DwarkaMai - Sai Baba Forum
Main Section => Welcome to Sai Baba Forum => Topic started by: SS91 on April 04, 2005, 06:00:05 PM
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No symbols of any religion nor the images of any gods or goddesses are seen around Sri Babuji except that of Sri Sai Baba. He stresses the need for undivided emotional focus on Sai Baba (or on any chosen image of one’s abstract sense of fulfilment). He makes it clear that there is no need for a Sai devotee to resort to things such as astrology, vastu, or propitiatory rites and rituals which may build subtle barriers blocking a complete and undivided reliance on Sai Baba and his grace. Reliance on Sai Baba’s grace – and grace alone – is the elan vital of Sri Babuji’s approach. In this, he upholds an attitude akin to the ekanti bhava spoken of highly in Indian devotional literature.
Sri Babuji's outlook on spirituality is free from narrow orthodoxy; he responds directly to the needs of our time. In a simple and natural way he presents a much needed approach of mystical realism, an original and refreshing outlook on spirituality, and an affirmative attitude to life and the fullness of its experience. He encourages and exemplifies a wholehearted participation and involvement in life, rather than the dearth and death of action.
Sri Babuji encourages devotees to find out what they really need and to ask for that, so that their lives have a clear direction and meaning. His teaching is at once down-to-earth and subtle. In the manner of Sai Baba he encourages the fulfilment of basic material needs. He says: “Concretization of one’s own abstract sense of fulfilment is at the basis of all our spiritual and worldly endeavours. As such it is futile to draw a line of separation between the so-called spiritual and worldly, because all kinds of aspirations, ambitions, desires and emotional pulls are different expressions of one’s abstract sense of fulfilment. That was why Sai Baba never discouraged his devotees from asking him for the fulfilment of worldly desires and protection against mundane problems. Baba made it clear when he said, “Saints exist to give devotees spiritual and temporal welfare. …I give to my devotees whatever they ask, till they ask for what I want to give them!”
Sri Babuji emphasizes the importance of harmonizing the emotions and bringing our needs and deepest longings into focus, so that our lives can have a clear direction and meaning. ‘What is truly needed will be fulfilled.’ Sri Babuji is able to inculcate this faith and understanding in his followers as he blesses them with experiences of whatever may be needed for their happiness. And he unambiguously ascribes them all to Baba’s grace.
Sri Sai Baba used to stress the loving offering (dakshina) of two paisa (coins) to one’s sadguru symbolic of twin virtues, viz., nishta (unflagging application with singleness of purpose) and saburi (loving and uncomplaining fortitude). With Sri Babuji you give the two paisa whether you want to or not. In this giving we learn to experience Sai Baba in our own selves. If we study Baba’s life and leelas, and if we listen to the many wonderful accounts of the devotees of Sri Babuji, we will be awestruck by the similarities!
Experience of satsang with Sri Babuji is quite unique. He demonstrates a clarity of perception and understanding that is extraordinary. He himself is widely read and draws upon a vast knowledge to illustrate his points –– often from a radically new perspective –– and to address whatever our interest or background may be. He is amazingly open to anything new and meaningful, and is never content with the trite and obvious. His questioning and attention to detail often make us marvel at what we have blindly missed or simply disregarded. With a lightness of touch he challenges, if not uproots, our limiting beliefs and cherished certainties. He has a keen sense of humour, is playful, laughs and makes jokes about our mistakes and weaknesses. Humour removes the wall of self-importance in us; it is also the bridge between him and us who are in awe of him. Sri Babuji does not lecture, preach or even teach in a formal sense. He responds to our questions in words and in silence and communicates what we need at that particular moment. In fact, he teaches us in such a natural way that we hardly realize we are being taught. “I teach nothing, I try to make you learn,” he says, when asked about his approach. He artfully places us in situations necessary for the integrated unfolding of emotions; this is needed to generate a backdrop for a fulfilled and complete experience of life. It is the fire which he kindles and fans in our hearts that leads to the destruction of the knots that bind our existence and limit our ability to love.
Whenever we try to write down something of what we experience and see in our beloved Guruji, we realize it is only glimpses, and nothing more. We know that whatever we say about him is incomplete: it can’t come close to, let alone encompass, the greatness and mystery of who he is. However, one thing we are sure of is, that whoever enters the gates of Saipatham, is hardly a breath away from realizing the effusion and infusion of his blessings.
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.