||chapter two ||
|| objective of writing the book ||
|| Sri Ganeshaya Namaha || Sri Saraswatye Namaha ||
|| Sri Venkateshaya Namaha || Sri Sai Nathaya Namaha ||
|| Sri Sadgurubhyo Namaha ||
In this chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about the reasons that led him to undertake the work of writing of the book, people who are qualified to read it and other points.
There is a saying in Telugu – invite those who are unwilling to come! It is not known whether such a saying is there in Marathi, but Baba, who established his residence in the dilapidated masjid of Shirdi, practiced it to perfection. All those who were unwilling to come to Shirdi were made to come.
Kashinath Upasani was financially hard hit. The process of anuloma & viloma during the daily yoga practice was severely affected because of this. Technical help to correct were also of no use. Kulkarni, the yoga teacher in Rahoori, advised him to see Sri Sai in
Shirdi. Upasani thought that Sai was a Muslim and ignored the advice. Kulkarni once again urged him to go to Shirdi and even forced him to do so.
Kashinath Upasani was financially hard hit. The process of anuloma & viloma during the daily yoga practice was severely affected because of this. Technical help to correct were also of no use. Kulkarni, the yoga teacher in Rahoori, advised him to see Sri Sai in
Shirdi. Upasani thought that Sai was a Muslim and ignored the advice. Kulkarni once again urged him to go to Shirdi and even forced him to do so.Unwillingly, Upasani went to Shirdi and had the darshan of Sai on a Tuesday, 27.06. 1911. His problems were solved to a very great extent. He sought Baba’s permission to return home. Baba said, “Returning so early? When are you coming back?” Upasani told Baba that there was no intention of coming back. Baba gave him the option of staying in Shirdi or coming back in a week. Upasani could not make up his mind. Then Baba said, “Fine, you want to go, you can go. I will do what I can” With the intention of not coming back, Upasani left Shirdi on the Thursday, 29.06.1911. Traveling from one place to another, Upasani reached Kopergaon, a place 8 kms away from Shirdi. There, because of compulsion from the trustees of the Dattatreya Temple, he had to accompany some tourists to Shirdi.
After they met Sai, Baba asked Upasani, “Good that you have come back! When did you leave Shirdi?”
Upasani said, “Thursday”.
“At what time?” Sai asked again.
“Three O’clock” replied Upasani.
Then Baba asked, “You said that you will not return in a week?”
Upasani was nonplussed. He said,” What is this Baba? I cannot understand anything. I had decided to go home. Was it all Your making?”
Baba then said, “Yes! I was with you throughout the week”
Upasani said, “Thursday”.
“At what time?” Sai asked again.
“Three O’clock” replied Upasani.
Then Baba asked, “You said that you will not return in a week?”
Upasani was nonplussed. He said,” What is this Baba? I cannot understand anything. I had decided to go home. Was it all Your making?”
Baba then said, “Yes! I was with you throughout the week”
Upasani then understood the amazing powers of Baba. He understood that because of Baba’s powerful attractive force, he could not go beyond 8 kms during the week and that he was forced to come back. Accepting Baba as his Sadguru, Upasani began singing praise of Baba. The sloka, “Namaameeshwaram Sadgurum Sainatham” from his Sai Mahima Sthotram is chanted by Sai devotees world over.
Balasaheb Bhate, right from his student days, led a highly individualistic life. He believed in “Eat, drink and be happy”. He was a mamlatdar (revenue officer) in the government service. He progressed steadily in his career and also earned a good name from his superiors. Between 1904 and 1909, he was posted to Kopergaon. As Kopergaon was on the way to Shirdi, he used to make fun of those who went for a darshan of Baba. In 
his opinion, Baba was a mad fakir. His friends, however, wanted him to go to Shirdi and visit Baba at least once. Unable to ignore their advice, he got his camp posted to Shirdi. Every morning and evening, he visited Dwarakamai, and had Baba’s darshan. This went on for four days. On the fifth day, Baba spread an orange ocherous cloth on him. From then on, Baba was his god. Bhate did not even agree to move from Shirdi. Because of that, his family had to shift to Shirdi. He did not want to continue in his job also. With Baba’s blessings, Kakasaheb Dixit made him apply for leave for one year. Everyone hoped that in that time, he would change his mind and rejoin service. He did not change his mind. Sai’s presence was everything for him. Finally, the government, as a reward for his services, granted him a monthly pension of Rs. Thirty. For a person who resented Baba, Baba became everything, including a sadguru. Balasaheb Bhate was the one who argued bitterly with Govind Raghunath Dabholkar about the necessity of a guru and finally won. Dabholkar had argued against the proposition.
his opinion, Baba was a mad fakir. His friends, however, wanted him to go to Shirdi and visit Baba at least once. Unable to ignore their advice, he got his camp posted to Shirdi. Every morning and evening, he visited Dwarakamai, and had Baba’s darshan. This went on for four days. On the fifth day, Baba spread an orange ocherous cloth on him. From then on, Baba was his god. Bhate did not even agree to move from Shirdi. Because of that, his family had to shift to Shirdi. He did not want to continue in his job also. With Baba’s blessings, Kakasaheb Dixit made him apply for leave for one year. Everyone hoped that in that time, he would change his mind and rejoin service. He did not change his mind. Sai’s presence was everything for him. Finally, the government, as a reward for his services, granted him a monthly pension of Rs. Thirty. For a person who resented Baba, Baba became everything, including a sadguru. Balasaheb Bhate was the one who argued bitterly with Govind Raghunath Dabholkar about the necessity of a guru and finally won. Dabholkar had argued against the proposition. Another person who refused to go to Shirdi was Govind Raghunath Dabholkar. Kakasaheb Dixit, who had realized the value of a sadguru at the very first sight of Baba, persuaded Dabholkar to visit Shirdi. When Dabholkar had decided to go to Shirdi, his friend’s son passed away in the presence of guru himself. This was disillusionment for Dabholkar and he refused to go to Shirdi. But, will Baba leave him?!! He made Nanasaheb Chandorkar to coerce Dabholkar to visit Shirdi. Dabholkar could not say no to Nanasaheb. He decided to go and got into a train.
WOULD HIS TRAIN REACH THE DESTINATION? Once anyone decides to see Baba, Baba will take care of the rest. Those were the days of the First World War. Rege and Awasthe, two friends, wanted to have darshan of Baba and got into a train at Indore. The train reached Mhow station. The military officer the
re, asked all the passengers to get down from the train, so that army soldiers could be transported. The friends also were in the danger of being asked to get down. Rege prayed Baba that they should somehow be allowed to continue their journey. A military office came to their compartment and after seeing it felt that it was too small to carry the soldiers and asked the friends to continue their journey. They traveled without any further problems and had Baba’s darshan. At that time, Baba said, “Rege did not like to come alone. He brought others also. They are all my children. They also thought that as per instructions they had to get down, but I told the officer to allow them to travel”. If there is devotion and dedication in the mind, every journey would be peaceful.
Ganapati Dhond Kadam was traveling in a train with his family to go to Shirdi. Twenty persons entered his compartment. He knew that they were Bhils and assumed that they had come to hear the devotional book he was reading. After five minutes, all the Bhils jumped from the running train and ran away. With great surprise, Dhond went to the door and saw that they were running frequently looking backward. Dhond saw what was behind. He saw an old fakir sitting in the compartment. Dhond did not know when or how the old fakir entered the compartment. He did not know if it was his own imagination or a magic. When he wanted to have a second look, the fakir had disappeared. After reaching Shirdi, the Dhond family had Baba’s darshan. Baba, seeing them, said, “Good! You have come safely”. It was then that Dhond understood that the Bhils were dacoits and the old fakir was none other than Baba himself.
Dabholkar also would have faced many problems when he got into the train. He thought that he could get into the Manmad bound Shirdi train at Dadar. The train he got into was not scheduled to stop at Dadar. Without knowing this, he settled down in the compartment happily. At that time, a Muslim gentleman entered the compartment and asked him where he was going. Dabholkar told him. Then the Muslim told him that the train does not stop at Dadar and asked him to get down at Bori Bunder where he would get the connecting train to Shirdi. Dabholkar thus reached Shirdi the next day. Sai biographer and researcher, Sri Vishwas B Kher says that the Muslim was none other than Baba himself. Isn’t it the duty of Sai to see that everyone’s journey is without any hurdles?
DHOOLI DARSHAN 
re, asked all the passengers to get down from the train, so that army soldiers could be transported. The friends also were in the danger of being asked to get down. Rege prayed Baba that they should somehow be allowed to continue their journey. A military office came to their compartment and after seeing it felt that it was too small to carry the soldiers and asked the friends to continue their journey. They traveled without any further problems and had Baba’s darshan. At that time, Baba said, “Rege did not like to come alone. He brought others also. They are all my children. They also thought that as per instructions they had to get down, but I told the officer to allow them to travel”. If there is devotion and dedication in the mind, every journey would be peaceful.Ganapati Dhond Kadam was traveling in a train with his family to go to Shirdi. Twenty persons entered his compartment. He knew that they were Bhils and assumed that they had come to hear the devotional book he was reading. After five minutes, all the Bhils jumped from the running train and ran away. With great surprise, Dhond went to the door and saw that they were running frequently looking backward. Dhond saw what was behind. He saw an old fakir sitting in the compartment. Dhond did not know when or how the old fakir entered the compartment. He did not know if it was his own imagination or a magic. When he wanted to have a second look, the fakir had disappeared. After reaching Shirdi, the Dhond family had Baba’s darshan. Baba, seeing them, said, “Good! You have come safely”. It was then that Dhond understood that the Bhils were dacoits and the old fakir was none other than Baba himself.
Dabholkar also would have faced many problems when he got into the train. He thought that he could get into the Manmad bound Shirdi train at Dadar. The train he got into was not scheduled to stop at Dadar. Without knowing this, he settled down in the compartment happily. At that time, a Muslim gentleman entered the compartment and asked him where he was going. Dabholkar told him. Then the Muslim told him that the train does not stop at Dadar and asked him to get down at Bori Bunder where he would get the connecting train to Shirdi. Dabholkar thus reached Shirdi the next day. Sai biographer and researcher, Sri Vishwas B Kher says that the Muslim was none other than Baba himself. Isn’t it the duty of Sai to see that everyone’s journey is without any hurdles?For anyone who has traveled long distances, it is natural to get tired. It is also natural to visit the deity after taking shelter, bath and with proper dress. As soon as he came to Shirdi he met Laxman Krishnaji Noolkar, a sub judge. Noolkar told him that Baba is coming with his devotees towards Sathewada and that he should immediately have Baba’s darshan. He suggested dhooli darshan.
This subject of dhooli darshan is mentioned in the life history of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. Writer of “R
amana Smaranamrutam”, Sri Gurram Subbaramayya once visited Aruanchalam for Bhagavan’s darshan.. Bhagavan, for whom nothing is unknown, asked, “Why are you late? The train arrived long back. Did you stop elsewhere?” Subbaramayya replied, “Yes, Bhagavan! We met a devotee on the way who suggested that we complete our bath etc and then visit Bhagavan. We were late because of that.” With his eyes sparkling and a smile on his face, Bhagavan replied, “Don’t you know? Devotees can come to me as they are. It is called dhooli darshan.” All the devotees, including Subbaramayya, were very happy. Just as a devotee is eager to have the darshan of his deity, the god is also equally eager to see the devotee. Perhaps, that could have been the import of dhooli darshan.
TRANSFORMATION INTO A BUTTERFLY This subject of dhooli darshan is mentioned in the life history of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi. Writer of “R
amana Smaranamrutam”, Sri Gurram Subbaramayya once visited Aruanchalam for Bhagavan’s darshan.. Bhagavan, for whom nothing is unknown, asked, “Why are you late? The train arrived long back. Did you stop elsewhere?” Subbaramayya replied, “Yes, Bhagavan! We met a devotee on the way who suggested that we complete our bath etc and then visit Bhagavan. We were late because of that.” With his eyes sparkling and a smile on his face, Bhagavan replied, “Don’t you know? Devotees can come to me as they are. It is called dhooli darshan.” All the devotees, including Subbaramayya, were very happy. Just as a devotee is eager to have the darshan of his deity, the god is also equally eager to see the devotee. Perhaps, that could have been the import of dhooli darshan.Following Noolkar’s advice, Dabholkar rushed and fell at the feet of Baba. Tears began running down his eyes. He forgot all about hunger or thirst. All his senses stopped functioning. His entire being was immersed in sublime bliss. From an ordinary insect, Dabholkar was transformed into a colourful butterfly, by the mere touch of Baba’s feet.
It is difficult to find words to describe the emotions experienced by Dabholkar. It can only be 
felt and not described. Paramahamsa Yogananda says about his experience when he met his guru, thus, “I was greatly thrilled whenever I touched the most holy feet of my guru, Sri Yukteshwar. Physical contact with the guru gives the student a spiritual attractive force. Minute electric currents begin flowing. All the undesirable traits in the mind of the devotee are destroyed. The worldly tendencies are more gainfully deployed. At least for a very short time, the veil of maya is lifted, and realization of the reality of eternal happiness dawns. Whenever I bow to my guru in the traditional Indian way, my entire body is engulfed by benevolent aura.”
felt and not described. Paramahamsa Yogananda says about his experience when he met his guru, thus, “I was greatly thrilled whenever I touched the most holy feet of my guru, Sri Yukteshwar. Physical contact with the guru gives the student a spiritual attractive force. Minute electric currents begin flowing. All the undesirable traits in the mind of the devotee are destroyed. The worldly tendencies are more gainfully deployed. At least for a very short time, the veil of maya is lifted, and realization of the reality of eternal happiness dawns. Whenever I bow to my guru in the traditional Indian way, my entire body is engulfed by benevolent aura.”Having been blessed by the darshan of his guru, Sai Baba, Dabholkar expresses his gratitude to Nanasaheb Chandorkar and others who made it possible. Gratitude is a trait which pleases Baba. Sai, himself, frequently expressed his gratitude to his guru for having brought him up to this stage.
With Bangalore as his centre, Saipadananda was another great saint who spread the Sai Tatva. He wa
s personification of pure love and affection. Like Baba, his love also knew no bounds. During the early days of his stay in Bangalore, someone brought a pregnant cow. He was told that the cow experienced difficulty during delivery. Saipadananada affectionately caressed the back of the cow and said that this time the delivery would be easy and normal. The cow was left with him.
With Bangalore as his centre, Saipadananda was another great saint who spread the Sai Tatva. He wa
s personification of pure love and affection. Like Baba, his love also knew no bounds. During the early days of his stay in Bangalore, someone brought a pregnant cow. He was told that the cow experienced difficulty during delivery. Saipadananada affectionately caressed the back of the cow and said that this time the delivery would be easy and normal. The cow was left with him.After some days, when Swamyji was in his room, he felt that someone had knocked on the door. On opening the door, he saw the cow with its new born calf, looking gratefully at the Swamyji. He told the others around him “Look at the cow and its gratitude. This is a rare quality in any being.”
The devotee retains the ethereal bliss bestowed on him by the guru, till egoism develops. The doctor, who saw Sri Rama in Baba, retained the bliss for nearly a fortnight. Kakaji Vaidya, the poojari of Saptashrungi Temple, experienced this bliss throughout his twelve day stay in Shirdi. Dabholkar entered Sathewada with this newly acquired bliss. It is strange that such a person should argue against the necessity of a sadguru. And the person who argued vehemently for the requirement of a guru was the one who had not only rejected the guru but did not even believe in the existence of god. The argument between Bhate and Dabholkar lasted for two hours.
It is the inherent egoism which prompts a person to get into an argument. In fact, it is this egoism which is the root cause of all evils. It is the primary duty of any sadguru to root out this egoism in his devotee.
AKKALKOT MAHARAJ The devotee retains the ethereal bliss bestowed on him by the guru, till egoism develops. The doctor, who saw Sri Rama in Baba, retained the bliss for nearly a fortnight. Kakaji Vaidya, the poojari of Saptashrungi Temple, experienced this bliss throughout his twelve day stay in Shirdi. Dabholkar entered Sathewada with this newly acquired bliss. It is strange that such a person should argue against the necessity of a sadguru. And the person who argued vehemently for the requirement of a guru was the one who had not only rejected the guru but did not even believe in the existence of god. The argument between Bhate and Dabholkar lasted for two hours.
It is the inherent egoism which prompts a person to get into an argument. In fact, it is this egoism which is the root cause of all evils. It is the primary duty of any sadguru to root out this egoism in his devotee.
Swamy Samarth selected Akkalkot for his permanent stay. He was known as Akkalkot Maharaj Swamy. Maloj
irao Bhonsle ruled Akkalkot during those days. He was a staunch devotee of Maharaj. Still, he always felt that he was the king. It so happened that once Malojirao went with all his pageantry to Akkalkot Maharaj. It was his birthday. The crown, armour, elephants, servants, his army and even his queens accompanied the king. In spite of this, the Swamy did not even see him. To draw his attention, the king touched the feet of Swamy as a mark of respect. With immense anger, the Swamy slapped the king. The force of the slap was such that the crown fell nearly twenty feet away. Malojirao was stunned. The Swamy said, “Confine your glory to your darbar. I can create as many cardboard kings like you as you want.” From then on, Malojirao would leave all the paraphernalia behind, and would walk up to the Swamy alone.
BABAJAAN 
irao Bhonsle ruled Akkalkot during those days. He was a staunch devotee of Maharaj. Still, he always felt that he was the king. It so happened that once Malojirao went with all his pageantry to Akkalkot Maharaj. It was his birthday. The crown, armour, elephants, servants, his army and even his queens accompanied the king. In spite of this, the Swamy did not even see him. To draw his attention, the king touched the feet of Swamy as a mark of respect. With immense anger, the Swamy slapped the king. The force of the slap was such that the crown fell nearly twenty feet away. Malojirao was stunned. The Swamy said, “Confine your glory to your darbar. I can create as many cardboard kings like you as you want.” From then on, Malojirao would leave all the paraphernalia behind, and would walk up to the Swamy alone.She was one of the great female sadgurus India has known. Meher Baba praises her as one of the five great per.jpg)
sonalities. Though she was not a native of India, she settled down in Pune. A devotee, who came to know that she drank tea several times a day, invited her to a tea shop. She said that she would pay for the tea. The devotee agreed for the same and both went to the tea shop. To show that he had plenty of money, the devotee just moved his pocket because of which the coins made sound. After they had tea, the devotee put his hand in his pocket to pay for the tea. He was shocked to find that his pocket was empty. Babajaan paid for the tea. When they reached her place, the coins reappeared in the pocket. Babajaan did not just preach humility, but demonstrated it also.
MUKTAANANDA .jpg)
sonalities. Though she was not a native of India, she settled down in Pune. A devotee, who came to know that she drank tea several times a day, invited her to a tea shop. She said that she would pay for the tea. The devotee agreed for the same and both went to the tea shop. To show that he had plenty of money, the devotee just moved his pocket because of which the coins made sound. After they had tea, the devotee put his hand in his pocket to pay for the tea. He was shocked to find that his pocket was empty. Babajaan paid for the tea. When they reached her place, the coins reappeared in the pocket. Babajaan did not just preach humility, but demonstrated it also.
Egoism or arrogance leads to many evils. When this is recognized, it means that the person has attained some spiritual level. Muktaananda studied both Shruti and Smruti at the Siddhaaroodha Ashram. From Hathayoga to Ayurveda, he was an expert in all fields of knowledge. For as long as 18 years, he toured the country three times, in search of a sadguru. He met at least 60 persons who were in the higher echelon of spirituality. He could discern some shortcoming in every one of them. Several years later he realized that the shortcoming was his own arrogance. He accepted Swamy Nityananda as his guru and by the blessings of the guru, he earned international fame and recognition.The moment the sadguru finds even an iota of egoism he roots it out. Ramanujacharya desired that he should be initiated in the Ashtaakshari Mantram by a recognized guru. He selected Acharya Nambi for this purpose. Nambi was also called as Goshtipoorna.
One day, Ramanuja went to his guru’s house. The doors were closed. When Ramanuja knocked on the door, Nambi asked “Who is that?” from inside. Ramanuja replied, “It is me, Ramanuja”. Nambi asked him to go back and come later. Ramanuja went the next day and the same treatment followed. It continued for 17 days. On the 18th day, Ramanuja reasoned out the flaw. When Nambi asked, “Who is it?” Ramanuja replied, “Your servant, Ramanuja”. Nambi understood that in addition to the perseverance, Ramanuja had also shed his egoism, came out, embraced his devotee and taught him the Ashtaakshari Mantram.
One day, Ramanuja went to his guru’s house. The doors were closed. When Ramanuja knocked on the door, Nambi asked “Who is that?” from inside. Ramanuja replied, “It is me, Ramanuja”. Nambi asked him to go back and come later. Ramanuja went the next day and the same treatment followed. It continued for 17 days. On the 18th day, Ramanuja reasoned out the flaw. When Nambi asked, “Who is it?” Ramanuja replied, “Your servant, Ramanuja”. Nambi understood that in addition to the perseverance, Ramanuja had also shed his egoism, came out, embraced his devotee and taught him the Ashtaakshari Mantram. Dabholkar thought about the argument. He realized that argument destroys mental peace, was bad and would further lead to other evils. He understood that at any cost he should not lose Shraddha, and Saburi (patience). As soon as he went to Dwarakamai with Kakasaheb, Sai asked, “What happened in the Wada? What was the argument about? And what did this Hemad Pant say?” It was then that Dabholkar understood the omniscience of Baba. He also understood Baba’s intent in calling him Hemad Pant. He understood that Baba removed his egoism in participating in the argument by calling him Hemad Pant. Rooting out such egoistic traits was a common thing for Sai. It is only those who shed their arrogance, would qualify for the subsequent levels in spirituality.
From then on, Govind Raghunath Dabholkar (or Annasaheb Dabholkar as he was often called) became Hemad Pant. He decided to write the wonderful stories of Sai Baba who banished the epidemic cholera by grinding ordinary wheat grains. For that, Baba’s permission was required. Hemad Pant discussed this with Shama. Baba gave his consent.
COMPOSITION AS WORSHIP There are several ways of worshipping Sai Baba. To those who opt for composing texts, there are many suggestions in the second chapter of Sri Sai Satcharitra. Hemad Pant says that either the Satpurushas or Sri Hari himself would bless the writer by placing their hand on the head and then getting their stories written.
On one full moon night, Bommera Potana was meditating Lord Shiva on a sand dune with his eyes half closed. Sri Rama appeared with Sita and told, “I am Rama. Write the Bhagavatam in Telugu and dedicate it to me. You will attain eternal bliss” Potana got up, assumed that it was a divine command and then composed Bhagavatam.
Jogeshwar Bhishma was a strict traditionalist. When he once visited Baba, Baba asked, “Do
you want to eat all the laddoos yourself? Won’t you give me even a piece? At least now, give me five laddoos” Bhishma did not understand the import of Baba’s saying. He thought about it all the night. By morning, his poetic genius was awakened. He immediately composed some songs and then went to see Sai. Baba kept his hand on Bhishma’s head and poetry began to flow like a fountain. All those poems are sweet like laddoos, and sacred like Vedas. He compiled all these poems and called it Sri Sai Sagunopasana. Sai blesses and then gets the compositions written.
Because of family problems, Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao wanted to commit suicide. In the early hours of 27.12.1944, Sai appeared in his dream as a sadhu. Though he had not even heard the name of Sai earlier, he prostrated at the feet of the sadhu and asked, “Swamy, who are you?” The sadhu replied, “I am Sai Baba. You have already written many books. Now you write about these” Hanumantha Rao did not answer. Baba again said, “Why? Are you hesitating? I am also a god!” and then the sadhu became Sri Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Maruti, Dattatreya and many other forms and finally reverted to his form of the sadhu. He said, “Write these” and placed his hand on Hanumantha Rao’s head and disappeared. The day dawned. His friend Sri Banda Adinarayana Rao came running and said, “My friend! How lucky you are! The president of All India Sai Samaj, Sri BV Narasimha Swamy has come to Chirala. Sai appeared in his dream and asked him to get some books written by you. He has sent me to fetch you. Come on, let us go” A person who was keen to commit suicide, became Sai’s instrument in translating Sri BV Narasimha Swamy’s books into Telugu and then wrote some more original books and thus earned name and fame.
On one full moon night, Bommera Potana was meditating Lord Shiva on a sand dune with his eyes half closed. Sri Rama appeared with Sita and told, “I am Rama. Write the Bhagavatam in Telugu and dedicate it to me. You will attain eternal bliss” Potana got up, assumed that it was a divine command and then composed Bhagavatam.
Jogeshwar Bhishma was a strict traditionalist. When he once visited Baba, Baba asked, “Do
you want to eat all the laddoos yourself? Won’t you give me even a piece? At least now, give me five laddoos” Bhishma did not understand the import of Baba’s saying. He thought about it all the night. By morning, his poetic genius was awakened. He immediately composed some songs and then went to see Sai. Baba kept his hand on Bhishma’s head and poetry began to flow like a fountain. All those poems are sweet like laddoos, and sacred like Vedas. He compiled all these poems and called it Sri Sai Sagunopasana. Sai blesses and then gets the compositions written.Because of family problems, Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao wanted to commit suicide. In the early hours of 27.12.1944, Sai appeared in his dream as a sadhu. Though he had not even heard the name of Sai earlier, he prostrated at the feet of the sadhu and asked, “Swamy, who are you?” The sadhu replied, “I am Sai Baba. You have already written many books. Now you write about these” Hanumantha Rao did not answer. Baba again said, “Why? Are you hesitating? I am also a god!” and then the sadhu became Sri Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Maruti, Dattatreya and many other forms and finally reverted to his form of the sadhu. He said, “Write these” and placed his hand on Hanumantha Rao’s head and disappeared. The day dawned. His friend Sri Banda Adinarayana Rao came running and said, “My friend! How lucky you are! The president of All India Sai Samaj, Sri BV Narasimha Swamy has come to Chirala. Sai appeared in his dream and asked him to get some books written by you. He has sent me to fetch you. Come on, let us go” A person who was keen to commit suicide, became Sai’s instrument in translating Sri BV Narasimha Swamy’s books into Telugu and then wrote some more original books and thus earned name and fame.
When Shama asked Baba for his consent on behalf of Hemad Pant, Baba not only consented, but blessed him by placing his hand on his head and also gave udi Prasadam. In addition to all these, Baba also gave several following suggestions in writing of Sai Satcharitra.
1. Collect true stories, events and experiences.
2. Let the stories be brief. It is interesting to note that Sai did not mention anything about spiritual discourses explained by him.
3. Shed your egoism. Then Sai will enter the writer and write himself.
4. Don’t insist on your opinion and do not condemn other opinions.
Arjunacharya was writing commentary on Bhagavad Gita. He was stuck at the sloka,
The statement “Yoga Kshemam Vahaamyaham”, made by Lord Krishna means, “I will take the responsibility of providing both Yoga and Kshemam to my devotees”. The Acharya thought that it was a mistake to believe that the Lord would personally carry whatever was needed to each and every devotee. He also thought, "What is the need for Bhagavan doing it Himself? Being all powerful, He will get it done." He, therefore, struck out “Vahami” (I personally carry) with his sharp quill and inserted “Karomi” (I have it done). After making the changes, he went for his normal mendicancy.
After he left, two boys came to his wife, gave her sufficient food materials, and told her that her husband had sent those materials and asked her to cook. One of the boys was black and the other was fair. The black boy was shaking with fear. Arjunacharya’s wife asked him why he was afraid and of what. The black boy turned his back and showed her a bleeding cut and told her that Acharya had done that. The other boy did not open his mouth. She said that she would talk to the Acharya about it. The boys went away.
1. Collect true stories, events and experiences.
2. Let the stories be brief. It is interesting to note that Sai did not mention anything about spiritual discourses explained by him.
3. Shed your egoism. Then Sai will enter the writer and write himself.
4. Don’t insist on your opinion and do not condemn other opinions.
Arjunacharya was writing commentary on Bhagavad Gita. He was stuck at the sloka,
ananyaaś chintayanto maaḿ| ye janaaḥ paryupaasate
teṣhaaḿ nityaabhiyuktaanaaḿ| yoga-kṣhemaḿ vahaamyaham
teṣhaaḿ nityaabhiyuktaanaaḿ| yoga-kṣhemaḿ vahaamyaham
Sl.22.Ch.9
The statement “Yoga Kshemam Vahaamyaham”, made by Lord Krishna means, “I will take the responsibility of providing both Yoga and Kshemam to my devotees”. The Acharya thought that it was a mistake to believe that the Lord would personally carry whatever was needed to each and every devotee. He also thought, "What is the need for Bhagavan doing it Himself? Being all powerful, He will get it done." He, therefore, struck out “Vahami” (I personally carry) with his sharp quill and inserted “Karomi” (I have it done). After making the changes, he went for his normal mendicancy.
After he left, two boys came to his wife, gave her sufficient food materials, and told her that her husband had sent those materials and asked her to cook. One of the boys was black and the other was fair. The black boy was shaking with fear. Arjunacharya’s wife asked him why he was afraid and of what. The black boy turned his back and showed her a bleeding cut and told her that Acharya had done that. The other boy did not open his mouth. She said that she would talk to the Acharya about it. The boys went away.
That day Acharya returned empty handed. When he came back, he was surprised to see the food materials and asked his wife from where she got them. She told him about the two boys, and asked Acharya why he had made a cut on the back of the black boy. The Acharya thought for a few moments and asked what the boys looked like. Hearing that one was of a beautiful darkish complexion and the other was white, he could understand that his fortunate wife had been blessed with the darshan of Lord Sri Krishna and his brother, Balarama. The beating marks were the result of his having scratched out the word “vahaami”. Krishna had been forced to come personally to prove the truth of His words, "I carry what they lack with my own hands”. He realized that Krishna’s statements in Gita were not empty statements. He understood that he should not comment irresponsibly.
Lastly, while writing Sai stories, Baba said that in case of a conflict, no explanations be given of the stands taken by the two conflicting sides.
It means that unless the writer follows the above directions, it would lead to egoism, and Sai would not enter into the writer and write his story. It also means that only that time during which the writer composes without any egoism, is the time spent in the worship of Sai. Hemad Pant reminds in almost every chapter that the writer of Sri Sai Satcharitra and the driving force behind the writer are one and the same – Sai himself. It is because of this reason that Sri Sai Satcharitra is not only a great epic, but is on par with Ramayana, Mahabharata or Bhagavata.
SAI LITERATURE IS LIKE PUSHPAKA VIMANAM Lastly, while writing Sai stories, Baba said that in case of a conflict, no explanations be given of the stands taken by the two conflicting sides.
It means that unless the writer follows the above directions, it would lead to egoism, and Sai would not enter into the writer and write his story. It also means that only that time during which the writer composes without any egoism, is the time spent in the worship of Sai. Hemad Pant reminds in almost every chapter that the writer of Sri Sai Satcharitra and the driving force behind the writer are one and the same – Sai himself. It is because of this reason that Sri Sai Satcharitra is not only a great epic, but is on par with Ramayana, Mahabharata or Bhagavata.
Story of Sai is like a deep ocean. It houses many invaluable pearls. One individual cannot fathom out all those pearls and gems. The more one takes them out, many more could be found. And though more persons draw many many more pearls, still the ocean will not dry out.
Sri Sai Satcharitra is not only an ocean but it is also like the Pushpaka Vimanam. There is always place for one more writer to go deep and explore for more pearls. Hemad Pant mentions about all those before him, who had written about Sai. One of them is the couple Sri Raghunath Tendulkar and his wife, Smt Savitri Raghunath Tendulkar. They had composed “Sri Sainath Bhajanamala” in 825 abhangs (a form of Marathi Poetry). Sai himself said that he was mesmerized by the divine flavour in those abhangs. Dasganu Maharaj was another person who resigned the government job he was doing and swept the floor of Dwarakamai with his literary genius. Can the books written by a person who had not completed even his primary education be prescribed for the curriculum of Bombay University, without Baba’s grace and blessings? He wrote about Sai in seven chapters in his book “Sai Sthavana Manjari”.
Sri Sai Satcharitra is not only an ocean but it is also like the Pushpaka Vimanam. There is always place for one more writer to go deep and explore for more pearls. Hemad Pant mentions about all those before him, who had written about Sai. One of them is the couple Sri Raghunath Tendulkar and his wife, Smt Savitri Raghunath Tendulkar. They had composed “Sri Sainath Bhajanamala” in 825 abhangs (a form of Marathi Poetry). Sai himself said that he was mesmerized by the divine flavour in those abhangs. Dasganu Maharaj was another person who resigned the government job he was doing and swept the floor of Dwarakamai with his literary genius. Can the books written by a person who had not completed even his primary education be prescribed for the curriculum of Bombay University, without Baba’s grace and blessings? He wrote about Sai in seven chapters in his book “Sai Sthavana Manjari”.
Amidas Bhavani Mehta was a Gujarati writer. He visited Shirdi many times to be in the presence of Sai. For him Sai was not only his guru but Lord Sri Krishna also. His desire was to have his Samadhi near his guru’s. “Wherever you are, you will be with me only” was what Sai had told him. His Samadhi is also in Shirdi. Having written “Poornapara Brahma Sri Sadguru Sainath Maharajni Janavajog Vigato Temaj Chamatkaro” he became one of the earliest biographers of Sai.
FRUITS OF PARAYANA Sai has said in this chapter that by doing parayana of his stories, shraddha and nishta would be awakened in one’s mind and swananda sukha would be experienced. Those who listen to these stories would experience self realization, which is the ultimate goal of every devotee. Sai Katha Sravanam, mananam and dhyanam will destroy all the sins committed in this or the earlier births. By parayana, one becomes energetic, mentally stable and would also acquire ashtaangayoga praavinyam and eternal bliss.
In short parayanam gives solace to the mind and peace to the soul.
This is the significance of Sai Satcharitra.
Those whose mind is shrouded by darkness with egoism, those who want all the hurdles to their Shirdi visit to be wiped out, those who seek Sai’s consent and blessings while selflessly composing Sai stories, let them read this chapter and be blessed by Sri Sai!
In short parayanam gives solace to the mind and peace to the soul.
This is the significance of Sai Satcharitra.
Those whose mind is shrouded by darkness with egoism, those who want all the hurdles to their Shirdi visit to be wiped out, those who seek Sai’s consent and blessings while selflessly composing Sai stories, let them read this chapter and be blessed by Sri Sai!
With this the second chapter, called the objective of writing the book, is complete. In the next chapter, Hemad Pant tells us about Sai Baba’s permission and assurance, assignment of work to other devotees and other matters.
|| Sri Sadguru Sainathaarpanamasthu | Shubham Bhavatu ||
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
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