DwarkaMai - Sai Baba Forum
Main Section => Sanskar => Topic started by: ShAivI on January 29, 2013, 05:48:07 AM
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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 !!!
-
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 !!!
-
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 !!!
-
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 !!!
-
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 !!!
-
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 !!!
-
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. ll98ll
– 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 !!!
-
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 !!!
-
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 !!!