Shri Sai Sat Charitra - Chapter 14 - Part III

Add as a preferred source on Google

It is a well-known fact that Baba always asked for from people who went to see Him. Somebody may ask a question, "If Baba was a Fakir and perfectly non- attached, why should he ask for and care for money?" We shall consider this question broadly now.

Sai Ram. Shri Hemadpant raises a very important question which troubles the minds of many devotees, especially in the beginning of their spiritual awakening and later too when Maya clouds the Sun of Knowledge and illusion takes over albeit temporarily. Sai Ram.

First for a long time, Baba did not accept anything. He stored burnt matches and filled His pocket with them. He never asked anything from anybody--whether he be a devotee or otherwise. If anybody placed before Him a pice or two, He purchased oil or tobacco.

Baba was fond of tobacco, for He always smoked a bidi or Chilim (an earthen pipe). Then some persons thought that they could not see the Saints empty-handed, and they, therefore, placed some copper coins before Baba. If a pice was placed before Him. He used to pocket it; if it was a two pice coin, it was returned immediately.

Sai Ram . Baba was teaching some very important and significant spiritual lessons here for the other would be Gurus. Before one can lead others on to the right spiritual path, One must be fully pure and equipped.