Shri Sai Sat Charitra-Chapter XXIX-Part III

Sai Satcharitra

oi-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, January 15, 2009, 12:50

Baba then said to the Madrasi Ramadasi " What more do you want?" Then a desire arose in his mind to get the darshan of his Guru Ramdas. Baba asked him to turn back and see. And when he turned, lo, Ramadas was in front of him. No sooner did he begin to fall at His Feet, Ramadas vanished. Then he inquisitively asked Baba,"You look old. Do You know Your age?" Baba - "What! Do you say I am old! just run a race with Me and see." Saying this Baba began to run and he too followed. Baba disappeared in the dust raised by His foot-steps while running and the man was awakened.

Sai Ram. The man was awakened not just from his physical sleep but from his spiritual sleep too. He saw that Sai was one with his Guru Ramadas. Sai also taught that physical looks and age are only facades from behind which the ageless spirit shines forth. Sai Ram.

After awakening he began to think seriously about the dream-vision. His mental attitude was completely changed and he realized the greatness of Baba. After this, his grabbing and doubting tendencies disappeared and true devotion to Baba's Feet sprang in his mind. The vision was a mere dream, but the questions and answers there in were most significant and interesting. Next morning when all the persons assembled in Dwarakamayi for the Arati, Baba gave him as prasad two rupees' worth sweetmeats and also two rupees from His pocket and blessed him.

He made him stay there for a few more days and gave him His blessing, saying, "God will give you plenty and He will do you all good". He did not get more money there, but he got far better things viz. Baba's blessing which stood him in good stead all along. The party got plenty of money afterwards and their pilgrimage was successful as they had not to suffer any trouble or inconvenience during their journey. They all returned home safe and sound, thinking of Baba's words and blessings and the Anand (Bliss) they experienced by His grace.

This story illustrates one of the methods, which Baba followed (and is following even now) in some cases to improve and reform His devotees.

Sai Ram. Not only was the man spiritually awakened, but his getting the blessings of Sadguru Sai helped him lead a comfortable worldly life. Thus, it is clear that the blessings of Sadguru will help a Sadhaka in all planes, material as well as spiritual. Even though one approaches God / Guru with materialistic desires initially, the contact with the Divine benefits the Sadhaka in all respects. Baba used to tell some of His devotees, who were objecting others coming to Sai with materialistic desires, that no one can come to Him unless He wills it, and that He is pulling them with a promise of fulfilling their materialistic desires so that He can also awaken them spiritually and lead them to the Nishkama stage, where they are free of desires.

This wonderful story is one of the many examples of Baba's grace working such transformational wonders on the minds of those, who are drawn to Him, like the philospher's stone converts base metals to gold. I am reminded of Shri Narasimha Saraswati, Swami , the second incarnation of Lord Dattatreya showing His powers as a small child by touching and converting iron and other base metals into gold in his parents' house. Guru's touch converts base minds into pure gold. Sai Ram.

To Be Continued....

Chat With Devoties Of Shirdi Saibaba