BABA HELPED SHRI NANASAHEB CHANDORKAR BY PERMITTING HIM BY HIS FATHER TO HAVE BABA AS HIS GURU
Sri Nanasaheb Chandorkar got into a fix in certain family matters. His father Govind Rao Chandorkar was also a Deputy Collector like his son and stayed in a house built by himself at Kalyan.
Lately some unpleasantness had grown between him and the local musalmans and so he had ordered all the members of his family to desist from having any connection whatsoever with musalmans in general.
When Nanasaheb happended to return home, he was informed of what had happened and his father's standing order about having no musalman connections. Nana was puzzled. He was prepared to give up all connections with Musalmans, but he was not prepared to disassociate himself from Baba. If his father took Baba to be a Musalman naturally he would expect Nana to give up Sai Baba. This embrassed Nana So he spoke to his father about his connection with Sai Baba.
In the meanwhile Baba had already given proper turn to his father's mind in the matter. So at once he said to Nana "My Guru is Sakkaram Maharaj" but your Guru is not Sakkaram Maharaj. So even if Shri Sai Baba may really be a Mohamadan He is your Guru and you may most willingly continue to Him without the least objection from me". On hearing this Nana saheb was overjoyed and heartily thanked Baba for the happy solution of the puzzle he had to face.
Surrender Shri Sai Completely // Stupendous Delectation and Deliverance be there //
( Adopted from AMBROSIA IN SHIRDI by Ramalingaswamy, Life Member of Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi at Munja Baba Sthan, Shirdi)
Shirdi Sai Baba appears as a beggar
We are human beings. Our mind is surprised by the various deeds of the saints. But the saints consider all their deeds as normal. The things which are beyond our understanding and reach, we called them as miracles. Saints do these miracles in their ordinary course of deals. So it is not a miracle for them. Moreover we are simple, ignorant and greedy humans. That's why it is not possible for us to understand the Leelas of Sai Baba in one stroke. The Updesh which were given by Him are not difficult to remember, but difficult to follow. Here is such an incident Nanasaheb Chandorkar which shows how he forgot the teachings of Sai Baba and how Sai Baba taught him a lesson.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar used to spend his holidays in his house at Kalyan. Whenever Nanasaheb and his family went there to spend holidays, the ladies in the house would prepare various types of snacks in the free time at afternoon.
Once during his holidays, Nanasaheb was taking rest after having lunch on one afternoon. His daughter-in-law was making Bhajniya (a snack prepared from either wheat flour or rice flour, spices and are made in circular form commonly called “Chakri” in Marathi and “Chakli” in Gujarati). Just then a beggar wearing torn dirty clothes with came and stood at the door.
There was threshold in front of the house. The house was inside the threshold. The beggar crossed the threshold and stood in front of the door and asked for food. Nanasaheb’s kind daughter-in-law took a handful of the Bhajniya and gave to the beggar. But the beggar was not satisfied and so she demanded more. Nanasaheb’s daughter-in-law took some more Bhajniya and gave to the beggar.
This time too the beggar was not satisfied.
Nanasaheb’s daughter-in-law said, “I have given you half of Bhajniya prepared for us to you. Then also you are not satisfied?”
The beggar again seemed to be unsatisfied and said, “I will go only after you give all them”.
Nanasaheb’s daughter-in-law said angrily, “You have to eat by getting the food from others and you are troubling us in this way. If want the food take whatever quantity is given to you and just go away. Now I will not give more than what I have offered.”
The beggar did not listen to daughter-in-law. Neither she took the Bhajniya nor did she return. The daughter-in-law being fed up now called up Nanasaheb. Nanasaheb ordered his watchman, “If the beggar accepts the quantity which we are giving, then its ok, otherwise push her outside of the house”.
The beggar said, “Sir, if you don’t intend to give don’t give but don’t push me out of the house. I will go on my own”. Thus the beggar went away without taking a single Bhajniya.
Nanasaheb’s holidays were over. He had to join his office again. In the way he went to Shirdi to take darshan of Sai Baba. Sai Baba was very angry with Nanasaheb. The moment Sai Baba saw him; He turned His face on the other side. He did not speak a word too. Nanasaheb went near to Sai Baba and fell at His feet.
Nanasaheb said, “O God, please tell if I have made any mistake”.
Sai Baba said, “What should I say to the one who does not follow the path directed by Me? You had thrown that beggar out of your house through that watchman. Did she do any harm to you, that you were ready to push her? If she wanted whatever you gave her, she would have taken, and if not she would have sat on the threshold of your house for sometime and would have went away. What harm was that to you, was she looting away your wealth or position? Instead of listening to her sweet words, you called your watchman to throw her out of your house. Is this that I have taught you?
Nanasaheb was then reminded of his mistake now. He repented for it and promised that he would never commit such mistake ever. Though Sai Baba is sitting in Shirdi, but He went to His devotees in any form to save them.
Source : Translated from Gujarati Book "Sai Sarovar"
Athithi Devo Bhava - Practically shown by Shirdi Sai Baba
Nanasaheb Chandorkar was a strict devotee. He observed all rituals. It was his practice that he gave offering first to Agni Dev (i.e. God of fire), then he waited for some guest to come and served him food. After that only he took his meals. He used to read many sacred books. During one of his reading, he came across a story of Seth Sagaalsha. No guest came to the house of Seth Sagaalsha for many days, so he had to observe fast, as it was his practice to take his lunch after feeding some guests.
After reading the above incident, a doubt aroused in Nanasaheb’s mind regarding such principles written in Shastras. He thought that if such things are difficult to follow do Shastras comply to follow them? Sai Baba knows all Shastras and so my doubts would be clarified by Him only. so I must leave the matter to Him.
One day when Nanasaheb sat massaging Sai Baba’s legs in Dwarkamai, Sai Baba Himself started speaking. He said, ‘Nana! All the Shastras are correct. Shastras never speak useless things, and not even impure things. The definition of human may be different, the thoughts of human may be narrow, but it cannot be said that Shastras are useless. Guests would surely come!
Nanasaheb was not reminded that Sai Baba is clearing his doubt regarding Seth Sagaalsha which aroused while reading.
Sai Baba further explained, 'Can a man of three and half cubits can only be your guest? Can other living beings can’t be your guests? Just see here and there. You will find many hungry living beings ready to eat the food given by you. Crores of living beings like ants, housefly, crow, dog, goat, cow, rat, etc. roam near you to satisfy their hunger, so are they not your guests? So if you give them a dish full of eatables, they would consume it with love. After satisfying their hunger, those dumb animals will give you blessings and in turn God will be happy with you.'
So dear readers, whosoever comes to us for satisfying its hunger, we must be ever ready to do so. Sai Baba had said that satisfying one's hunger is equal to doing a Yagna. Simplifying further Sai Baba compared hunger with Yagna and thus it means if we satisfy one's hunger, we would get blessings and Punya of doing a Yagna. What a simple method our beloved Sai has given us!
Source : Translated from Gujarati Book "Sai Sarovar"
Sai Baba imparted Practical Teachings to His Devotees
Nanasaheb Chandorkar went to Baba. After doing Pranipat (salutation), he placed Badam (almond) and Khadi Sakar (sugar candy) as Prasad. Baba immediately distributed it amongst the people who were present. Nanasaheb was curious to know the reason for Baba's calling him and asked, "Baba, why did You call me?" Baba replied, "Are, there are many Nanas in the world. When I called you specifically, there must be a reason for it. Isn't it?"
Nansaheb was forthright in speaking. He said, "Then, tell me the reason !" Baba replied, "Are, we have relations spanning over four births. You do not know this; but I am aware of it. Therefore, I have been repeatedly calling you! Whenever you have time, do make it a post to come."
Ok. I will come." Nanasaheb bowed before Baba and departed. Even after seeing the miracle of Annapoorna Siddhi, Nansaheb had not developed faith in Baba.
A few days after the above incident, there was an onset of epidemic of plague of Nagar district. The government had introduced a vaccine to counter the illness. But, in those days, people thought that taking the injection was akin to inviting the disease. No one was willing to come forward. Therefore, the collector asked Nanasaheb to set an example before the masses and take the injection himself. But, Nansaheb's thinking was no different than the others. He was reluctant to take the vaccine.
Ultimately, he decided to seek Baba’s advice. He requested the collector to grant him a week’s leave to take decision about the injection and set himself on the path to Shirdi. He posed his dilemma before Baba. Baba replied very casually, "There is nothing to it. Don’t be scared. Take the injection. It will not harm you."
After the incident concerning inoculation, Nanasaheb realized that Baba had a different kind of aura around Him. Therefore, Nanasaheb’s faith in Baba became more steadfast. He started feeling that he should go more frequently to take Baba’s Darshan. He intensely desired that he should incessantly have thoughts about Baba. But, his office and family matters allowed him little time for anything else. And he was sad.
Once, he was sitting near Baba and Baba gave him an excellent way of overcoming the problem. Baba said, “You want that you should have my thoughts through out the day - Isn’t it ? Then try to see me in the smallest of the things.” Nanasaheb failed to get the point.
Then Baba clarified, "Nana, when you see a vegetable, think that it is my creation. This way see me in each and everything that comes before you." How simple was the remedy suggested by Baba !
Once, Baba posed a question to Nana, “Which is one of the Shadripu (six vices of human nature) is easier to conquer ?” Nanasaheb replied, "Very difficult to answer that question.” Baba said, “It is jealousy ! It means not being able to digest the progress of others. It is very easy to win over jealousy. Because, by being jealous, we neither gain nor lose. A person earns wealth and well-being because of his good deeds. Therefore, if someone prospers, it is due to his good deeds and what do we lose ? And so, one must win over the bad quality of being jealous."
Nanasaheb prostrated before Baba and agreed, "From today, I will try not to be jealous."
Feelings of Nanasaheb Chandorkar - Shirdi Sai Baba Poem
Following are feelings of an ardent devotee of Sai Baba Shri Nanasaheb Chandorkar.
Ek Baar Punah Apne Paas Bitha Lo
Mujhe Apne Hriday Se Laga Lo,
Rinanubandho Mein Uljha Tha
Lekin Maine Tumko Paya Tha
Tumne Bhi Mujhe Gale Lagaya Tha
Is Sansaar Ka Niyam Samjhaya Tha,
Janam-Mrityu Ka Khel Bataya Tha,
Tumne 'Pranipaat' Ka Arth Samjhaya
Gyan-Agyan Ka Bhed Bataya,
Wo Hi To Ant Samay Tak
Mere Kaam Aaya...
Maine Bhi Tumhare Vichaaron
Ka Khoob Aanand Uthaya
Ghar-Ghar Jakar
Logon Ko
Tumhari Leelaon Ka Raswadan Karaya
Jisne SaiNath, Aaj Tak
Meri Rooh Ko Aaram Pahuchaya
Jab Koi Tumhara Naam Leta Hai
Pata Nahin
Mujhe Bhi Kuch-Kuch Hota Hai,
Shayad Yeh Tumhara Pyar Hai
Jo Mujhe Abhi Bhi Shirdi Bulata Hai
Tumhari Dwarkamai Dekh
Mujhe Hasata Hai, Rulata Hai
Mujhe Purane Dino
Ki Yaad Dilata Hai
Baba...! Ek Baar Punah
Apne Paas Bitha Lo
Mujhe Apne Hriday Se Laga Lo...
एक बार पुनः अपने पास बिठा लो
मुझे अपने ह्रदय से लगा लो,
रिनानुबंधो में उलझा था
लेकिन मैंने तुमको पाया था
तुमने भी मुझे गले लगाया था
इस संसार का नियम समझाया था,
जन्म-मृत्यु का खेल बताया था,
तुमने 'प्राणीपात' का अर्थ समझाया
ज्ञान-अज्ञान का भेद बताया,
वो ही तो अंत समय तक
मेरे काम आया...
मैंने भी तुम्हारे विचारों
का खूब आनंद उठाया
घर-घर जाकर
लोगों को
तुम्हारी लीलाओं का रस्वादन कराया
जिसने साईंनाथ, आज तक
मेरी रूह को आराम पहुचाया
जब कोई तुम्हारा नाम लेता है
पता नहीं
मुझे भी कुछ-कुछ होता है,
शायद यह तुम्हारा प्यार है
जो मुझे अभी भी शिर्डी बुलाता है
तुम्हारी द्वारकामाई देख
मुझे हसाता है रुलाता है
मुझे पुराने दिनों की
याद दिलाता है
बाबा...! एक बार पुनः
अपने पास बिठा लो
मुझे अपने ह्रदय से लगा लो...
Dear Baba, please make me sit beside You once again and hug me. I was caught up in tangles of relations of past births. But i got You and You hugged me. You explained me rules of the world and sports of life and death. You explained the meaning of 'Pranipat' and gave me meaning of ignorance of the differences. That only helped me till my end. I also enjoyed a lot of Your ideas. I went from home to home singing Your glory. This gave so much of happiness to my soul. Whenever someone took Your name, my heart has strange feeling. Perhaps it is Your love which still calls me Shirdi. I laugh and cry by seeing Your Dwarkamai. Dear Baba, please make me sit beside You once again and hug me.
Credits:
Photo Courtesy - Sai brother Nimesh
Chapter 39 Baba's Knowledge of Sanskrit
His Interpretation of a Verse from Gita - Construction of the Samadhi Mandir.
This chapter (39) deals with Baba's interpretation of a verse from the Bhagawad-Gita. As some people believed that Baba knew not Sanskrit, and the interpretation was Nanasaheb Chandorkar's.
Baba's Interpretation
Nobody believed that Baba knew Sanskrit. One day He surprised all by giving a good interpretation of a verse from the Gita to Nanasaheb Chandorkar.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar was a good student of Vedanta. He had read Gita with commentaries and prided himself on his knowledge of all that. He fancied that Baba knew nothing of all this or of Sanskrit. So, Baba one day pricked the bubble. These were the days before crowds flocked to Baba, when Baba had solitary talks at the Mosque with such devotees. Nana was sitting near Baba and massaging His Legs and muttering something.
Baba - Nana, what are you mumbling yourself?
Nana - Iam reciting a shloka (verse) from Sanskrit.
Baba - What shloka?
Nana - From Bhagawad-Gita
Baba - Utter it loudly.
Nana then recited B.G.IV-34 which is as follows :-
'Tadviddhi Pranipatena Pariprashnena Sevaya,
Upadekshyanti Te Jnanam Jnaninastattwadarshinah'
Baba - Nana, do you understand it?
Nana - Yes.
Baba - If you do, then tell me.
Nana - It means this - "Making Sashtanga Namaskar, i.e., prostration, questioning the guru, serving him, learn what this Jnana is. Then, those Jnanis that have attained the real knowledge of the Sad-Vastu (Brahma) will give you upadesha (instruction) of Jnana."
Baba - Nana, I do not want this sort of collected purport of the whole stanza. Give me each word, its grammatical force and meaning.
Then Nana explained it word by word.
Baba - Nana, is it enough to make prostration merely ?
Nana - I do not know any other meaning for the word 'pranipata' than 'making prostration'.
Baba - What is 'pariprashna'?
Nana - Asking questions.
baba - What does 'Prashna' mean?
Nana - The same (questioning).
Baba - If 'pariprashna' means the same as prashna (question), why did Vyasa add the prefix 'pari'? Was Vyasa off his head?
Nana - I do not know of any other meaning for the word 'pariprashna'.
Baba - 'Seva', what sort of 'seva' is meant?
Nana - Just what we are doing always
Baba - Is it enough to render such service?
Nana - I do not know what more is signified by the word 'seva'.
Baba - In the next line "upadekshyanti te jnanam", can you so read it as to read any other word in lieu of Jnanam?
Nana - Yes.
Baba - What word?
Nana - Ajnanam.
Baba - Taking that word (instead of Jnana) is any meaning made out of the verse?
Nana - No, Shankara Bhashya gives no such construction.
Baba - Never mind if it does not. Is there any objection to using the word "Ajnana" if it gives a better sense?
Nana - I do not understand how to construe by placing "Ajnana" in it.
Baba - Why does Krishna refer Arjuna to Jnanis or Tattwadarshis to do his prostration, interrogation and service? Was not Krishna a Tattwadarshi, in fact Jnana himself.
Nana - Yes He was. But I do not make out why he referred Arjuna to Jnanis?
Baba - Have you not understood this?
Nana was humiliated. His pride was knocked on the head. Then Baba began to explain -
(1) It is not enough merely to prostrate before the Jnanis. We must make Sarvaswa Sharangati (complete surrender) to the Sad-guru.
(2) Mere questioning is not enough. The question must not be made with any improper motive or attitude or to trap the Guru and catch at mistakes in the answer, or out of idle curiosity. It must be serious and with a view to achieve moksha or spiritual progress.
(3) Seva is not rendering service, retaining still the feeling that one is free to offer or refuse service. One must feel that he is not the master of the body, that the body is Guru's and exists merely to render service to him.
A Cup Of Tea Arranged For Nanasaheb By Shirdi Sai Baba
Originally named as Narayan Govind Chandorkar, Nanasaheb Chandorkar, an ardent and staunch devotee of Sai Baba, needs no special introduction since in Shri Sai Satcharitra there are many instances wherein his name has been referred. Devotees who were fortunate to be living in Baba's times were indeed incarnations of Almighty, otherwise how could they take birth when Baba was in bodily form on this earth. Stories of such incarnations are really wonderful which contains messages for us from Sai Baba.
We are aware of an incident wherein Nanasaheb Chandorkar's thirst was satisfied by Baba Who appeared to him as a woodcutter. Now another more interesting incident of the same kind is being shared in this post. It is very well known that Nanasaheb was of spiritual intellect and thus any place of worship attracted his attention and earnest desire to go for darshan of any deity was always present in him. He had immense faith in Baba and Baba too reciprocated his faith. As a part of his complete surrender, Nanasaheb never doubted Baba's words. In fact, his immediate actions were to abide by Baba's words bearing full confidence that whatever Baba will do, will be best for him.
Lord Ganesha temple was situated in deep forest of Padmalay and to reach there one had to cross the forest. The temple was about 10 miles from the nearest railway station. Nanasaheb, serving as a Deputy Collector, a very respectable position in those days, had made all arrangements for reaching there. But when he reached the point of starting, he did not get any conveyance to reach the temple because train was late by few hours. On reaching the station in evening with his friends, due to unavailability of any other means of conveyance, he decided to cover the distance of 10 miles by walking. By the time they all reached mid-way, it was already nine at night. As per practice, authorities of the temple leave for their homes at about nine or ten at night. So a wave of worry passed in Nanasaheb's mind whether they will be allowed to enter the temple or not, let alone having darshan. After walking for more one-two miles, i.e. covering total of 6-7 miles of their journey, Nanasaheb was felt hungry. He said to Baba mentally, "Baba, i will not ask more from You, but please take care to provide atleast a cup of tea on completion of this journey, so that my hunger is appeased". Saying these words to Baba, Nanasaheb started walking towards his destination with double speed.
At about eleven, they reached near the temple and saw doors of the temple open from a distance and the priest when seeing few men nearing the temple, shouted right from his place, "Is Nana coming"? It was considered to be an insult as a person of such high profile position was being called by his short name. But Nanasaheb was not angry at this, instead he was very happy and replied, "Oh, how did you come to know that Nana is coming?"
Priest answered, "I received an aerial message from Sai Baba saying - My Nana who is thirsty, hungry and tired is coming to you. Please serve him with a cup of tea. Come on, tea is ready for you all". Thus Baba takes care of His dear devotees at any time and at any place.
These are great solutions given by Sai baba...
Sai Baba imparted Practical Teachings to His Devotees
After the incident concerning inoculation, Nanasaheb realized that Baba had a different kind of aura around Him. Therefore, Nanasaheb’s faith in Baba became more steadfast. He started feeling that he should go more frequently to take Baba’s Darshan. He intensely desired that he should incessantly have thoughts about Baba. But, his office and family matters allowed him little time for anything else. And he was sad.
Once, he was sitting near Baba and Baba gave him an excellent way of overcoming the problem. Baba said, “You want that you should have my thoughts through out the day - Isn’t it ? Then try to see me in the smallest of the things.” Nanasaheb failed to get the point.
Then Baba clarified, "Nana, when you see a vegetable, think that it is my creation. This way see me in each and everything that comes before you." How simple was the remedy suggested by Baba !
Best way to keep anusandhan of the Lord.
Once, Baba posed a question to Nana, “Which is one of the Shadripu (six vices of human nature) is easier to conquer ?” Nanasaheb replied, "Very difficult to answer that question.” Baba said, “It is jealousy ! It means not being able to digest the progress of others. It is very easy to win over jealousy. Because, by being jealous, we neither gain nor lose. A person earns wealth and well-being because of his good deeds. Therefore, if someone prospers, it is due to his good deeds and what do we lose ? And so, one must win over the bad quality of being jealous."
Nanasaheb prostrated before Baba and agreed, "From today, I will try not to be jealous."[/color]
One can easily conquer jealousy, if we remember that the person's good has happened only on account of his Good deeds committed earlier.
Om Sai Ram
Shirdi Sai Baba appears as a beggar
We are human beings. Our mind is surprised by the various deeds of the saints. But the saints consider all their deeds as normal. The things which are beyond our understanding and reach, we called them as miracles. Saints do these miracles in their ordinary course of deals. So it is not a miracle for them. Moreover we are simple, ignorant and greedy humans. That's why it is not possible for us to understand the Leelas of Sai Baba in one stroke. The Updesh which were given by Him are not difficult to remember, but difficult to follow. Here is such an incident Nanasaheb Chandorkar which shows how he forgot the teachings of Sai Baba and how Sai Baba taught him a lesson.
Nanasaheb Chandorkar used to spend his holidays in his house at Kalyan. Whenever Nanasaheb and his family went there to spend holidays, the ladies in the house would prepare various types of snacks in the free time at afternoon.
Once during his holidays, Nanasaheb was taking rest after having lunch on one afternoon. His daughter-in-law was making Bhajniya (a snack prepared from either wheat flour or rice flour, spices and are made in circular form commonly called “Chakri” in Marathi and “Chakli” in Gujarati). Just then a beggar wearing torn dirty clothes with came and stood at the door.
There was threshold in front of the house. The house was inside the threshold. The beggar crossed the threshold and stood in front of the door and asked for food. Nanasaheb’s kind daughter-in-law took a handful of the Bhajniya and gave to the beggar. But the beggar was not satisfied and so she demanded more. Nanasaheb’s daughter-in-law took some more Bhajniya and gave to the beggar.
This time too the beggar was not satisfied.
Nanasaheb’s daughter-in-law said, “I have given you half of Bhajniya prepared for us to you. Then also you are not satisfied?”
The beggar again seemed to be unsatisfied and said, “I will go only after you give all them”.
Nanasaheb’s daughter-in-law said angrily, “You have to eat by getting the food from others and you are troubling us in this way. If want the food take whatever quantity is given to you and just go away. Now I will not give more than what I have offered.”
The beggar did not listen to daughter-in-law. Neither she took the Bhajniya nor did she return. The daughter-in-law being fed up now called up Nanasaheb. Nanasaheb ordered his watchman, “If the beggar accepts the quantity which we are giving, then its ok, otherwise push her outside of the house”.
The beggar said, “Sir, if you don’t intend to give don’t give but don’t push me out of the house. I will go on my own”. Thus the beggar went away without taking a single Bhajniya.
Nanasaheb’s holidays were over. He had to join his office again. In the way he went to Shirdi to take darshan of Sai Baba. Sai Baba was very angry with Nanasaheb. The moment Sai Baba saw him; He turned His face on the other side. He did not speak a word too. Nanasaheb went near to Sai Baba and fell at His feet.
Nanasaheb said, “O God, please tell if I have made any mistake”.
Sai Baba said, “What should I say to the one who does not follow the path directed by Me? You had thrown that beggar out of your house through that watchman. Did she do any harm to you, that you were ready to push her? If she wanted whatever you gave her, she would have taken, and if not she would have sat on the threshold of your house for sometime and would have went away. What harm was that to you, was she looting away your wealth or position? Instead of listening to her sweet words, you called your watchman to throw her out of your house. Is this that I have taught you?
Nanasaheb was then reminded of his mistake now. He repented for it and promised that he would never commit such mistake ever. Though Sai Baba is sitting in Shirdi, but He went to His devotees in any form to save them.
Source : Translated from Gujarati Book "Sai Sarovar"
Sai baba tested Nana's character to the limit.
The way a person would respond to such a situation would depend on his progress in spiritual evolution.
1. An IRRELEGIOUS/Unevolved person : would not even allow the beggar to stand near his house, let alone giving anything to the beggar, since he has no sympathy/empathy with him. The distinction between YOU & ME is very wide in this case.
2. A Commoner person, busy with his worldly life, would not drive the beggar away, but instead shut his door, on seeing the beggar. This is to avoid any further trouble.
3. A person who has some faith in god would atleast bother to enquire what the beggar needs. He may give or not give depending on the circumstances.
4. A person who has good enough progress in Spiritual evolution, will never send the beggar empty handed. He feels strong empathy with the beggar's plight & imagines himself in place of the beggar.
5. For a highest evolved person, the beggar is non-different from he himself. He will make any sacrifice for the sake of the beggar, even putting himself in unlimited trouble. This is a Mahatma !!!
Sai baba must have wanted Nana to be a Mahatma.
Om Sai Ram