DwarkaMai - Sai Baba Forum

Main Section => Sanskar => Topic started by: ShAivI on January 29, 2013, 05:48:07 AM

Title: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: ShAivI on January 29, 2013, 05:48:07 AM
OM SAI RAM !!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/


Different ways of devotion have been described by various people.
I (Hemadpant) will speak briefly of its nature and characteristics during
the course of the narration according to my aptitude.

When the horse passed the nine balls of stool, the merchant eagerly went
forward to collect them. Similarly the nine-fold devotion, when adopted,
gives complete peace of mind.  ll100ll (1) Listening (2) Singing the Lord’s
praises aloud (3) Ramembering Lord Vishnu (4) Serving at His Feet (5)
Offering prayers (6) Bowing down before Him (7) Being humble (8.) Developing
affection and (9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways
of devotion. ll95ll – Ch. 21

This was the necklace of nine coins, which had been touched by Baba’s hands
– indicating the nine types of devotion. This was the way Baba reminded
him of it. ll213ll – Ch. 33

Baba said, in reply : “Once a merchant came along and at that time a
horse passed nine balls of stool in front of him. ll87ll The merchant was very
efficient. He immediately took off his wrap, and spread it out, collected all the
balls and tied a knot and was able to achieve concentration of mind.” ll88ll
The horse is God’s grace. This is how the puzzle of the nine-fold devotion
could be explained. Without devotion one cannot have a union with God
and knowledge will not be acquired. ll94ll  – Ch. 21

When you listen to the story of Baba leaving His mortal coil, you will realise
the novel way of doing charity, as He had given nine rupees at that time
(to Lakshmibai). ll214ll  – Ch. 33

Taking out from the pocket once five and then four rupees, He placed them
on her hands. This was the last act of Baba. ll119ll Was it indicative of the
nine types of devotion, or was it because of the worship of Ambika at
Navaratra had been completed and it was the Seemolanghan ? Was it the
dakshina of Seemolanghan ? ll120ll Or was Baba giving a reminder of the nine
good qualities required of a disciple as told by Sree Krishna to Uddhava of the
Shrimad Bhagvat ? ll121ll   – Ch. 42

Yet, if one has an acute desire for liberation, then perform only virtuous deeds
always. Practise the nine forms of devotion, including listening to His stories etc.
and one will be purified from within. ll57ll – Ch. 52

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


First Step – Sravan Bhakti (Listening)

1     There is no greater devotion than listening to His stories. An attachment
       to the feet of the Guru is easily created by listening. A pure and clean mind
       is developed by it from which spirituality arises.
       – Ch. 39                                                              

2     By listening to His life story, sins will be destroyed. By listening to His life
       story, destiny will be fought. By listening to His life story, supreme happiness
       will be achieved effortlessly by the listeners. ll108ll By listening, the heart
       will become pure; by listening the cycle of birth and death will be avoided;
       by listening the listeners will achieve Brahman, which can be achieved by
       performing actions and offering the fruits to Brahman.
       – Ch. 17

3     You do not need ceremonies to complete the rituals, you do not need
       fasting to torture the body; you do not need to visit the tirthas. It is
       sufficient to listen to the story. ll182ll Genuine love and awareness of the
       core of devotion will easily lead to the attainment of the highest good;
       and incorrect knowledge and the knowledge of the two-fold nature will be
       destroyed. ll183ll You need not make efforts for other means. Let us listen
       to the Saicharita. It will exhaust all karma, of the past and the present life,
       which results in rebirth. Not the least effect will remain of them.
       – Ch. 3

4     One may listen for a long time but if it just accumulates one layer over
       another of false knowledge, can it be called the right outcome of listening ?
       Such listening would be futile. ll43ll How can we call a thing soap if it does
       not cleanse ? How can it be called listening if it does not remove false
       knowledge ? ll44ll Such listeners are many. But by listening they develop
       faith and devotion. But a state of mind whereby a listener has absolute love
       of God and devotion at the feet of Sai, is rare.
       – Ch. 15

5     Listening to the stories with love will dispel all worldly afflictions. Sai, the
       cloud of mercy, will shower grace; and, complete and pure knowledge will
       appear. ll180ll Sloth, a wandering mind, attachment to sense-objects and
       indulgence of the palate - these are the obstacles which come in the way
       of listening. Steer clear of these and the listening will become a happy
       experience.
       – Ch. 3

6     Listening to the Saicharita purifies the listeners and the narrator always.
       The merits and the sins are obliterated and both attain salvation. ll32ll If
       the listeners hear it with complete and concentrated attention, the crossing
       of the ocean of existence becomes easy, after the bondages of karma are
       broken.
       – Ch. 48

7     “It will cause waves of love and devotion to rise on the ocean of the mind;
       and, diving into them now and then, will bring up gems of knowledge.”
       ll4ll To describe Baba’s pure fame and to listen to it with all your heart,
       will burn away the sins of the devotees. This makes for easy attainment of
       salvation.
       – Ch. 3

8     While listening, do it with humility. The listeners should only deem that Sai is
       in their mind. Only then the correct listening is accomplished. Let the oneness
       be continuous.
       – Ch. 50

9     By listening (to the stories) one’s own peace will be attained, the deluding
       fears of the world will be removed, and supreme bliss will be a certainty.
       Listeners will attain Sadgati truly.
       – Ch. 25

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on January 30, 2013, 12:50:13 AM
OM SAI RAM !!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Second Step – Kirtan Bhakti (Singing the Lord’s praises aloud)

 1.    “Whoever sings My praises, I will bestow upon him complete happiness, permanent
        pleasure and contentment. Believe this as the Truth.” ll14ll
       – Ch. 3                                                              

 2.    The Lord Himself would be pleased as He prefers the stories sung of His own
       devotees or the description of their virtues. ll9ll
       – Ch. 40

 3.    In Kritayuga, it was controlling the senses and subduing of passions;
       in Tretayuga, sacrifices; in Dwapara, rituals; and in Kaliyuga, reciting
       the name and singing the praises - a simple means of salvation. ll53ll .
       – Ch. 3

 4.    Now there are other modes of devotion. In the opinion of Gargacharya  
        (author of science and astrology), when the mind is completely absorbed
        singing the praises of God, it becomes one with Him (a mode of worship).
        ll94ll Continuously being aware of one’s Real Self, relating religious tales
        and songs, having disciplined behaviour, is another form of Bhakti as
        described by Shandilya (author of law book). ll95ll
       – Ch. 1

 5.     Ramnavami was a Hindu festival. He would celebrate this as His own, by
        having the cradle tied up in the sabha-mandap and have kathas and
        kirtans said. ll6l
       – Ch. 7

 6.    Bhishma was a versatile man, well-versed in narrating kathas. The kirtan
       was very enjoyable and all the listeners were very pleased. ll82ll Baba
       too was very pleased. According to His consent, the festival had taken place,
       along with bhajan, kirtan etc. ll83ll  
       – Ch. 6

 7.    Once, the people of Thane requested that peerless kirtankar, Ganu Das,
       to perform kirtan at Koupineshwar (temple). ll18ll With the grace of
       Sai Samartha, Das Ganu composed stories describing the saints and
       performed kirtans free. Thus, he became famous. ll31ll
       – Ch. 15

 8.    Next year, Bhishma was not available. Balabuva Satarkar was to be
       brought for the kirtan. But, he had to go to Kavathe (in Satara district).
       ll94ll Even if he (i.e. Bhajani) had not been available, Kaka would have
       performed the kirtan, because he knew by heart the composition about
       Ramnavami composed by Das Ganu. ll96l
       – Ch. 6

 9.    Not a single pie was paid for the kirtan. He did not wear garments on
       his upper body and was bare-headed, wearing only a pancha (poor man’s
       dhoti which was short and also used as a towel). Still, listeners flocked
       to the kirtan. ll20ll Only the lower half of the body is covered. Chiplis
       are used and the veena (Indian lute) is played. Hari’s name is loudly
       chanted. Such is the well-known and pure image of Narada. ll30ll  
       – Ch. 15

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on January 30, 2013, 01:52:54 PM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Third Step – Smaran Bhakti (Remembering Lord Vishnu)

 1.    In the Kaliyuga, there is only one means of liberation, which
      is the remembrance of God and Guru’s feet. Thereby the fear of worldly existence
      is destroyed. This is the only protection for those who have surrendered. ll57ll
     “Watch the chanting of the Lord’s name in My heart by placing the hand on it.
      Wake Me up if he finds Me sleepy.” These are the orders given to him. ll139ll
       – Ch. 45                                                              

 2.    TKrishna Himself was the Supreme Brahman. Yet He bowed at Sandipani’s
       feet, and said : “Remembrance of the Sadguru is the surest way to please Me,
       Who is Narayana.’’ ll167ll “Repetition of the name ‘Sai’ will burn away all the sins of
       Kaliyuga.....’’
       – Ch. 20

 3.    Baba loved the Nama-smarana. He Himself constantly repeated the words
        ‘Allah-Malik’. He would   arrange for a seven day ceaseless chanting of the Nama in His
        presence, day and night. ll82ll
       – Ch. 4

 4.    “Always rember Me only. Believe in Me heart and soul. Pray without
        selfish motives and you will attain your welfare. ll108ll Make Me ever remember
        your name and forget all other things. Remove the restlessness of the mind
        and make it steady and calm. ll119ll
       – Ch. 25

 5.     Abandoning all the million clever and cunning ways, recall always
        “Sai, Sai”. You will be able to cross the worldly ocean. Have no doubts. ll135ll
        By merely remembering Him, the riddle of life and death is resolved. This is
        the best Sadhana for which one does not have to spend a single pie (coin of
        small demonitional value of British India). ll2ll  
       – Ch. 10

 6.    Baba listened with full attention to this pure-hearted invitation and
        said : “He who remembers Me is always in My mind.” ll31ll  
       – Ch. 40

 7.    “If you recite ‘Sai, Sai’ always, I will take you beyond the seven
       seas. If you believe in these words, you will be certainly benefitted.” ll12ll  /color]
       – Ch. 13

 8.    Considering her service, Baba was pleased with her and softly
        told her to keep on repeating “Rajaram, Rajaram’’. ll166ll “Keep chanting this
        always. Oh, mother, your life’s objective will be achieved, your mind will be
        at peace, and you will be immensely benefitted.” ll167ll
       – Ch. 27

 9.    Sai, Sai’’ is the name that we remember and it is the ‘mantra’
        to propitiate all Gods. This is our meditation and this is our repetition. Whole
        heartedly surrender to Him. ll107ll
       – Ch. 37

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on February 01, 2013, 12:16:36 AM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Fourth Step - Charansevan Bhakti  (Serving at His Feet)

 1.    Pressing His feet is like bathing at the confluence of the three rivers
       (Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati). And, partaking of the water washings
       of His feet  uproots all desires. ll63ll  
       – Ch. 4                                                              

 2.    The devotees of the Guru experience, on resorting to his
       feet with full faith, that not only Guru but Parabrahma is moved.
       Such is the marvel of Guru puja ! ll9ll
       – Ch. 11

 3.    The one who surrenders body-speech-mind-wealth at  
       Sai’s feet, such a devotee is deeply loved by Sai. ll41ll
       – Ch. 9

 4.    “Hemad surrenders willfully at the feet of Sai, and has spoken
       incoherently whatever has come to his mind. Let the devoted and innocent
       ones listen to that prattling which comes to life because of Sai’s grace. ll175ll
       For any slackness in the service or any attempt to be smart will certainly lead
       the disciple into trouble. One should have full faith at the Guru’s feet. ll15ll
       – Ch. 16

 5.     When a person takes refuge at the feet of the Sadguru, he gets
        the merit of bowing to the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh - as if in
        reality, he has bowed to Parabrahma and supreme heavenly bliss manifests. ll1ll
       – Ch. 27

 6.    Taking clean water in his hands, he washed Baba’s lotus feet and did
       puja in the traditional way. Then he offered bananas and coconut. ll60ll
       – Ch. 28

 7.    While Baba was thus talking. I was massaging Baba’s feet.
       I was surprised inwardly and was provoked to think. ll58ll  /color]
       – Ch. 18

 8.    He said : “These feet are ancient. Your worries are over now.
        Have full faith in Me. You will be fulfilled soon.” ll147ll Sapatnekar was pressing
        Baba’s feet when he heard these sweet words. He was choked with emotion
        and his eyes filled with tears. He prostrated at Baba’s feet. ll148ll
       – Ch. 48

 9.    ‘I am your humblest servant. I have always regarded Your feet
        as my only solace.’ Utter these words. Gather courage and have faith in Him.
       ll142ll Then you should see His miracle. The ocean of mercy, in the form of the
       Guru, will be moved and will take you in His bed, swaying you lightly on the
       waves of kindness. ll143ll He will keep His hand of re-assurance on your head;
       will ward off bad omens; burn up heaps of all sins and annoint the forehead with
       udi. ll144l
       – Ch. 17

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!

Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on February 02, 2013, 01:58:00 AM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Fifth Step - Archan Bhakti  (Offering prayers)

 1.    Puja and Archana for the love of God are the ways to express devotion,
       as preached by Parashar (father of Vyasa) and Vyasa (compiler and
       arranger of Vedas). That is also another form of worship. ll88ll For the
       sake of the Guru, collect flowers such as the Parijat and others, from the
       garden, sweep the courtyard of the Guru’s abode and sprinkle water and
       smear it with the wash of cowdung. ll89ll At the outset, bathe and chant
       the morning mantras; make fragrant paste and annoint the Gurudev with  
       sandalwood, bathe him with the fine nectarial substances (milk, honey,
       ghee, curd and sugar), burn incense and light the lamp. ll90ll Afterwards
       offer naivedya (offering of food, such as milk, fruits, honey etc.), then
       do arati with the lamp and the incense. In this way, doing all the services
       with love, is called ‘archana’(worship). ll91ll Begin the worship by making
       your heart and intelligence pure and sinless, having an unsullied disposition
       and invoke the power of the deity within yourself. ll92ll Then recall that
       divine feeling after the ‘archana’ is concluded, and in your heart restore the
       former state (state of purity and sinlessness) and establish it firmly within
       you. ll93ll  
       – Ch. 1                                                              

 2.    Though immutable, He accepted the worship and honours (rituals),
       according to the faith of the devotees. He accepted (the devotion) in
       all the different ways. ll45ll Some waved the whisks - some fanned –
       some played shehnaior drums and auspicious musical instruments and
       some offered puja. ll46ll Some would lave His hands and feet (to drink
       the water astirth) - some annointed Him with attar and sandalwood paste
       some offered Him betelnuts made out of thirteen ingredients (supari,
       white kat, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, dry coconut, camphor, kankol, Jaipatri,
       cardamom, almond, kasturi, lime) - some offered mahanaivedya (wide
       variety of delicious foods, which could be as many as sixty items). ll47ll
       Some applied gandh paste, with two fingers, horizontally across the
       forehead, as it is done for Shiva linga, without a break – some  
       applied kasturi mixed with perfume - and also, applied sandalwood. ll48ll
       – Ch. 11

 3.    Taking clean water in his hands, he washed Baba’s lotus feet and
       did puja in the traditional way. Then he offered bananas and coconut. ll60ll
       He offered incense, light, betel leaf and made a monetary offering; mentally
       circumambulated, offered a garland of flowers and then, sat near His feet.
       ll61ll Jog came to the Masjid with sandlwood paste, consecrated rice,
       flowers, bell,niranjan and the five-wick lamp etc. and asked Baba : ll75ll
       “What should I bring for naivedya to-day ?” Maharaj instructed : “Bring Me
       a platterful ofsanza. You can do the arati and pujalater.” ll76ll Since then he
       was devoted to Baba. He regularly offered agarbattis, coconut and garland.
       Lakhmichand also prospered. The puja was regular and ritualistic. ll85ll
       – Ch. 28

 4.   Seeing the beautiful image in the picture, everyone was supremely
       delighted. Everyone was surprised by the unimaginable way in which all
       this had happened. ll157ll After placing the picture on the central seat, and
       doing full ritualistic puja, naivedya was offered with loving devotion. Then
       everyone started their meal. ll158ll From then onwards, till this day, on
       every Holi day, the tradition is carried on with all rituals and pujas. ll159ll    
       – Ch. 40

 5.   Lakshman Mama was a staunch brahminand uncle of Madhavrao. After
       taking a bath in the morning and putting on clean washed clothes, he would
       take Baba’s darshan. ll166ll He would wash Baba’s feet, apply sandalwood
       paste with consecrated rice, offered flowers, leaves and tulsi and afterwards
       burnt incense, lit the lamp and offered naivedya. Then he offered dakshina.
       ll167ll After offering eight-fold obeisance with prayers, he took Baba’s
       blessings. Then he would apply the sandalwood paste tilak to all and
       distribute prasad. Then he would leave. ll168ll      
       – Ch. 43

 6.    He would bring the bel from long distances, get together all
       the puja paraphernalia completely, and then worship all the village deities,
       one by one. He would offer to all according to the proper rituals. ll153ll
       After that, he would come immediately to theMasjid, lovingly bow to
       Baba’s seat, wash His feet etc. and then drink the water astirth. ll154ll Till
       Megha was in Shirdi, he performed the noon arati regularly. But, before that
       he worshipped all the village deities and then went to the Masjid. ll156ll He
       worshipped Khanderaya and Megha also got rid of his uneasiness. Then
       Baba allowed Megha to do His puja. ll162ll Then, he did thepuja with great
       reverence with sandalwood paste, flowers and the other eight offerings. He
       offered dakshina, garlands, fruits etc. according to his means. ll163ll
       – Ch. 28

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!
Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on February 03, 2013, 02:29:14 AM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him 
7) Being humble 
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Sixth Step - Vandan Bhakti  (Bowing down before Him )

 1.    Sai Maharaj, Ocean of Mercy, Veritable Incarnation of God.
       Absolute Brahman, Great Lord of Yoga - I do my eightfold obeisance
       before Him ! ll1ll
       – Ch. 25                                                               

 2.    When you surrender to the powerful Sai, body and soul,
       virtue, wealth, love and deliverance are attained without striving
        and unasked. ll14ll
       – Ch. 6

 3.    He embraces and holds near His heart those who
       prostrate themselves before Him with no sense of duality and unconditionally
       surrender to Him. ll3ll  
       – Ch. 40

 4.   Hearing this, I hurriedly ran to the spot where Baba was and
       prostrated in the dust at His feet. My joy knew no bounds. ll137ll     
       – Ch. 2

 5.   When I heard this, I ceased to have any doubts. I bowed at
       the feet of Sai and then relying on my memory, I started to write this
       biography. ll5ll “..... Once having prostrated, past sins born of speech
       and hearing will be destroyed.” ll20ll     
       – Ch. 3

 6.    The collyrium of knowledge that He puts in the eyes,
        removes the ignorance and takes you to His own abode. To Sai,
        whose greatness is such, I prostrate myself fully. ll158ll
       – Ch. 10

 7.    Oh ! Why so often do you do namaskar after namaskar ?
        It is enough to do it once, with reverence and honour.” ll156ll
       – Ch. 48

 8.    “Convey to him My salutations and request him to have
        mercy and grace towards this humble one. Do not forget Me and let
        your love for Me grow uninterruptedly.” ll133ll “As a rule, we swamis are
        forbidden and do not bow to any one else. But, breaking this rule, in the
        present context, can only be beneficent.” ll135ll
       – Ch. 51

 9.    Baba, this Shamrao is here. He is giving namaskar in place of
        dakshina and says consider them as fifteen rupees only. Offer these to
        Baba. ll92ll Then I paid my respects to Baba and said : Your blessings are
        enough for me. Only grant me this favour. Take care of me. ll119ll
       – Ch. 19

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!
Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on February 04, 2013, 09:44:39 AM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him 
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Seventh Step – Dasya Bhakti  (Being humble )

 1.     Bhagoji Shinde
        It was always Bhagoji who served Him. It was only Bhagoji who would
        massage the hand. Then, after some time the hand healed and everyone
        was happy. ll90ll In this way, although the hand was completely cured, one
        doesn’t know what was in Baba’s mind in allowing Bhagoji, every morning,
        early in the day, to carry out the ceremony of tying the bandages. ll91ll
        Although there was no pain, regularly and for no reason, with the help of
        ghee a massage was done and the hand was cared for till death. ll92ll These
        services were for the sake of Bhagoji. Siddha Sai never needed them. He
        made Bhagoji render regular service with love, as a devotee should. ll93ll
        Because of the sins of his previous birth, Bhagoji was suffering from leprosy.
        But, it was his good fortune that he came in touch with Sai. ll94ll Whenever
        Baba started on His round to Lendi, Bhagoji held the umbrella over Baba’s head.
       Though his body was covered with black leprosy sores, he was the foremost in
       his service. ll95ll Whenever, early in the morning, Baba was seated restfully
       against the pillar, near the dhuni it was his good fortune to be there to serve Him.
       ll96ll He would remove the bandage, massage the respective muscles, apply ghee
       to those parts, and thus be fortunate to serve Him. ll97ll His fingers had become
       stumps because of leprosy and his whole body emanated a nauseating smell.
       Thus, the one with such a great misfortune, derived four-fold happines from
       his services. ll99ll Bhagoji Shinde was a great sinner in his past lives. His whole
       body was bleeding with sores. He was greatly affected by this deadly disease.
       But, he was a matchless devotee of Baba. ll98l
l
       – Ch. 7                                                               

 2.    Radhakrishnamai
        The tradition of the service was continued after him by Radhakrishnabai.
        She was excellent in this work. ll177ll By caste a Brahmin, respected by all,
        she never in her innocent heart had the wicked thought that this was a lowly
        task. ll178ll Getting up early in the morning, taking the broom in her hand,
        she would sweep all the paths used by Baba. Blessed was her service ! ll179ll
        Her work was clean and quick, who else would be able to compete with her ?
        After some time, Abdul came forward. ll180ll
 
   
       – Ch. 34

 3.    Abdul Baba
        Baba said : “Nana is mad. Remove the bandage, otherwise you will die. Now a
       crow will come and peck. Then you will get well.” ll73ll Enough. While this
       conversation was in progress, Abdul came up immediately, to pour oil in
       the lamps. See what happened all of a sudden. ll74ll Abdulla was concentrating
       on his work and had his attention on the lamps. Thereby, he did not notice Pillai.
       Something unusual happened ! ll76ll What could Abdulla do ? What is destined
       to happen will happen. Unknowingly his foot fell on the leg which Pillai had stretched
       out. ll77ll “Did he not already come ? He is the same one who trod on your leg.
       He is the crow who pecked and ran away. He squeezed out the worms.” ll84ll
       What crow ! It had only been a figure of speech ! Whatever had to happen was
       got done in front of all. He fulfilled the prediction. ll85ll

       – Ch. 34

 4.   Balaji Patil Nevaskar
        Balaji Patil Nevaskar was a great devotee. He rendered excellent and
       disinterested service and wore away his body for Baba. ll175ll Nevaskar’s
       regular task was to sweep all the passages and streets in Shirdi through
       which Baba passed in His daily routine, including the round to the Lendi.
       ll176ll That Patil (Nevaskar) was very fortunate. Though he lived in the world,
       he was not attached to it. How unselfish he was ! Listen to that part of the
       story. ll181ll After harvesting, He brought all the grain to the Masjid and making
       a pile of it in the open space, he offered it at Baba’s feet. ll182ll Firmly believing
        that Baba was the owner of everything, he lived on whatever Baba gave to him
        out of it, taking that much only back home. ll183ll Bala drank only the water that
        came from the channel after Maharaj had his bath or washed His hands and feet. ll184ll
     
       – Ch. 35

 5.   Balaram Mankar
       A householder, named Balaram Mankar, was a great devotee of Baba. ll65ll
      But, later, his wife died and there was an interruption in the performance of
      his duties as a householder. He lost peace of mind; but he progressed
      towards the highest bliss. ll66ll Because of the accumulation of good deeds
      in the previous births, he got attached to Sai’s feet. He developed unfailing faith
      there and was completely detached from his worldly ties. ll67ll Breaking all his
      ties with hopes, desires, children and family, Mankar due to his uncommon fate,
      left the worldly existence. ll68ll The main obstacle in entering the gate of spirituality
      is the desire to earn a livelihood and care for others. He placed this burden on his
      son and locked himself away from worldly concerns (and went to Shirdi). ll69ll
      The devotee Balakaramaji stayed in Shirdi, buzzing around the dust particles at the
      lotus feet of Sai, constantly humming the name of Sai. ll115ll
 
       – Ch. 31

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!
Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on February 07, 2013, 12:31:25 AM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble  
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Eighth Step – Sakhya Bhakti  (Developing affection  )

         Madhavrao Balwant Deshpande alias Shama
        This Masjid is my mother’s home. I am Sai’s own child. This being so, why is
        the mother so furious with the child to-day ?” ll48ll As a child is to the mother,
        so was Madhavrao to Baba. When such a relationship always existed, why
        should it happen this way to-day ? ll50ll When the mother kicks who will take
        care of the child ? Madhavrao lost all hope of survival, at that time. ll51ll      
       – Ch. 23

       They always indulged in loving disputes and addressed each other in familiar
       terms. Baba loved him exceptionally, like His own son..... ll53ll .....and nobody
       could get around Baba as he could. ll52ll  
       – Ch. 30

      “My Shama may be mad but I am fond of him. He has an unusual affection towards
       Me. I am greatly concerned about him.” ll83ll
       – Ch. 27

       In a burst of affection, Baba then pinched Madhavrao’s cheek. Listen then to
       the loving conversation between God and His devotee at that opportune time.
       ll137ll Then Baba started to speak : “Yes, indeed, I have come for that and that
       is why I started giving you food and got fondly attached to you.” ll143ll Shama
       was His favourite devotee; and the saint fulfilled the devotee’s wish, which was
       asked for in ignorance and fondness, whether it was proper or not. This was his own
       vow. ll162ll                                                            
 
       – Ch. 36

         Tatya Ganpat Patil Kote
       Tatya addressed Baba as ‘Mama’ (mother’s brother or maternal uncle).
       Such was their reciprocal love and affinity. It was beyond compare. ll131ll
       Though Baba was ready, until Tatya arrived He would remain seated in His
       own place, waiting for Tatya’s arrival. ll129ll Until Tatya Patil made Baba stand
       up, putting his hand under Baba’s arm, then only Baba made ready to go to the
       Chavadi from there. ll130ll When Tatyaba took Baba’s permission to leave for
       his home, after offering chillum, attar and rose water, Baba used to say.
       “Take care of Me.” ll213ll “Go if you are going. But, during the night from time
       to time, inquire about Me.’’ Saying, “very well”, Tatyaji would leave the Chavadi
       and go home. ll214ll    
       – Ch. 37

        People say that Baba averted Tatya’s death by giving His own life.
        He alone knows the truth. ll68ll  
       – Ch. 42

         Lakshmibai Shinde
       The same Lakshmi, with great love, daily sent vegetables and bhakaris for
       Baba, at the right time. How can this service be adequately praised ! ll94ll
       If there was a delay in getting the bhakar from Lakshmi, though it was past
       meal time, He would not put a morsel in the mouth. ll110ll The food served in
       the plates would get cold. He would wait though hungry; but till Lakshmi’s bhakar
       came, he would not eat any food. ll111ll  From that time onwards, according to
       the advice, started Lakshmi’s bhakari, crushed into milk and offered with love
       daily. ll108ll Later Baba began to eat that bhakar offered with love and devotion,
       daily. When there was a delay, He was uneasy and He did not feel like eating. ll109ll    
       – Ch. 42

         Bade Baba
       How important Bade Baba was ! His usual seat was on the right hand (of Baba).
       Baba smoked the chillum only after Bade Baba had partaken of it. ll112ll Bade
       Baba was that person without whom Baba did not take a step. If he did not eat anything,
       Baba did not partake of food. ll113ll    
       – Ch. 23

         Bayjabai Kote Patil
       Tatya Kote’s mother, whose name was Bayjabai, would put some bhakaris
       in a basket and carry it on her head and go into the woods in the afternoon.
       ll106ll She would walk for miles, searching in the woods for the mad Fakir,
       trampling upon the thick foliage and bow down to His feet on finding Him. ll107ll
       How can one describe the strength of her devotion ? Dry or curried vegetables
       and bhakari she fed Baba with her hands, in the woods, in the noon or late
       afternoon. ll108ll This austere devotion of hers was also not forgotten by Baba
        during His lifetime. Keeping the past in mind He blessed her son with good
        fortune. ll109ll Both the husband and wife had great faith in the Fakir indeed.
       The Fakir only was their God; God lives in the faith of the devotee,
       doesn’t He ? ll110ll        – Ch. 8

         Khushalchandshet Marwadi
       One afternoon Baba told Dixit : “Take a tonga and go to Rahata and bring
       back Khushalbhau.” ll95ll “Tell him that it has been a long time since I met him,
       so I have a desire to see him. Tell him that Baba is calling you to meet
       Him.” ll96ll      – Ch. 30

         Sow. Khapardeaai
       Many other naivedyas came, far superior to this one. Often they remained
       untouched. What was the greatly impelling reason to eat this only ? ll155ll
      “You keep aside all the other platters. Even if some are made of silver, you
       hurl them far away. But, only when this lady’s platter came, you got up
       immediately and started eating. This is surprising !” ll157ll After saying this,
       He did full justice to the meal, washed His hands and mouth, belched to show
       His satisfaction and resumed His seat. ll162ll Such was Sree Samartha the
       compassionate ! Sainath, the protector of all who have surrendered !
       He always fulfils the devotees’ cherished desires and works for their welfar. ll169ll
     – Ch. 37

         Kakasaheb Dixit
       “I too was waiting for you, Then I sent Shama to meet you, all the way to
       Nagar”, spoke Sai clearly to him. ll91ll His body trembled; his mind was
       engrossed in Self Bliss; his eyes were half closed and he was immersed
        in a cloud of joy. ll93ll
     – Ch. 51

         Megha
      When Megha died see the importance given by Baba for his cremation,
      and Baba’s affection towards the devotee. Megha was already gratified.
      ll120ll Accom-panied by all the devotees, the villagers went in procession
      to the cremation ground. Baba also went to the cremation ground, showering
      flowers on Megha. ll121ll After Megha’s last rites Baba’s eyes also filled with
      tears. Like an ordinary being, with all attachments, He was full of grief. ll122ll
      With love, Baba covered the body, with His own hands, with plentiful flowers.
      After lamenting the death with pitiful tones, He returned. ll123ll
     – Ch. 31

         Radhakrishnamai
      After some time had passed, Baba asked daily for vermicelli made by Lakshmi
      in the afternoons, and would eat with her sitting beside Him. ll112ll Baba
      ate very little and sent what remained, with Lakshmi to Radhakrishna,
      who savoured the leftovers with great love. ll113ll
      – Ch. 42

      Actually, the ladder was put against Waman Gondkar’s house and Sree Sai
      climbed up the ladder to the roof, Himself, very swiftly. ll238ll The houses
      were adjoining and He crossed over quickly to Radhakrishni’s roof. Nobody
      could understand the mystery. ll239ll At that time, Radhakrishni was suffering
      from severe malaria and she was very restless. ll240ll  
      – Ch. 19

(to be contd....)

OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!
Title: Re: Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita
Post by: PiyaSoni on February 07, 2013, 01:00:08 AM
OM SAI RAM!!!

Navavidha Bhakti in Shri Sai Satcharita

Source: http://www.shrisaibabasansthan.org / saileela/2004/

1) Listening
2) Singing the Lord’s praises aloud
3) Remembering Lord Vishnu
4) Serving at His Feet
5) Offering prayers
6) Bowing down before Him
7) Being humble   
8.) Developing affection and
9) Surrendering the atma - these are the nine ways of devotion.


Eighth Step – Sakhya Bhakti  ( Surrendering the atma)

         Bhagat Mhalsapati Sonar
        A devotee like Mhalsapati, who was always attached at
        Sai’s feet, and could hardly make both ends meet, even
        he was not allowed to make any money. ll61ll Sai Himself
        distributed to people, many times, the monies that had come
        as dakshina; but He did not give a farthing to him who was
        always in difficulties. ll62ll Mhalsapati too was a man of self respect.
        Though Sai was so generous, he never extended his hand to ask Him
        for it. ll63ll Though his financial situation was dire, but he was very,
        very detached. He bore the difficulties of poverty always content with
        the little he had. ll64ll  He was not a worshipper of money. He only
        yearned for spirituality. He had surrendered to Sai with body and mind,
        unselfishly and with a loving heart. ll70ll Hansraj entreated Sai; but
        Sai did not touch a farthing and said : “Even My devotees are not lured
        by money and you will not find them fall prey to the pomp and show of
        mony.” ll71ll With all humility, Mhalsapati returned it and said : “Without
        Sai's permission, I cannot accept it.” ll69ll 
       – Ch. 36


OM SAI RAM, SRI SAI RAM, JAI JAI SAI RAM !!!