pointed a finger at him to remove his ego, ordered not to purge or vomit and told him to take protein rich food and thus fully curing his ailments without any medicines. HE cured pain in the ear of Alandi Swami by mere uttering a word and cured diarrhoea of Kaka Mahajani by asking him to eat poor man's almonds i.e.. monkeynuts ( groundnuts). Further HE cured stomach ache of Dattopant , piles of Shyama , stomach aches of Nanasaheb Chandorkar and Gangadhar Pant, not by administering medicines but simply by HIS Grace . Even after coming to all these astonishing cases of cure, if we cannot develop faith in Sri Sai, that is not HIS fault but our stupidity. You will recall that you suffered from malarial fever in 1990 when you were preparing for EAMCET (Engineering and Medical Common Entrance Test) examination. Sri Sai took pity on you and cured you of the ailment before the examination so that you could appear for the same. Whether you believe this or not I firmly believe this to be true.
With unflinching faith in Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -14
OM SAI
Hyderabad
19 January 1992
Chapter -14
Dear Chakrapani,
Hemadri Pant while describing attributes of Yogeeshwara (Supreme Yogi) in this chapter, says at one place - For achieving liberation in this life one must NEVER be IDLE and LAZY -. This statement is literally true. Sri Sai was never IDLE at any time. HE used to sit alone and mend HIS torn Kafni (robe) by using needle and thread in the afternoons when no devotees were present. If HIS devotees came forward to undertake this task out of LOVE for HIM, HE never used to agree to it. If we permit Idleness to enter our lives, that Idleness will bring along Untruthfulness for company. Once these two traits, Idleness and Untruthfulness, enter our lives, seeds of desire to Steal will unknowingly get sown in our mind. When these traits get full control of any person's life, it is well known that that person is set on a path of destruction and only GOD can reform such person to take the path for liberation. Hemadri Pant writes - If you hear with devotion Sri Sai Leelas then you will have a divine vision of Sri Sai -. It is all right if you do not listen to Sai Leelas in other's lives, but it is enough if you do not forget the Sai Leelas that occurred in your life. I will now narrate some of the Sai Leelas that occurred in your life so that you can recall them. I believe that after reading them you will agree. You were sad on that day in 1990 when you came to know that you did not secure admission in OMEGA (an Institute for coaching EAMSET aspirants) for studying. Then you were elated when you saw your name in the waiting list.
That evening the postman delivered the fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba and that issue contained a message - You have gained only admission to a college, you need to study very diligently -. Is not this a Leela (Miracle) shown by Sri Sai in your life! I suppose that you will remember Sri Sai's message revealed on 24 July 1991 while devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter 29 - He will definitely pass the examination this year - Your results were declared the next day 25 July 1991 and you secured 1331 rank, just recall these facts. Think about this. Sri Sai gave you a message each time in the fortnightly magazine of Sri Saibaba with my life membership number 1916. Your hall ticket roll number for EAMCET (Engineering and Medical Common Entrance Test) was 59318. The rank obtained by you in that test was 1331. When you add up all the digits of each of these three numbers and their sums you will arrive finally at a single digit number 8 in all the three cases. There is nothing wrong in assuming that the lucky number chosen by Sri Sai for you is 8. Digit 8 also represents eight good qualities required in devotees for worshipping mentioned in Sri Sai Satcharitra by Hemadri Pant. Devotees of Sri Sai mainly constituted from the Hindu and Muslim faiths but HE had devotees professing faith in other religions also. Ruttonji Shapurji Wadia belonging to Parsi faith was most important amongst the devotees of other faiths. You need to know the life story of this Ruttonji. You have said many times that Wealth is the only important thing in life. Realize that this belief is wrong. Ruttonji was a big businessman in those days and he was a millionaire. He was liberal, philanthropic and charitable to those needing material aid. People of Nanded used to call him Dana Karna (a title implying comparison to Karna, from the epic Mahabharatha, who was known for his charitable nature and who never refused anything demanded from him by a supplicant). Even such an individual had an unfulfilled desire. That desire could not be met by wealth. That unfulfilled desire was lack of any progeny especially male one. Neither his Good Samaritan nature nor his wealth could satisfy his wish and longing for a son. When he realized that this wish could only be fulfilled by Sri Saibaba, he went to Shirdi, prostrated at Sri Sai's feet and washed them with his tears. Sri Sai's grace finally fulfilled his desire in time and a son was born. If you think for some time whether he got happiness from his wealth or from Sri Sai's grace , you will then realize. Sri Sai used to accept money as Dakshina (offering of money to holy persons ), but HE neither accepted money as alms nor permitted HIS devotees to accept money as alms. Sri Sai used to accept Dakshina from morning to evening and money so collected was then distributed to the poor the same evening without retaining anything for Him.
Next morning HE commenced the day again as a penniless Fakir. Sri Sai used to tell HIS devotees - There are two obstacles to follow the path of spiritual life. First obstacle is WOMAN and the second obstacle is WEALTH -. HE used to ask for Dakshina from HIS devotees for testing their attachment to WEALTH. When a devotee passed this test, HE used to tell the devotee to visit the house of a female devotee named Radhakrishna Mayi in Shirdi for testing whether had desire for other women (a woman other than one's own wife). When a devotee passed these two tests, then Sri Sai showered HIS grace and aided in his progress in spiritual life. Today Sri Sai is not amongst us in his human form. Each Sri Sai devotee, installing Sri Sai in one's heart, must conduct and pass these two tests by themselves, and obtain Sri Sai's grace.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -15
OM SAI
Hyderabad
20 January 1992
Chapter - 15
My dear Pani,
When I read this 15th chapter for the first time, during my first daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra, and learnt how Sri Sai showered HIS Love and Grace on HIS devotees, my eyes were filled with tears of joy. Cholkar was one such blessed one who obtained that Love and Grace. Every Sai Devotee must travel on Sai Path, as demonstrated by Cholkar, and must finally wither away on Sai Path for merger with Sri Sai, as was done by Megha Shyama. That is why Cholkar and Megha Shyama are my favourites amongst Sai Devotees. If my life goes along the path tread by them, it will be my good fortune. We must recall Cholkar's story daily for ensuring we live our lives with contentment. Hemadri Pant says in the Post Script to this chapter, probably to emphasize this aspect - Whoever reads this chapter with utmost devotion everyday, will overcome difficulties in their lives by Grace of Sri Sai -. Before I comment on other aspects of this chapter I will tell about an incident. I took a vow like Cholkar did at that time. After discharging all responsibilities in my life, I will go to Shirdi, offer 15 Kgs of sugar candy to Sri Sai in Dwarakamayi and distribute the sanctified sugar candy to the devotees present on that day and also to other Sai Devotees known to us here. This vow of mine can be fulfilled only by Grace of Sri Sai. Hemadri Pant wrote in this chapter that Sri Sai says - You may go to anyplace of your choice in this world, I will always be with you -.
This statement of Sri Sai is literally true. I can say happily and with confidence that Sri Sai was with me in my travels abroad. I will write details of these experiences as per reference to context in other letters of mine. Now contemplate on what message did Sri Sai convey to ordinary folks like us through the episode of two lizards. Even living beings of lower order than human one love their contemporary living beings. Then why do brothers, born from the same womb of their mother, fight amongst themselves? So questions Sri Sai. I was to depart on 05 May 1991 on tour abroad to Korea. I went to Sri Anjaneya Temple on 04 May 1991 (Saturday), stood before the portrait of Sri Sai and prayed from the bottom of my heart to make my trip abroad successful. I had an experience then, I was praying to Sri Sai in concentration with my eyes closed regarding my trip abroad and I heard repeated noise Tick - Tick - Tick made by a big lizard, which was at the rear of that portrait. I felt this to be a good omen. With Sri Sai's Grace my trip abroad was commenced on 05 May 1991 and successfully concluded on 21 May 1991. I am always reminded of my feeling that Sri Sai blessed me in the form of lizard on that Saturday in response to my sincere prayers. Now I will write about a thought, which came to my mind in a lighter vein. A lizard expressed happiness by uttering Tick - Tick - Tick that day in Dwarakamayi and Sri Sai told those present that the lizard was happy as its sister is coming from Aurangabad. On this day i.e. Saturday 04 May 1991, a lizard uttered Tick - Tick - Tick from the rear of Sri Sai's portrait seemed to tell me to go on my trip abroad via Aurangabad to remember it's sister. Reason for entertaining such a thought is that the aeroplane I was travelling in took off from Bombay and was on course for a foreign country Korea, when the Pilot's announcement that the plane was flying over Aurangabad airport was heard from the speakers and then I understood the significance of the Lizard saying Tick - Tick - Tick. Sri Sai travelled with me, sitting next to me in that flight. I will try to narrate those details in my forthcoming letters. Wait with enthusiasm till then.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -16
OM SAI
Hyderabad
21 January 1992
Chapters - 16 , 17
Dear Chakrapani,
Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji combined Chapters 16 & 17 of the original Sri Sai Satcharitra written in Marathi by Hemadri Pant into an integrated one in his English version of the book . Hence I am writing only one letter to cover the aspects of these two chapters . Hemadri Pant vividly described Sri Sai's views on Brahma Jnana ( Ultimate Divine Knowledge ). Everyone cannot easily obtain and imbibe this Brahma Jnana . Earnest desire to acquire Brahma Jnana will result in bringing contentment in a person's life. Life spent in such contentment is BLISS SUPREME. That's why everyone must live their lives with an earnest desire for acquiring Brahma Jnana. I had a terrifying dream on a night during April 1991. In the dream I was living in a lake surrounded by big crocodiles. I was terrified and was shivering every moment with fear. After waking up next morning I tried to find the meaning for that dream in Sri Sai Satcharitra and when I opened the book it was Chapters 16 - 17 wherein I found the meaning for that dream. From that day I had started striving for driving out jealousy and ego from myself. It will be my good fortune if Sri Sai remains with me in these efforts of mine. You must start your efforts from now to acquire good traits spelled out by Sri Sai for becoming entitled to receive Brahma Jnana. If you start your efforts at this young age you will get desire for Brahma Jnana by the time you discharge your responsibilities in this life. I was doing daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra and was reading Chapters 16 - 17 on 01 January 1991 at 06: 00 AM. I was very much drawn by these words spoken by Sri Sai - My Treasury is full. I can give whatever is desired by you, but DO YOU HAVE THE QUALITIES THAT ENTITLE YOU TO RECEIVE OR NOT? I must firstly examine whether you deserve or not. If you listen carefully to what I say then you will definitely be benefited. I will never utter a lie sitting in this Dwarakamayi -. I was elated and was in a happy frame of mind. I was about to leave home for office at 08:30 AM when Mrs. Raju, a Sri Sai Devotee, came to our house and gave me a greeting card wishing us a very Happy New Year. That greeting card had a picture of Sri Sai with a beautiful smile lighting up his face and a Sai Message underneath the picture. The message on the card was the same as that I read a few hours earlier in daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra i.e. - My treasury is full ... you will definitely be benefited -. I have taken this incident as Sri Sai Leela (Miracle) and expressed my sincere gratitude to Sri Sai for HIS Grace on that New Years Day.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -17
OM SAI
Hyderabad
22 January 1992
( Chapters 18 & 19 )
Dear Chakrapani,
I will write my views on events described in Chapters 18 & 19. Once you understand these views of mine and when you feel that they will be useful to your friends, you can ask them to read this letter. Remember what Hemadri Pant said in this context - Sadguru (Good preceptor) is like a monsoon cloud and HE showers profusely HIS nectarine teachings over a large and wide area. We must assimilate fully these teachings to our hearts content and put them into practice in day to day life, and then propagate without any doubt, these to others for their benefit -.
Last night I completed reading Shirdi Diary of the Honourable G S Khaparde. When I was about to replace this book in its place in the bookshelf this morning, I suddenly got an urge to get a Sri Sai Message. I closed my eyes, opened that book randomly at page 69 and read the dialogue that took place between Sri Khaparde and Sri Sai on 30 January 1912 - When I mentioned about my writing letters, HE smiled and said It is better moving your hands than sitting idle -. This was the Sri Sai Message I got this morning. I had written in my second letter that I got inspiration to write these letters from your mother on 06 January 1992, you must be remembering this. I have received permission from Sri Sai today through Sri Sai message for writing these letters and I have got confidence this moment that I will be able to write 48 letters to you on Sri Sai Satcharitra with Grace from Sri Sai.
I believe that Sri Sai will give this confidence to my mind always. Hemadri Pant says in this chapter - When the period for one's evil actions come to an end, GOD arranges for his meeting a Yogeeswara (Saint) who gives directions to tread correct path for ensuring ones welfare -. This statement is literally true. When the time for my evil actions came to an end in 1989 GOD showed me the Divine Feet of a Yogeeswara (Sri Sai) to signaling commencement of better times. I am surrendering myself this day by placing my head at HIS Divine Feet and seek refuge in HIM. It is said in this chapter that Sri Sai made Hari Vinayak Sathe to undertake devotional reading of Sri Guru Charitra in one week. Sri Sai made me undertake devotional reading of Sri Guru Charitra in one week during 1991. Your mother was made to undertake devotional reading of one chapter per day of the book. I consider this as our good fortune. Quickness of Baba's response to help a devotee depends on his steadfastness and equanimity of mind in devotion.
It is written that sometimes Baba subjects devotees to difficult tests before showing the correct path. I have been undertaking daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra with steadfastness from 07 June 1990. I cannot see the result from this daily devotional reading of the book, because my wish was of such nature. Shall I tell you what that wish was, do not feel upset on reading about that wish of mine, I wished that the end to my life's journey comes peacefully while I am doing daily devotional reading of the book. Sri Sai will have to make this wish of mine come true and you will have to stand witness to whether this wish of mine has been fulfilled or not.
We are required to make an offering of two things to our Guru, the first offering is SHRADDHA (Unflinching Devotion) and the second offering is SABURI (Patience). If you accept Sri Sai as your Guru, then worship HIM with unflinching devotion and patience. Try to obtain the Grace of Sri Sai. I will be happy when you pass on this advice of mine to your children later in your life. You must remember one thing, if you repose faith in Sri Sai then do not approach anyone else for obtaining directions or divine name / verse for chanting. Hemadri Pant wrote elaborately his views on this aspect, read these views and understand them well. I went to many people, from 1989 to 1991, for finding out about Sri Sai, as I was restless for knowing about HIM. I was not satisfied. Then I remembered Sri Sai telling HIS Devotee BV Deo to directly ask HIM if wanted to know anything about HIM, and have started directly asking Sri Sai for answers to my questions since then. Now I will give you an advice please follow it.
Please read English and Telugu versions of Sri Sai Satcharitra written by Hemadri Pant in Marathi. Understand well the Philosophy of Sri Sai. Please take the path shown by Sri Sai's Philosophy, for your life's journey and experience peaceful existence. Same concept has been said by Hemadri Pant in this chapter in this way - Yes BABA, waywardness of my mind has departed, I have got real peace, calmness and have found the path of truth -. You will understand the inner meaning of this sentence. Sri Sai gives a nice example for the relationship between the Guru ( Preceptor ) & Shishya ( student aspirant for knowledge) and compared it with the relationship between a mother tortoise and its child . I will give another example similar to this one. A Mother undertakes various forms of worships / rituals / fasting etc. for the well being and good future of her children as per our Hindu culture and traditions. Just think the implication of this. A mother has her offspring always near to her heart, irrespective of the fact that sometimes the offspring may physically be away and far from their mother (like when studying in boarding schools, higher education at distant places and practicing their chosen vocation at far away locations), and hence undertakes different forms of worship / fasting for their welfare. Sri Sai Devotees have installed HIM in their hearts and minds, and hence obtained HIS GRACE & LOVE, both in those days as well as now, in the same way. Remember these words said by Sri Sai, - No one goes to another person without any reason, so do not harshly and rudely drive away a person or even an animal coming to you -.
I do not have to elaborate much on this aspect, because you can well remember how a wild cat entered our house a month ago at 5 AM following the milkman and became a domesticated pet in our house. Sri Sai also said - Breakdown the wall that separates you and ME, then there will be a way for our meeting. The feeling that you are different from ME keeps a Devotee away from his Guru (Preceptor). Unless that feeling is destroyed we cannot unite -. That is why you must recognize this aspect and establish a direct relationship with Sri Sai, keeping away intermediaries. Hemadri Pant made it known that Sri Sai did not like those addicted to alcohol. I suppose that this is the reason why I gave up drinking alcohol in 1991. This is my good fortune. On the subject of wages of labour, Sri Sai said - One should not take another's labour without giving just remuneration -. By this the worker will be happy and the employer will be contented. How nicely and aptly said for Harmony at all workplaces.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -18
OM SAI
Hyderabad
23 January 1992
Chapter 20)
Dear Chakrapani,
I will write about Sai Leelas (Miracles) that occurred in our house, in this letter. The way Sri Sai showed interest and spoke to each devotee, calling them by name, at the time of noon meals, was described thus in 20th chapter - Anna (brother) go for your noon meals, Baba go to your dwellings, Bapu have your meals -. I have got a feeling that this is the truth.
I will narrate an incident at our house for you to recall, to prove this to be true. 29 September 1990 was Vijaya Dasami (10th day of Hindu festival of Dusserah). I invited all the masons, carpenters, workers and supervisors (who built our house) for the noon meal on that day. After giving noon Aarati to Sri Sai and consecrating the items prepared, we started serving food to all invitees. There was an unknown and uninvited 10-year-old boy amongst those who had come for the noon meal. I presumed that the boy was related to the Supervising Mason and did not make an issue of his presence. I was serving a sweet dish, when I was about to serve the sweet dish to that boy the Banana leaf in front of him flew aside giving rise to a situation for me to serve the sweet dish on the floor. I caught that Banana leaf, replaced it in front of that boy and served the sweet dish on the leaf. That boy was looking at what was being served to others, as if nothing has happened.
After a while I was serving Vegetable Biryani (a rice preparation) to all the guests and when I was about to serve that boy, the Banana leaf in front of him flew aside, and the biryani fell from the serving spoon to the floor, instead of being served on the leaf. Even after flying aside of the leaf in front of him twice there was no change in feelings on that boy's face. He seemed to have fixed his sights on whether everyone else was satisfying fully their appetite for good food or not. Everyone else had eaten to their hearts content whereas that boy ate very little. I gave each invitee Rs. 2 as a token offering, after they completed their meals. All of them pocketed the Rs. 2 coin given by me and went away. Only that boy looked at the Rs. 2 coin given by me and expressed his happiness through his eyes. Seeing the happiness in that boy's eyes gave me happiness. That boy did not work on building our house. I did not invite him for the noon meal at our house.
When the items were being served he was observing others eating but he did not eat properly. When the Banana leaf placed in front of him flew aside twice, due to wind, situation arose to serve the items on Mother Earth (floor), and there was no reaction from him. When Rs. 2 coin was given to him as a token offering, as was done to all other invitees, the bewitching smile on that boy's face reminded me of the smile on Sri Sai's face, as depicted in HIS portraits.
This gave rise to a thought in me that probably Sri Sai came to our house in the form of Bala Sai ( Sai as a small boy) and took part in the Annadaanam ( serving food to the poor ) performed by me, but did not eat properly as I did not invite HIM and accepted only Rs. 2 coin given as a token offering by me . I spent the remainder of that day with this thought recurring again and again. Please read carefully and with full concentration this chapter to imbibe the practical way in which Sri Sai explained Ishopanishad (Explanatory commentary of last chapter of Yajurveda) to HIS devotee Das Ganu. Realize that Happiness and Grief are states of mind and depend on the attitude of mind. We must be content with whatever is given to us by GOD. We should not covet the wealth of others. We must accept what we have and be contented. When we are able to implement these tenets in our lives there will be no place for not being at peace. One can live happily a contended life. I am praying to Sri Sai to grant you that life.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -19
OM SAI
Hyderabad
24 January 1992
(Chapter 21)
Dear Chakrapani,
I am writing this letter from my own experiences with Sri Sai, not only being present at Shirdi but also being present at any nook and corner of this world for appearing before an aspirant who devotedly seeks HIM. So read on the following narrative carefully as the contents will generate lot of enthusiasm in you. Hemadri Pant wrote thus at the beginning of 21st chapter - Institution of Yogeeswaras (Saints) has been and is prevalent from times immemorial.
Many Yogis (Saints) incarnated at different places and carried on the Tasks assigned to them. Even though they executed their assigned tasks at different places, all of them acted at the behest of a single GOD. But each Saint knew what the other Saints are doing; they never acted at cross-purposes and always complemented each others work. Sometimes the task commenced by one Saint was carried on further by another Saint -. Remember these words and complement these with the experiences in my life, then you will say that what Hemadri Pant has written to be literally true.
I was reading 21st chapter during my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra on that day 11 April 1991. The message contained in the episode of Sri VH Thakur, B.A., touched greatly my heart. That message was what Appa - a Kannada Yogi (a Saint from the present day Karnataka state) - said to Sri VH Thakur, B.A. I believe that THAT Message is applicable to me, because there is similarity in the events experienced by me and by Sri VH Thakur. Let us see the message first - You must read this book. If you do so, your wishes will be fulfilled. When you travel northwards in future in connection with your work, you will come across a great Yogi (Saint), because of good luck due to accumulation of good deeds. He will show you the path to be taken by you in future. He will bring PEACE to your mind and BLISS in your life -. On that day when I read this chapter during my daily devotional reading, it was decided in the Organization, in which I am working, that 4 officers are to be sent to Korea on Official work. Names of 8 officers short listed were being talked about, my name was amongst those 8, but only 4 will be sent abroad and which 4 the Lady Luck is going to favor is not known to anyone. If the Sri Sai Message, revealed in the daily devotional reading on 11 April 1991, is to become true in my case then my name must figure amongst the 4 finally selected by the authorities. Thinking that all events occur by the Grace of Sri Sai, I left the responsibility on Sri Sai.
I was summoned by my superiors after two days for affixing my signatures on the application for issue of a Passport. My joy then was endless and I was on cloud Nine. By Grace of Sri Sai my name was second in the list of 4 Engineers to be sent abroad. First name was that of Sri Srinivasa Rao, my friend, and the second name was mine. Visa for the trip arrived from New Delhi on 1 May 1991 and we flew from Hyderabad to Mumbai on 5 May 1991. We were to fly in an aeroplane from Mumbai to Korea. Korea is situated in NorthEast direction from India. We took off from Mumbai airport at midnight of 05 May 1991 / early hours of 06 May 1991 in an aeroplane for Korea and reached that country at 6:30 PM on 06 May 1991. I will write my experiences abroad, with reference to context, in my forthcoming letters to you. Please wait patiently till then. Hemadri Pant wrote - Sri VH Thakur prostrated before Sri Sai, placed his head on HIS feet and prayed to Sri Sai to accept him and bless him-. This is the good providence earned by Sri VH Thakur then. Now Sri Sai gave me similar good providence.
I completed reading the 51st (last) chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra, as a part of my daily devotional reading, on 15 May 1991 in Korea. I did not get any revelation or experience Grace of Sri Sai on that day, thus with a heavy heart I spent the whole day doing my assigned work in the office. Mr. Lee, my Korean friend, took me and my colleague Sri Srinivasa Rao out for Dinner at 8:00 p.m. on that day. On completion of dinner at 9:30 p.m., Mr. Lee took us out for a drive in his car to show us Chang Wan City by night. Even though I was looking at beautifully lit buildings, streets, shops etc., my mind was still filled with sorrow as Sri Sai did not give me any revelation or made me experience HIS Grace on completing the reading of the 51st chapter. Sri Sai was aware of my feelings and made my friend Mr. Lee to say to me at 9:45 p.m. - Gopal, please look at the hills at the outskirts of this city, there is a Buddhist Temple on that hill, lights in that temple are still glowing, should you desire to see that temple shall we go there? -. On hearing these words I felt that Sri Sai was speaking to me and immediately gave my consent. Mr. Lee drove his car at a speed of 100 KPH and took us to that hill. It was 10:15 p.m. by then, and the normal closing time of that temple was 10:00 p.m. Mr. Lee said that Let us try our luck, and we raced up to the Buddhist Temple on top of that hill. We had a feeling that the temple doors were kept open especially for us. Buddhist Lama of that temple was dressed in spotless white clothes. His head was fully bald, he had a round face, was very fair (white complexion) in color, and he welcomed us with a bewitching smile on his face. At that instant I experienced that Sri Sai is inviting us into Dwarakamayi. Mr. Lee was greatly surprised at the pleasant invitation from the Lama. Mr. Lee introduced me and my colleague Sri Srinivasa Rao as having come from India to the Buddhist Lama. That Lama expressed his pleasure in meeting us and recalled his visiting Buddha Gaya in India. That Lama took us into the temple and offered us freshly brewed Green Tea as per the Korean Custom.
I felt as if Sri Sai was personally serving us tea in Dwarakamayi. Now I will write about another incident. Hemadri Pant writes about Kakaji in chapter 30 thus -Who can see a Yogi (Saint) unless HE wills it? Even a leaf on a tree will not move unless ordered by HIM. The greater the anxiety, devotion and faith shown by a devotee for having a vision of a Yogi (Saint) the quicker and stronger fulfillment of his desire will take place. HE, who invites to have a vision, will also make arrangements for welcoming -. It so happened in Kakaji's life in those days. My first visit to Shirdi in 1989 and visit to Buddhist temple in Chang Wan city in Korea on 15 May 1991 also happened in the same way. I take all this as Sri Sai blessing me on completion of 51st chapter of daily devotional reading. I will now write about an incident that occurred in that temple. I had kept aside two one-Dollar notes separately in my purse before I commenced my journey from India. I intended to give these two Dollars as an offering to any Saint whom I may happen to meet in Korea. This was the vow taken by me in India at the commencement of the journey. Sri Sai appeared in the form of Lama in that Buddhist Temple before me. My mind was filled with happiness. I paid compliments to the Lama (Sri Sai) by bringing my palms together, prostrated at HIS feet, placed my head on HIS feet and prayed for HIS blessings. I requested HIM to accept the two Dollars from me as an offering. He blessed me and told me to place the two Dollars at the feet of Buddha idol. (Sri Sai never accepted an offering at night from any devotee - this fact is stated in page 246 of the book Sai Baba of Shirdi - A Unique Saint written by Sri MV Kamath). That Buddhist Lama gave a Silver Locket with blessing to each one of us - three. That Silver Locket was engraved with SWASTIKA figure.
You can see the same SWASTIKA figure on the wall of Shirdi Sai Samadhi Mandir. I had a feeling of Sri Sai granting a boon to me when that Buddhist Lama gave me that Silver Locket. That Silver Locket is now in the Altar set up in our house for praying. Sri Hemadri Pant described the nine ways of worship. I have chosen the path of Smarana (Remembering) from the nine paths of devotion for my Sadhana (Practice). If we remember and recall Sri Sai's name each moment of our lives, HE will always save us, HE will grant us Mukti (Deliverance from birth - death cycle). I like Sri Sai Message in 21st chapter - Do not talk ill of others, do not criticize others unnecessarily -. If we put into practice in life these two tenets, then all are our friends all are the forms of Sri Sai.
In service of Sri Sai,
Your Father.
SAI IN LETTERS -20
OM SAI
Hyderabad
25 January 1991
(Chapter 22)
Dear Chakrapani,
The way in which Sri Sai saved HIS devotees from poisonous creatures is described in this chapter. Are not some human beings too full of poison? Sri Sai had also saved HIS devotees from such human beings many times. Hemadri Pant wrote at the end of this chapter that Sri Sai said - Do not waste your energy by participating in unnecessary quarrels, killings etc., but be patient. GOD will save every one -. This is a clear message from Sri Sai to the humanity.
My wish is that each Sri Sai Devotee must understand this message and lead a happy life. I will write about Sri Sai calling Dwarakamayi as Masjid Mother and about my experiences with Masjid mother. I went to Shirdi during December 1991. At dawn I recited the morning Aarati in Dwarakamayi during that visit. After completion of reciting the aarati, I searched for a sugar candy packet (brought for giving as an offering to Sri Sai) in my pockets but could not find the same. Agony, for my inability to offer sugar candy to Sri Sai, started increasing leaps and bounds in my heart. I was in a dilemma what to do? Should I go back to my hotel room and fetch another packet of sugar candy for offering to Sri Sai or should I seek pardon from Sri Sai for my inability to offer sugar candy? Thoughts in my mind were swinging like a pendulum between these two options. At that moment I noticed a 60-year old woman devotee coming in with a box full of sugar candy and offering some sugar candy from that box to Sri Sai. On seeing that sight, I was filled with an unexplained happiness. Sri Sai never disappoints HIS devotees in Dwarakamayi under any circumstance. HE sees devotees problems as HIS own problem and HE HIMSELF shows the solution to the devotee.
Thinking thus, I approached the old lady and asked for some sugar candy. That old lady willingly and smilingly took out a spoonful of sugar candy into a piece of paper and gave it to me. Sri Sai (in the form of old woman i.e. in the form of a mother) appeared before me in Dwarakamayi and showed the solution to my problem. HE appeared in the form of a mother. That's why remember always that Sri Sai and Sai Mother are one and the same. I wrote to you, in the 9th letter about Chapter 9, that Sri Sai used to ask for offerings and that I had started a practice of putting a fist full of rice in a shoulder bag everyday after completing my daily devotional reading of Sri Sai Satcharitra. Just recall that I had mentioned in that letter that Sri Sai appeared in my dream, in the form of my mother in Dwarakamayi, and thus made me realise the importance of Dwarakamayi. Hemadri Pant wrote in 22nd chapter that Sri Sai said - GOD is present in all living beings -.
Each Sri Sai devotee must recognize the truth in this statement and proceed on the path shown by Sri Sai. I was restless for treading this path and hence I made arrangements for storing water in front of our house, so that even animals can quench their thirst during the intolerably hot months of summer season. I want you also to take this path of compassion towards even animals and try to relieve their thirst and other needs, and thus follow in my footsteps after me. In this way earn and obtain the Grace from Sri Sai. You will then become a true Sri Sai devotee.
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."
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."
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."
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