SAI BABA OF SHIRDI - A GOD!

Sri Sai Nilaya Publication No. 58

First Edition (English)

4000 Copies September, 2002.

Original Telugu Book First Published in the year 1960. Reprinted in the years 1968, 1979, 1988, and 1996.

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be translated into any other language or reproduced or copied in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information and retrieval systems • without written permission of the Publisher.

 

PREFACE

I had the pleasure of going through the manuscript of the translated version of the book captioned 'Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi -A God!' written originally in Telugu by late Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao garu, an ardent devotee of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. Inspired by Sri Sai Maharaj, Sri Rao wrote as many as 28 books in his life time which indicates the level of his Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (Patience), the essential qualities of a true devotee.

This is a book pre-excellence in the sense that Sri Rao has beautifully amalgamated the deeds and sayings of Baba with the spiritual precepts of the Hindus and other religions. The vast knowledge of spiritual science and practices he has indicated in the context of Sri Sai is phenomenal. As one proceeds through the book, one invariably comes to the conclusion that Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi is much more than a Sadhu, Yogi, Saint or a Guru. It is not only His wonderful power that amazed every one who came in His contact at that time and which still continues to baffle His devotees but also His majestic personality consisting of utmost compassion tolerance and sacrifice that draws millions towards Him. In fact the universalism in Shri Sai has transcended the concepts of clan, race, religion and national barriers. A clear picture of 'Sai brotherhood' is emerging in the world in the form of a new religion, which tomorrows world will know as 'Saism”.

No doubt Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi was an Incarnation and like the play of all incarnations, after the departure, faith in Him is spreading throughout the world. Sri Rao, as an inspired soul has brought-out the 'Spirit of Sai’ in this book, as we may call it. Although he has quoted vastly from scriptures and religious treatises but intuitively he knew that Sri Sai is Parambrahma in Saguna Sahara form. The style of writing is lucid, poignant and emotive indicating truthfulness of the thought of the writer. The translators have done an excellent job in meticulously translating the original Telugu writing to English which is an extremely difficult job. I congratulate them for this noble endeavor.

No doubt Sri Rao was one of the chosen few to bring Baba's leelas to the people who then can be drawn towards Him for their own emancipation.

C.B. SATPATHY

New Delhi (18.12.2001)

 

PRASAMSA

(Appreciation)

My salutes are to the lotus feet of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba.

I feel it a privilege to write a few sentences appreciating the holy and divine book written by Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao Garu father of Sri. Bapatla Venkata Pardbasaradhy garu. Both father and son who happened to be exemplary devotees of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and the real followers of Sri Sai's preachings and the message preceptors and communicators to the human world. They are themselves holy people and eligible persons for receiving Sri Sai Baba's merciful love and protection and in - turn bestow it to the society. They have shaped number of people into staunch devotees of Sri Sai Baba and made lakh's of people the pure and wholly dependent and ardent devotees of Sri Sai Baba, so that millions of people are saved of their worldly ailments.

They have cleared the minds of so many fellow devotees regarding their devotion to Lord Sri Sai. Their gospel through their innumerable holy books of Sri Sai has spread to the core of the hearts of millions of devotees and saved them from mental, physical and spiritual agonies by becoming devotees of Sri Sai.

So it appears to us that Sri Sai Baba has selected them for this divine mission. They are the blessed devotees. Now Sri B.V. Pardbasaradhy garu is continuing his divine mission inspite of his advanced age with the assistance of his family members and disciples.

Supreme is the donor. The donor of life, life style, health, wealth, food and fortune. He is the donor of medicine for ailments, and a doctor of preventive medicine, giving treatment at various levels for needy devotees.

He is the judge of our behaviour and benevolent commander shaping us into beings with humanism and divinity.

He is the Almighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. The Supreme Power embodies into nameless form having no parents and of unknown origin expressing his Self as the teacher and ruler having lakhs of years on age and divinity as his origin, and called by his devotee Sri Mahalsapathi as Sai. Now all his devotees worship him as Sri Sai Baba. He protected, loved all who seeked his mercy and surrendered to him, no body in the world is independent of divine power and have nobody is a bar for his requirement of Baba's divine grace. Only the fact is some people may realize it at a later stage of life.

Bearing a good character and good will power makes one to reach his lotus feet even without their actual knowledge or ambition.

Divine power bestow from him on people with sathvik mind and mind without Arishadvargas, the six evil characters of mind.

The percentage of marks obtained by the devotee depends upon the sincere effort made by the student in his life time in Sri Sai Baba's school. Industrious, faithful, knowledgeable and holy student will get first class, and make lakhs of people pure and wholly dependent and ardent devotees of Sri Sai Baba, so that millions are saved of their worldly ailments by joining into school of Baba.

Later in the school of Sri Sai Baba these students will be given teacher posts working as guides to a number of other devotees and beggars seeking his divine help.

In the universal school of the Supreme Sai, some devotees grow to the stage of absorbing the divine power emnating from Him. Some of them turn into Sarva Sanga Parityagies and Yogies.

Sun's rays are absorbed by plants and made into high energy chemical bonds that make the lives of animals and plants alone with Panchabhuthas. This process is called Photosynthesis or Photophosphorelation.

Living beings get solar energy for life energy purpose and get cosmic energy for origin of life. Supreme is the source, generator and donor of the cosmic energy. Sri Mehar baba, Sri Sivananda of Rishikesh and a number of greatest yogies recognised and worshiped Sri Shirdi Sai Baba as the Supreme.

Sri Sivananda described Sai Baba as Parabrahma, Paramatma and Sachidananda in his message to his devotees.

Mehar Baba told that Sri Sai Baba is his first Guru and He is the Adiguru of this universe. He is Sakala Devata Swarupa and Sakala Guru Swarupa.

Our pranamams to the lotus feet of Lord Shirdi Sai baba. Blessings are to them who even chant His holy name.

Dr. K. Rama Kumar. B.Sc., M.D.

Professor and Head

Dept. of Biochemistry,

Guntur Medical College,

Guntur - 522004.

 

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

My Dear fellow devotees,

I am indeed fortunate to bring out this small publication 'Sai Baba of Shirdi • A God!' the translation of the original booklet in Telugu written by my beloved father and Guru - Late Sri Bapatla Hanumantha Rao Pantulu garu. It is my intention that not only Telugu people but others also be benefitted by his writings.

My father was brought up under the care of my grand mother, Smt. Chinna Punnamma garu, who was proficient in Sanskrit and Telugu. She was instrumental in my father developing keen interest in our ancient Scriptures, Puranas, etc. at a tender age. Sri B.H. Rao attained high proficiency in both Telugu and Sanskrit. He took his 'Ubbaya Bbasha Praveena* at an early age and started translating the great Sanskrit works into Telugu. At the age of 22, he translated one of the greatest Scriptures of Hindu religion, 'Bhagavadgita', written by sage Veda Vyasa into Telugu poems. This work won accolades, especially from one of the greatest poets of Telugu literature in the twentieth century, Satavadham, Sri Chellapilla Venkata Sastry garu, Later he translated many other great Sanskrit works. To mention a few: 1. Sri Adi Sankara -Prabhoda Sudhakaram, Bhaja Govinda Slokas etc. 2. Sri Nigamantha Desikulu - Srinivasa Daya Satakam, Paduka Sahasram, 3. Lilasuka - Sri Krishna Karnamrutam. 4. Sage Narada-Narada Bhakti Sutramulu (Premamrutam) etc.

By the grace of Sri Sai Baba, he came into contact with Pujyasri B.V. Narasimha Swamiji, Founder President of All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore Chennai and became his beloved disciple. With the blessings of his Guru, he became an ardent devotee of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi, He researched thoroughly about Sri Sai Baba, by studying all the available literature, listening to the teachings of his Guru and contacts with many devotees who had intimate knowledge of Sri Sai Baba directly or indirectly. He made it his life's mission to spread the message of Baba, (ie) 'Prema Tatwam* (Love towards all). He wrote several books on Sri Sai Baba. Among them (1) 'Yemee Ninnupekshintuna!' experiences of Baba's devotees and life history of Sai Baba (2) Sri Sai Pujastavamulu (3) Sri Sainatha Bodhamrutam (4) Sri Sai Karuna (5) Sri Sai Anusaranamu etc. are well known. All these books were written in Telugu. (These books are available with the Publisher - Please refer to Appeal elsewhere in this book.)

He worked as a secondary grade teacher (Telugu Pandit) in a high school at Chinaganjam, (Prakasam District A.P.) for his livelihood. He spent all his spare time, in reading and writing books, having religious discourses with friends and relatives, writing letters to fellow devotees, answering their queries, and preaching the message of Sri Sai Baba to one and all who came in contact with him. He had a large following in Andhra Pradesh. His fellow devotees used to call him as 'Sai Prasanna’, 'Sai Bhakta Sikhamani' affectionately. Shri Sai Sansthan of Shirdi honoured him with the title 'Asthana Andhra Vidwan' for the invaluable services he rendered. Humility was his greatest virtue. He lead a very simple life and has showed to the world how a Sai devotee should live and conduct himself.

The present book is one of his earliest Publications and was first printed in Telugu in 1960, and subsequently got reprinted four times. This deals extensively about the nature of God, his Avatars (Incarnations), and Avatara Purushas (Holy saints). To answer a doubt raised by one of his friends, he wrote some articles first in the magazines, 'Sai Leela' and 'Sai Sudha'. Later, at the behest of his devotees, these articles were compiled and modified into a book form. This is the maiden attempt to publish one of his books in English. With the help of Sarvasri (1) R. Ramachandra Rao, M.A., Lecturer in English, Junior College, Markapur and (2) C.R.K. Murthy, M.A., M.Ed., Lecturer and Principal (Rtd.), Govt. Junior Colleges, Hyderabad, the book was translated into English. Indeed, it was a very difficult task. I am highly grateful to them for the enormous pains they have taken to render into simple English, conveying the profound ideas expressed. I am very happy that the central ideas were beautifully conveyed so that even a layman can understand them. Simultaneously they can understand the reasons for founding various religions, which are man made, and their objectives. Several doubts of ordinary persons like, 'Who is God?', 'What is an incarnation?', 'What is its purpose?', 'Whether there is one God or several Gods!', 'Who are holy saints?' etc have also been clarified. The divine attributes of God have been ennumerated very vividly. The objective of Sri Sai Baba's Incarnation has been clearly explained and it has been established beyond doubt that Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi is an Incarnation of God.

I am sure that this book will help the society immensely, especially at this time, when passions are being raised by some selfish and unscrupulous persons between the various religions, sects, forgetting the fundamental principles propounded by their founders. The message of Sri Sai Baba Love towards all (Prema Tatwam) without consideration of religion, caste, creed, sect etc towards all human beings is the only remedy for all the evils of the present society. It is my fond hope that readers will find this book interesting and beneficial. I humbly request my fellow devotees to convey their impressions and suggestions. Based on the response, I shall make my efforts to get the other great books of my father also translated and published in English.

Matters pertaining to printing of this book:

I express my grateful thanks to Revered Guruji, Sri C.B. Satpathy, I.P.S. New Delhi for his excellent 'Preface'.

2.         I express my affectionate thanks and graceful blessings of Sri Sai Baba to Sri K. Ramkumar, B.Sc., M.D., Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Govt. Medical College, Guntur, a staunch devotee of Sri Sai Baba, for his 'Prasamsa', a faithful expression about my father's works and this book.

3.         I thank Sri K.V. Ramani, Managing Director, 'Shirdi Sai Trust', Chennai, for magnanimously donating Rs. 15,000/-towards publication of this book.

4.         I record my deep appreciation and blessings to Chi. M.V. Sairam Gopal, M.S.(USA) for his contribution of Rs. 11,116/ - on behalf of his grandparents Sri M.V. SivaramaiahM.A., M.Ed., and Smt. M. Varalakshmi (sister of Sri B. H. Rao garu, the author of this book) towards expenses for printing this book. I pray Lord Sai Baba to give his blessings to all the 'Manchikanti' family members, who are the followers of Sri B.H. Rao garu for over five decades.

5.         Further, I thank all the Donors whose names have been published separately for their valuable contributions towards publication of this book. I pray Sri Sainath to bless them all with success and happiness.

6.         I thank Sri R. Janardhana Rao, Proprietor, Odin Press Pvt. Ltd. Balkampet, Hyderabad and his staff for the excellent getup and printing of this book, taking enormous pains.

7.         I thank the services done by many, whose names could not be listed here, for their valuable contribution in bringing out this publication. May Lord Sai Baba bless them all.

8.         Lastly, but not the least, May Sri Sai Baba bless all the readers with peace, prosperity, happiness, health and show them the right path to lead their lives.

In the service of Sri Sai Baba, Your fellow Devotee and Publisher.

Bapatla Venkata Pardhasaradhy

Sri Sai Nilayam, Cheruvu (P.O) - 522113

Guntur District, A.P. India.

Donors for this Publications

Shirdi Sai Trust – Chennai                                                               Rs.15,000.00

Chi. Sri M.V. Sairam Gopal                                                 Rs.11,116.00

(On behalf of his Grand Parents

Chi. Sri. M.V. Sivaramaiah M.A., B.Ed., and

Chi. Sow. M. Varalakshmi, Bapatla)

Chi. Sri. G.V. Narasimha Rao – Hyderabad                                  RS.1232.00

Chi. Kum. G.S. Nalini – Hyderabad                                                Rs.1116.00

Sri, D.M. Durga Rao – Rajahmundry                                              Rs.1116.00

A Sai Baba Devotee – Hyderabad                                     Rs.1116.00

Pathan Shahina Begam - E.V. Palli                                                Rs.520.00

Sri C.L. Narasimham – Hyderabad                                                Rs.508.00

Sri T. Srinivasa Rao D.E.O – Hyderabad                                      Rs.503.00

Smt. Y. Lakshminarasamim - Kolkota                                             Rs.503.00

Dr, A. Seetha Rani - Palakole                                                          Rs.350.00

Dr. A.S. Narayana M.D.S. – Hyderabad                                        Rs.350.00

Sri G.N. Divakar – Hyderabad                                                        Rs.350.00

Sri Ch. Venkateswarlu Reddy – Markapur                         Rs.350.00

Sri R. Prabhakara Rao – Tirupathi                                     Rs.350.00

Sri, K. Ramaiah - Guntur                                                                   Rs.350.00

Sri. M. Venkata Reddy, Advocate - Tanuku                                    Rs.116.00

Sri, P.V. Ramana - E.V Palli                                                            Rs.54.00

My Dear fellow devotees,

I am indeed fortunate enough to place this booklet in the hands of all the devotees as directed by Sri Sai Baba in an attempt to answer the question: "Is Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi also a God? Are the present Gods not enough?", posed to me by a friend of mine.

I wrote some articles on this issue in Sai Leela, (a monthly magazine published from Chirala) in 1953, and in Sai Sudha (Published from Mylapore, Chennai,) in 1957-'58, At the behest of my fellow devotees, this small publication is brought out compiling all those articles with certain additions and modifications.

I am a small and insignificant person to detail about God, His Incarnations and the Holy Saints. One should be One with that Supreme Being to speak about Him. It shall always remain incomplete if a small person like me ventures to talk about Him. Words seem to express a fraction of entirety. The Eternal Truth can neither be comprehended nor expressed but can only be experienced. God is the central cause of all our actions and its effects. It is Sri Sai Baba's wish that makes one to raise a question and it is His wish only that prompts some one else to answer it. I earnestly believe that this is a special mission entrusted to me by my Guru, Sri B.V. Narasimha Swamiji a great Saint. He earned the reputation as the modern Nana Saheb Cbandorkar (a close disciple of Sri Sai Baba) and also called Sai Vyasa by Sai devotees. He was the Founder President of All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, Chennai.

Let the learned pardon me for my audacity in talking about a divine personality, Sri Sai Baba, The book is divided into four chapters.

First Chapter:

In answer to the second question of my friend: (Are the present Gods not enough?, It has been established that there is only one Supreme God, who is Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and does not possess any specific form. The other Godly forms (called by my friend as Gods in his question) are His Avatars (Incarnations.)

Hinduism is the most ancient of all religions in the world with wider scope, goals, and objectives. It propounds that this human life is the best form of all living beings. If a person who believes in the existence of God (Theist) meditates upon Him (God) with full faith and devotion on any form the results are the same. They do not depend upon the form of God, they worship. Bhagawan Sri Adi Sankara, known as Shanmatacharya, has taught us the truth that Saivism, Vaisbnavism, Saktism are all accepted by Vedas and God can be worshipped in any form as per his/her belief and the rewards shall be the same. Our ancient Hindu religion has no rifts with other religions. It exhibits a broad feeling of love and respect for all other religions and absorbs all of them into its fold. This is the reason for its survival till today and it will survive forever.

Several foreign philosophers like Max Muller, George Bernard Shaw, etc. extolled the great virtues of our ancient religion and culture. In the words of George Bernard Shaw:

"The apparent multiplication of Gods is bewildering at first glance, but you soon discover that they are all the same God in different aspects and functions. There is always one utter most God who defies personification. This makes Hinduism the most tolerant religion in the world, because its own transcendent God includes all possible Gods."

The first chapter further deals in detail with the term God as propounded in the Smrities, Sruties and Puranas which are the-roots of our ancient Hindu religion and establishes that there is only one Universal God and different Gods do not exist.

Second Chapter:

This deals with God's physical forms, and His Avatars (Incarnations.) An Incarnation, a learned Saint, a person who knows Brahmam are all considered to be Gods in our presence by virtue of their powers of attaining Godliness. There is no discrimination between them in their State, Stature or Status. Whoever possesses such extraordinary qualities and powers as witnessed in the Almighty, will be God. God who is Nirakara becomes Sahara in order to quench the thirst of love of His devotees. The Sahara form of God is not confined to a particular country or time. It appears at all times as and when the need arises and protects His children.

The chapter thus underlines the need of God's Incarnation assuming the form of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi.

The ten incarnations of God such as Matsya (fish form), Kurma (form of tortoise), Narasimha (form of man and lion) etc., Kapila, Dattatreya, Gautam Buddha, and Sri Rama Krishna Parama Hamsa are no way different from the incarnation of Sri Sai Baba. Let my fellow devotees not be under illusion that there were several Gods and Sri Sai Baba has been the added to the list. It is always good for them to believe that God, the Supreme Power had assumed different forms and shall assume any form with His unlimited, myriad and miraculous powers at any time, as and when the occasion arises.

It is all God's will and play to create the universe, sustain it and annihilate it. He is incomprehensible. The Paramatma, the Creator dwells in all the living beings and enchants them with His divine spell of magic. The main objective and goal of all living beings is to know the Eternal Truth hidden in them. Man is luckier an other living beings in this regard. He is endowed with should utilise our faculties to know the all pervasive nature of God and make efforts to realize Him and this should be our life's mission. But we continue to pursue an untruthful path and indulge in ephemeral physical pleasures, under the magic spell of Maya (an illusion) and keep ourselves aloof to the Ultimate Reality and the Truth (Realisation of God). The kind hearted Lord, in the incarnation as Sri Krishna, taught us the path of reaching Him (God) in Bhagavadgita thus:

"You are given to the transitory and unreal pleasures in this world. Pray to Me for an everlasting bliss" (Gita 9-33)

"Who ever turns to Me and surrenders shall be free from Maya!" (Gita 7-14)

"You will realize Me only when you keep Me in your mind, pray to Me with devotion, think of Me, salute Me, concentrate and meditate upon Me in full faith." (Gita 9-34)

"If You surrender to Me leaving everything, I shall give you relief from all your sinful actions: this is the truth",

(Gita 18-66)

Adi Sankara says:

"Of all living beings, man's life is an unique and arduous one. It is difficult to be free from the cycle of births and deaths and attain salvation. It is also very difficult to seek great seers and obtain their grace and guidance. Only our good deeds in the previous lives will lead us to have association with holy saints and noble people. Once this is achieved, man's attention is diverted and he is led into the rightful path. Mukti (Salvation) is not possible in one life but can only be attained by the accumulation of several good and noble deeds in many previous lives."

It is said in the Bhagavadgita:

"Man becomes wise after taking several births and he realizes that God is only one and such a person knows Me totally".

(Gita 7-19)

Single-minded devotion is not possible in one life even if we seek refuse under a great Sadguru (God's incarnation) in view of the sins committed by us in our many past lives. But, a great Guru will never leave us in the lurch and will be with us always, protecting us at every moment and showing us the right path.

We come across several such anecdotes and incidents in the life history of Sri Sai Baba. Many may have doubts about rebirths. Some do not believe in rebirth after leaving the mortal body. If one does not have faith and respect for the age-old scriptures, it is of no use explaining to them.

Let us recapitulate an interesting dialogue between Lord Sri Krishna and Arjuna in the battlefield while preaching Bhagavadgita.

Krishna says: " I taught this yoga to Surya (Sun God) in the beginning who in turn taught to his son Vaivaswata Manuvu, and that Manuvu taught it to Ikshwaku".

Then Arjuna inquired: "You are born now; how can I believe your statement that you taught this Yoga to Sun God, who was born earlier to you".

Then Sri Krishna replied:

"You and I were together in many lives but you are not aware of them but I know every thing". (Gita 4-5)

From this one can understand that Barman, the Divine is not limited to a particular time, place or country. Sai, who is Omniscient and Omnipresent, knows the past, the present and future. It is for this reason that all those who had close association with Baba in their past lives, came closer to him. Baba granted them all their desires. He corrected them, moulded them, and elevated them spiritually.

Baba provides opportunities to the children who are devoted to Him to remember Him, keep Him in their minds, meditate upon Him and serve Him. He will never leave them for a moment. He assumes responsibility to guide them at all times. Let all the devotees remember this. Baba is the Antaryami of all living beings. A devotee should meditate upon Him like that. Then he himself will become the inner Self of living beings. This basic principle as explained in Bhagavatam is often repeated by Sri Sainath. -"If you keep others at a far off distance you experience evil thoughts and obstacles; but if you invite every one into the domain of love, you enjoy peace of mind and ever lasting bliss. There will be no limit to the boundaries of love in your soul when it is extended to all other living beings, for, love conquers all and achieves everything". We cannot afford to ignore this truth and inner secret. Sai Baba's incarnation spreads this message of 'Prema Tatvam3. ('Love towards all') Its potentialities are enormous.

Third Chapter

In this chapter, the birth of Baba,- His initial training under a Sufi saint from His second to the fifth year, - His association from his sixth year with Gopala Rao Deshmukh (Venkusa), - His ideal real Guru - His arrival for the first time to Shirdi in His seventeenth year - His stay there for a few months, - His subsequent wanderings to unknown places - His return to Shirdi in the twentieth year, - and His life at the mosque of Dwaraka Mai - the incidents that followed, - are explained briefly.

Baba served Gopala Rao Deshmukh (Venkusa) for about 12 years during His childhood. He could attain the state of Sakshatkara by the divine grace of His Guru only. It is said that Saint Kabir and Kasika Ramananda Yogi were reborn as Sai Baba and Gopala Rao Deshmukh respectively. We need not have any doubt about this statement, as the Bhagavadgeeta also endorses the same view in a general way.

"He will attain the noble self by his good deeds and past actions". (Gita 6-43,44)

Further, we find in this chapter - How the young divine lad is named as Sri Sai Baba - How Sri Mahalsapathi knew this 'Parabrahmam3, - The significance of the 'Name3 and the person - The greater power of a 'Name' than the 'Named’ – Whether Saibaba is a Hindu or a Muslim. The incident of Baba getting into a state of Samadhi for 72 hours in the year 1886 is also narrated.

Religion is man made. God does not have any specific; religion. He is universal. All are His children irrespective of caste, creed, religion, nation etc. The one who realises 'Brahmam also does not have any specific religion or nation like the Universal] God. It is not a surprise if ordinary people fall into some illusions about these things.

Akal Kot Maharaj, Nanded Mowla, Tejuddin Baba of Nagpur and Sri Vasudevananda Saraswati swami, who were all great saintly persons considered Sri Sai Baba as their eldest brother and respected him. A learned lady scholar, Smt. 'Kasibai Kanitkar’ once visited Shirdi from Pune to find out whether Sai Baba is a Hindu or Muslim. As she had climbed up the steps of Dwarakamayi. Baba came out and spoke to her, pointing his finger at himself thus.:

"This person is a Brahmin, a pure Brahmin, a holy Brahmin and this Brahmin mosque is the place to show the true path of to millions of people and leads them to their ultimate destination". The lady was astonished at the Baba's divine words; She at once recognised Him as the God in her inner heart and prostrated before Him. Her doubts were fully clarified. Several people, who came with an intention to examine Him, realised the truth that Baba is 'Real God'

It is essential for the readers to make a note of the observations made by
Mrs. 'Manager' (of the Holi city on 21/5/1936) in the divine presence of Sri B. V. Narasimha Swamiji Founder President of All India Sai Samaj, Mylapore, Chennai.

"We must be aware of the subtle distinction between other Saints and Sri Sai Baba. I observed many great Saints. They read our minds and answer our unspoken questions after raising themselves from their Samadhi State. But Sri Sai Baba is very special. He need not go to Samadhi State to read our minds and clarify our doubts not expressed. He is capable of existing in dual states at all times. One - as Sai Baba in His physical form - He blesses His devotees, clarifies their doubts, both of physical and spiritual natures.

Two - as Lord Sai Baba - formless Omniscient, - Omnipresent - Sat-Cbit-Ananda State - Some Saints, have to strain themselves to read our minds and know the past. Their Samadhi State is also of short duration and temporary But Baba reads our minds and answer our unspoken questions instantaneously to the bewilderment of all. He is capable of living inwardly and out wardly at all times. It is very difficult for us to know what His real Natural State is? He is incomprehensible."

Fourth Chapter

Baba's assumption of the state of Samadhi for 72 hours (in 1886), and the aftermath of His condition have been detailed about in this part. He informed Mahalsapathi while leaving His body-" I am going to see God" and after entering His body again he proclaimed- "I saw God (Allah)": Seeing, God and attaining Godliness mean only one thing. His becoming Divine. From his present physical form, Baba attained the state of Omnipresence with the blessings of His Guru, Venkusa. After the state of Samadhi, He could see Parabrahma in His Self as well as in others and became Parabrahma Himself. He is now Omnipotent. Even now Sai Baba exists at the same place where He used to live earlier in His physical form.

Lord Sri Krishna observed the wicked Dussasana trying to remove the robes of Draupadi in the court of Kauravas and prayers I Jraupadi of to protect her, even though he appeared to be playing the game of dice with his consort Rukmini. She could not understand the significance of the words of Krishna,

Aksbayamastu, as he threw the dice. (A blessing granting infinite number of robes). Lord Sri Krishna rescued her at the critical moment.

As Lord Krishna was Omnipresent and Omnipotent he could perform this miracle. Sai Baba could observe Chandorkar who was suffering from intense thirst on the hill of Harischandra, while conversing with His devotees at Shirdi. The people around Him could not grasp the significance of the words of Baba! "Arre! Nana is suffering from thirst. How shall I let him die!". Baba in the form of a hunter appeared at the Harischandra hill and advised Nana to drink the water under the stone he was sitting and soon disappeared. His devotees like Chandorkar, Upasani Baba, Dad Ganu, Dhumal, Norke, Nachne, Sathe Kaka Dikshit etc., had] observed and experienced many such incidents in their lives.

When Kaka Dikshit stood in the presence of Baba in, utter desolation, Baba assured him saying; "(Kaka! Why do you feel s sad? Are your burdens and sorrows not mine?".

Once Dikshit said: "Baba! I am in a sordid, and helpless state to extend any assistance to my brother". At that time Baba said: "I am in a position to help him". Baba as a saint appeared   at Bandra and said to Dikshit's brother: "I am in a position to help you". Baba's all pervasiveness is manifest in several such instances

We should not be influenced by the magic spell of trickster and magicians. Some perform certain tricks by their worship o: evil forces and attain satanical powers. We cannot call them Go or God's Incarnations. The readers may well note that the amazin miracles that Sri Sainath exhibited, are all for the sake of helpin His children and devotees who are in distress. They are not done for the sake of living, fame, wealth or achieving any other material benefits. They are done without an iota of selfishness. Baba never looked at the wonderful super natural powers, endowed to Hi by the grace of His Guru, for nearly 40 years. He chided peopl1 like Kusha Bhav, who cheated the people by producing sweet fruits etc. He got their bracelets removed and there by deprived them of their super natural powers.

There is no distinction between religions before Baba. He never taught any one to change their religion. Baba sent one of his devotees, Appakulkarni, to go to the place Nivas and worship Lord Siva. Shyama, a devotee, was asked to serve Vani:- Megha was ordained to worship Khandoba (the incarnation of Siva). Sai chided Nana Saheb Chandorkar for not offering his worship to Lord Dattatreya during his journey to Shirdi. Baba's aim was to exhibit equality to all irrespective of their way of devotion. A devotee of Sai is the one seeking and drinking the divine nectar at the lotus feet of the Supreme Guru.

Lord Sri Krishna says in Bhagavadgita thus: (9-11-13)

'Fools indulge in insulting Me without knowing My all pervasive nature in this creation when I assume the form of a human being. Oh, Arjuna! All Noble souls seek Me in the entire universe, worship Me in then minds, and keep themselves aloof from all the worldly cares and anxieties". (Gita 9-11,13)

The sixteenth chapter of Bhagavadgita deals with all those who are blessed by God and are m possession of divine wealth and those possessed by evil powers. All people in the universe are divided into two categories: Fools and noble men. An illiterate person cannot be considered as a fool. Similarly, an educated person cannot be construed as a wise person. The noble and wise nave steadfast devotion towards the Almighty with a philosophical and spiritual outlook. The people, devoid of such qualities, are diametrically opposed to all good things in life and have only ill will towards others. One can obtain the genuine wealth of education and spiritual ness with the grace of God only. Knowing the truth about God and Godly Saints is the real education, which enables them to attain God. There is no other alternative way to realize Him.

It is said in the Bhagavadgita:

"Who ever knows My Might and seeks Me with real devotion only such a person shall understand My real nature and reach Me ultimately". (Gita 18-55)

Lord Krishna informed Arjuna that his unswerving faith an devotion to Him alone made him see His universal form in all its splendor.

The Bhagavadgita once again affirms: (11-53,54)

"Oh! Arjuna! Even those who have performed man sacrifices to propiate Gods, continue their penance for year: together, and explore 'Sruties' unceasingly are not fortune enough to witness, the divine universal form of mine, which you have seen. It is impossible for any one to see Me except by true devotion without any worldly thoughts and desires."

Baba imbibed the infinite feeling of love towards all by the grace of his Guru. When the Absolute Love is Supreme, Concentration, Meditation - Samadhi States will follow automatically. That Supreme Love unites with the person an becomes one with him. Readers may note here that Baba is the real Love Machine.

Baba once said; "Those who climb the foot steps of this Masjid will inherit the empire of Love, and it is in this Dwarakamai Sai dwells. This is the Holy truth".

There is only one answer to the question. "Is Sai Baba also a God"? He is truly a God. He is God in human form. He knows everything. It is He who dwells in our hearts, knows our minds, and directs us. He commands the five elements. He leads the entire universe according to His will. We find in Sai selflessness, spirit of service and infinite love. Sai's love is unparalleled, including the mean and the low.

God who is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent listens to all our prayers and protects us like mother. Saibaba is known as God only and He is the Antaryami in all of us. He is clearly recognized, by millions of devotees and they always worship Him.

Saibaba is the modern prophet. One should know Him perfectly He knows us thoroughly. Those who surrender to Him with full faith, look to Him for solutions to their problems and worship Him, will surely be rewarded and their genuine wishes will always be granted. They will also be spiritually elevated in their search for the ultimate.

Sai's grace is not confined to persons of any particular sect caste, religion or nation. Baba wants Nishta (Profound Faith) in Him and Saburi (Patience coupled with Courage) on the part of His devotees. These two qualities only make them eligible to earn His Grace and that Grace is the life force, the ever lasting force and the effulgent fire that brightens their lives. This is the only interpretation to God. Sai answers every devotee and gives solace to everyone who looks to Him. He is God, Bhagawaan and Allah and has proved it beyond doubt. It is beyond our intelligence and knowledge to test Sai's mighty powers and supremacy.

For the people who worship and serve Him, Sainath's, blessings are always there. I humbly dedicate this book to all the Sai devotees.

I pray to Sri Sai Baba to bless one and all in this universe.

Sri Sai Prasanna! Sri Sai Samartha!!

Bapatla Hanumantba Rao (Servant of Devotees of Sai Baba)

Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi

SAI BABA OF SHIRDI - A GOD !

Are the present Gods not enough? (Clarification of doubts)

CHAPTER ONE

In the year 1953,1 had a pleasant encounter one day with a friend of mine. I requested him to subscribe for a spiritual magazine, Saileela being published every month from Chirala (a place in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh). He disparagingly remarked: " Is Shirdi Sai Baba also a God? Are the present Gods not enough? I responded furiously by saying "Yes - Sai is God - Present Gods are not enough".

The words of my friend hurted my ego. I felt that my friend belittled My Sai Baba. My friend's strange behavior compelled me to introspect. After a while I said to myself: "Why should I be angry with him? I suddenly remembered the episode of the Bandra boy (Master T)."

Once Sai Baba asked the Bandra boy (Master T) to go to Bapu Saheb Jog to fetch Dhakshina. (A small amount of donation as offering to God, Guru or Brahmine etc). When the boy arrived at Sathewada, Jog and some other devotees were having discourse on, Dhruva Charitram-(A book on Dhruva's devotion to Lord Vishnu) and they indulged in certain critical comments about Saints thus: "Sadhus (Saints) may sometimes imbibe some powers by the grace of God; yet they cannot be considered as Gods or God's incarnations."

Listening to these words, the boy returned to Baba in a fit of anguish and questioned him: "Baba! Why have you sent me there? They say that you are not God at all". Baba replied, "That is the truth; I am a poor fakir (mendicant). God is great! None can equal Him".

In the meanwhile some devotees arrived and informed the gathering how Baba had saved their child falling down from the top of a building. Baba countered: "What else can I do? Can I be indifferent to my child falling down except to protect him with my four arms". The Bandra boy, listening to this, suddenly jumped up and questioned: "Baba, you have just told that you are not God! Then how could you have four arms?" Baba did not answer but smiled at him in affirmation.

This incident flashed to my mind. I felt that it was Baba who ordained me to approach my friend and it was he who made my friend to raise certain queries, and thus subjected me to a test.

I felt that one should not to get annoyed or angry with those who question us about some thing? Had there been no such eager seekers, there may not be any Smruties, Sruties or Puranas. Doubts give scope to pertinent questions. Why should we be angry with the person for questioning? Instead let us endeavour to provide a satisfactory reply by giving factual information about which they are ignorant. It is better to keep mum and leave the place if we do not prefer to respond. Let us not lose our temper and peace of mind. We should not be too concerned with the acceptance or rejection of our views. It is foolish to imagine that we can attract everybody by convincing them to our way of thinking. Every one has a right to have his or her own thought and decision. Truth will unfold at an appropriate time.

I know that it is an impossible task for a small and insignificant person like me to detail about Almighty's real nature. Let the learned pardon me for my audacity. The inspiration to speak comes from Lord Sai himself. I have full faith that He will get the mistakes, if any, suitably corrected.

My friend's two questions are:

I.          Is Shirdi Sai Baba also a God?

II          Are the present Gods not enough1?

It is obvious from the questions that my friend is a 'Theist' (One who believes in the existence  God). I am glad about it.

To the second question: "Are the present Gods not enough?"-My friend seems to be under the impression that as it is there are many Gods in Hinduism. Probably he refers to the various deities that are being worshipped by different sects. He may also be vexed with their antagonisms and quarrels. But one thing is very clear. He is of the firm opinion that God is there. Let us discuss this second question first and then delve into the realm of the first question later.

Who is God?

Who can answer this question truthfully? God only knows he answer. The wise men explain about God from their own personal experiences. Philosophers describe God, and His manifestations. In fact God is very different from what they know and describe. Despite their constant and continuous search no one has been able to know the Infinite and the Absolute. The terms God and Godliness cannot be subjected to arguments and s beyond our comprehension.

The truth that God exists is crystal clear. The opinions and views propounded by various people about God are one only, though the words appear to be different. The ultimate goal is the same. It is to realize God, who is Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient. To realize Him, different paths have been pounded by the Smruties, Puranas and Itihasas. They are off shoots of the Vedas. Based on these, the founders of different religious sects professed their own theories. Superficially, they may appear as different. But a careful detailed analysis reveals that the essence of all religions is to realize God, and attain a state of Permanent Bliss - Sat - Chit - Ananda state.

No other work in world literature is as ancient as the Vedas The Rigveda says: (8-7-17-3)

"The entire universe was enveloped in utter gloom an darkness before the creation and Swayambhoo (Creator), the embodiment of wisdom, was present both inside and outside that with the naked eye. darkness. He neither had a beginning nor an end. Emerging out' of the darkness, He created this universe by his unique power and inimitable wisdom."

"He is the Atman, the Universal Soul, Purana Purusha, and the ever-lasting. Being perfect, incomparable, and imperceptible, He transcends all Maya (illusion) and enjoys beatitude. He is Amruta Purusha (one who gives the sweetness of delight)". Siva Purana also explains the same graphic description of the Godly form.

How to believe that God exists?

Vedas propound the existence of God and He cannot be seen

"No one can behold God with his eyes, but by removing the impurities in our hearts and minds we can perceive Him with our intellect"

Manu also expresses the same opinion. (Manusmriti, 5-7)

"There was nothing but darkness before this creation. The whole universe seemed to be in a state of sleep. From this Tamas, (Darkness) Bbagawan, the Swayambhoo emerged in divine splendor and effulgence. Gradually, the veil of darkness vanished, God with his own will power manifested himself in an abstract, inexplicable, ancient, indescribable, omnipresent, omniscient form".

The 'Vedas' further say:

"Before the onset of creation, when nothing was there, only I remained. I was beyond description. In the great dissolution and deluge also, only I remained. This visible universe is not different from Me. Ultimately, only I will remain."

In the Bhagavatha Purana, in the Dasarna (Tenth) Skanda, is said (10-14,23):

In our life from birth to death, we come across several phenomenal changes. Many riddles do appear, grow and vanish in our very presence. The planets like the Sun the Moon and the Stars appear in the sky doing their appropriate functions. Are these an admixure of the five elements moving about because of mutual attractive power? Or is there an Omnipotent Creator or Controller of the universe who conditions and directs them? Our continued search lead us to the inevitable conclusion that there is some unknown, invisible force that guides every thing and to conceive of it may be beyond our comprehension. The Vedas concur with the above.

"God created the Sun, the Moon the Sky and the Earth. We are amazed at the super powers of God when we examine the birth, growth and the death of different species in the universe. It beyond our knowledge and comprehension to know the mystery creation, it's beginning and the end. We do feel that some mysterious divine force guides this universe since its inception."

Hence, we feel that there is some primal, ancient, complete, indestructible, all pervasive cause for this creation and that supreme cause is God only, who is Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent and an embodiment of Sat-Chit-Ananda (ever lasting bliss). This indescribable power is known by myriad names. He is Parameswara - Parabrahma • Brahma - Narayana-Bhagavan - Vasudeva - Siva • Vishnu - Rama - Krishna -Jahovah-Deva - Khuda - Arha - Buddha - Allah - etc.,

God is one but He is called the Trinity - Brahma - Vishnu -Maheswara, (Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer.)

The Vishnu Purana says:

" Though God is one, He is called Bramha when He creates the universe, Vishnu when He preserves it and Siva, when He destroys it ".

Bhagavatha Purana says:

"Oh! Brahmin! I assume different names when I begin the task of creating this universe, protecting it and annihilating the same". This proves that Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara are not different and the sum total of the Almighty.

What is that God's 'Swarupam*? (form, attributes)

The Vedas say: "God is truth, Gnana (wisdom) and infinite" Bhagavatha Purana says thus:

"God is Parabrahma - embodiment of perfect truth -Omnipotent - Omnipresent - Omniscient - embodiment of knowledge and Wisdom. He is always in eternal bliss. He stage manages this creation through different bodies without himself having any physical form. He is pure - total - and has neither a beginning nor an end. He is second to none - He is one only but appears in different forms."

In some other context, in the same Purana, it is said: "He shines as Aatman in different bodies. He is Pure - Purana Purusha (unique single minded individual) - Self effulgent - Complete -Parameswara - Narayana - Bhagawan - Vasudeva. He makes every form created by Him to shine with His Yoga Maya (divine illusion).

Again in the same Bhagavatha Purana, in the second skanda, a vivid description of God, the Parabrahma, is given.

Janaka Rajarshi (a saintly person among the kings) pleaded with the seers. "Oh! Great seers! You are all eminent philosophers and seekers. Kindly enlighten me about Narayana, the Parabrahma and His attributes."

To this, the sage Pippalayana replied:

"Oh King! Know that it is Narayana, the Parabrahma, is beyond the scope of any cause; and yet, He is the cause for the creation, preservation and destruction of this vast universe. Being present both inside and outside, He envigorates these living bodies. They (these bodies) perform various functions through their sense and other organs when the vital power (Prana) dwells with them. God, the premordial force is always present in all these bodies and in all the three stages viz: Swapna (Dream), Jagrit (awaken state) and Sushupta (state of deep sleep). Just as the sparks of fire cannot reach the fire, the five sense elements (Eyes -sight, Ears-hearing, Nose - smell, Mouth - taste, Skin - touch) the organs that perform actions. (Hands, Feet etc), the Mind and Intellect cannot perceive the primordial force. Then how can we describe it? He is without birth and death. He is a witness to all the changing situations. He can exist always and everywhere. He is endless.

He is the sole wisdom. Just as Prana is one, but performs different functions through different organs and appears as a different force the Atman is one, but manifests differently in different bodies, is present in mosquitoes, birds, animals, human beings - in short in all living beings. He is there every where in this universe. He is a silent witness, - to the sushupta state, (a state in which al elements stop functioning temporarily, and body loses its identity of 'Self') - and to the awakened state (when we say 'I had a good sleep' or 'I dreamt likes this'). He is always present with us. Thai primordial force 'Brahmam' - is God"

Thus Pippalayana described the attributes of God, the Parabrahma, to the King Janaka.

Where God resides?

Svethasvetharopanishad says:

"God is one and unique; He is present in all beings. He in the soul divine in all. He distributes the fruits of all our actions by being an invisible witness. He is devoid of any specific attributes."

Sruties, Smruties and Puranas emphatically pronounce one single voice that "God permeates in water, fire, air and in the entire universe including bushes creepers and even a blade of grass.

The Sruties further say; "Only those who can see Him in the inner hearts of all beings with a pure, immaculate mind can realize Him and attain eternal bliss." (Svetasvetharopanishad 4-1').

There are many such statements, which bear testimony this truth:

"There is no power superior to Him in the universe. No one protects Him. He yearns nothing. He is the primal cause of all 'our actions. He is the Lord of all. He is not borne to any one. There is no authority over Him". (Svetasvetharopanishad 6-9)

Lord Sri Krishna in His divine message says:

"Oh Arjuna! The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings (revolving them all by His mysterious power Maya, as if they were objects mounted on a machine" (Bhagavadgita, 18-61)

As Pronounced in Vedas, Yagnavalkya Mahamuni said like this:

"In every man's heart, there are 1,44,000 Hita-Ahita Nadies [with several branches spread all over the body. In the heart lies ever shining Param Jyoti (Divine light) and our relentless pursuit is to seek that. The one who realizes it knows no birth, no death and attains Mukti (Salvation)"

Veda Vyasa says:

'The divine effulgence shines in us as well as in all other living beings. One can experience this radiance with his inward eye only after controlling his mind and disciplining himself rigorously." Lord Krishna says:

"The light of all lights is beyond the perplexity of Maya who is the knowledge infinite and can only be seen after Sadhana (process of continued practice.), and search with single-minded devotion. He is uniquely seated in the hearts of all."

(Gita 13-18)

Verily he is the seer, who sees the supreme Lord as the only 'Perishable substance abiding equally in all perishable beings",

(Gita 13-28)

Hence let us understand that God is seated in the hearts of all beings.

Sanatana Dharma (Ancient Religion)

The basic theory of Sanatana Dharma (Ancient religion) is to know God, who dwells in the hearts of all living beings. Religion shows a way of leading life. They all profess the same thing but their paths look varied. They firmly believe in the existence of God, and preach different ways to attain Him.

Sage Veda Vyasa in his Brahma Sutras explicitly underlines the essence of all religious tenets and beliefs which are of great interest. Bhagavadgita has provided us a vivid explanation of the Brahma Sutras. What is manifest in different religious practices are varied forms of Religion given in the Brahma Sutras. There cannot be any basic difference between one religion and another. All the religions that prevail now have been expounded, to suit the times and conditions that existed in those countries in order to arrest certain violent trends of behavior in the people and to reform the society. They make the people follow certain codes of conduct and ideals so that contradictory behaviors and conflicting tendencies give way to nobler ways of living. But, in course of time, people forgot the basic principles postulated by the founders and indulged in mutual bickering and developed hatred with vehemence. They, with a closed mind, thought that their religion is the only right one and it only gives salvation. This irrational behaviour of the people is like the old saying 'One blind man leading the other blind man.' Religions are man made. Any religion which preaches that 'God exists' is acceptable to all pious people.

Individual belonging to any nationality has got the liberty to choose his own religion, his God. Others should not have any say in this matter. All the religions in the world can be broadly classified into two categories. Viz.

(1) Following 'Gnana Marga* (realization of God through knowledge)

(2)  Following 'Bhakti Marga' (realization of God through prayers, devotion etc)

Similarly the philosophers who seek God also can be classified into two categories.