Shri Sai Satcharitra-Chapter XXI-Part I (Continued)

Add as a preferred source on Google

Mr. Thakur

Mr. V.H.Thakur, B.A., was a clerk in the Revenue Department and he once came to a town named Vadgaum near Belgaum along with a survey party. There he saw a Kanarese Saint (Appa) and bowed before him. The Saint was explaining a portion from the book "Vichar-Sagar" of Nischaldas (a standard work on Vedanta) to the audience. When Thakur was taking his leave to go, he said to him, "you should study this book, and if you do so, your desires will be fulfilled, and when you go to the North in the discharge of your duties in future, you will come across a great Saint by your good luck, and then he will show you the future path, and give rest to your mind and make you happy".

Sai Ram. Is it not rather strange that the Saint should tell Thakur to read a book on Vedanta and assure him that if he reads that book, his desires will get fulfilled? At first sight, it does appear rather strange, but it is not strange if we understand the nature of the gentleman's desire. Suppose his desire is for liberation from the worldly desires, will not the study of Vedanta help? Yes, it will certainly help. Sai Ram.

And the Saint Appa knew the future of Sri Thakur and hence this assurance. It is very clear that Sri Thakur was a ripening fruit ready to be plucked by the Master. Sai Ram.

Sai Ram. Appa made a wonderful prediction which came true as we will see shortly. Vichar-Sagar was written by Nischaldas. Nischaldas means one who is a servant of Stable, Steady, Non-Moving (thus meaning and referring to Absolute). Vichar means enquiry (or misery ) and Vichar-Sagar refers to the ocean of enquiry (and miseries/sorrows), which is a sign of the logical, rational mind, which needs to question every thing before accepting. So, the Saint prophetically told Thakur that studying the book will do him good but peace of mind will come from the great Saint (Sai) whom he will meet later. Fulfillment of desires will not lead to happiness and peace of mind, since more desires are produced. The last desire should be freedom from all other desires and that can be fulfilled only by the grace of Guru. Sai Ram.

Then, he was transferred to Junnar, where he had to go by crossing Nhane Ghat. This Ghat was very steep and impassable, and no other conveyance, than a buffalo was of use in crossing it. So he had to take a buffalo-ride through the Ghat, which inconvenienced and pained him much.

Sai Ram. Buffalo is the Vahana of Sri Yama, the Lord of Death and also Lord of Dharma and Karma. So, the little self of Thakur had to go through a lot of difficulty and finish its Karma before he could receive the grace of Sadguru Sai. Hence this buffalo ride! Sai Ram.

Thereafter, he was transferred to Kalyan on higher post, and there he became acquainted with Nanasaheb Chandorkar. He heard much about Sai Baba from him and wished to see Him.