Thursday, March 31, 2016

HEADS YOU WIN

HEADS YOU WIN

 

 

 "Is destiny more important or one's own efforts?" – Shri Sai Samarth Satcharita, Ch. 2, Ovi 156.

 

 

During a momentous battle, a Japanese general decided to attack even though his army was greatly outnumbered. He was confident they would win, but his men were filled with doubt.

 

On the way to the battle, they stopped at a religious shrine. After praying with the men, the general took out a coin and said, "I shall now toss this coin. If it is heads, we shall win. If tails, we shall lose. Destiny will now reveal itself."

He threw the coin into the air and all watched intently as it landed.

 

It was heads.

 

The soldiers were so overjoyed and filled with confidence that they vigorously attacked the enemy and were victorious.

 

After the battle, a lieutenant remarked to the general, "No one can change destiny."

"Quite right," the general replied as he showed the lieutenant the coin, which had heads on both sides.

 

Sai Experience of Upasani Baba's Brother

26th July 1936


BALAKRISHNA GOVIND UPASANI SASTRI, S/O Govind Gopal Upasani Sastri, Brahmin, aged about 69, retired Professor of Sanskrit, Saniwarpeth, Poona, says:

When plague was raging at Poona, my college was closed for many long months, and then I went on pilgrimage with my mother and wife. When I went from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Tapovan, there I met a sadhu who glared at me - at least he was persistently looking at me. I bowed to him and he still looked at me, and asked me 'Are you not from Satana?' 'Yes', I answered, for Satana is my ancestral village. Then, I, in my turn inquired of him, who he was. 'Come here again tomorrow at this time - (afternoon) and I will tell you, he said. I then went to my quarters and informed my mother. She thought that this might be our (family) Mutt Founder, Sri Uddhava of Mulhare (Mayurapura). Next day, she wanted to come to see the saint and she accompanied me to the appointed place at the time fixed. After 15 minutes of wandering up and down, she thought it was a wild goose chase to find a wandering saint and went away. Almost immediately after she left, that saint appeared before me and said, with a grave countenance, 'Do not act in this manner again'. I: In what manner? He: Only those directed to come should come. There is always difference between one individual and another alike in physical and other peculiarities. No two are exactly the same. So only the bidden person should come. I agreed to abide by that rule.


Then as I wanted to know his identity, he informed me that I had a saligram among the Gods that I worshipped at home and he gave me an exact description of it. I said that I had that saligram. Then, he added, that he was the person who gave it to Uddhava Maharaj from whose grandson, my grandfather had got it. It has been a heirloom with us and I am still worshiping it.


Still as his identity was not clear, he thus replied to me – talking this time in Hindustani. Till then, he was talking in Marathi. He waved his hand so as to attract my attention and said 'Lo, there was a tree. Two persons went up that tree.  One came down; the other went up'. He wound up with the remark 'you will come to know' and then he disappeared. He looked like a man of 50 or 60 years, rather bulky and stout and he wore only a coupina and no other article of dress.

Many years later, say about 1910-11, I was trying to utilize my Christmas Holidays for a trip from Dhulia southward to see if any trace could be found of my younger brother Kasinath (i.e Upasani Baba). He had contacted some strange disease in the course of his efforts at Pranayama. He could not lie down lest breathing should stop. He had no sleep, nor good digestion. So he left home and we had no trace of his whereabouts. As I was in the train from Manmad going south, it stopped at Kopergaon for a few minutes and the local mamlatdar, Mr. Bhat, a friend of mine who was on the platform made me alight and spend a pleasant day with him. He told me that Sal Baba was a saint living 6 miles off (i.e) at Shirdi and worth a visit. He sent me in his tonga to that village.


I went to the mosque and found Sai Baba at the dhuni in the mosque.   He was standing close to the fire and occasionally turning round Himself.   He saw me and invited me inside.   I went and prostrated myself before him.   Gazing at me, he told me to go to Khandoba's temple. I thought he recommended that visit to see the image of that God and I said that all Gods were there with Him, and was quite content to see Him.   He repeated the words 'Go to Khandoba's. I inferred that He wanted me to get away and not to stay there. So I went to an adjoining house and there they told me (after I mentioned Baba's order) that there was one Upasani Sastri at Khandoba's. I then went to Khandoba's and found my brother there. He said that he was remaining there by Sai Baba's order and that he saw very little of Sai Baba.  I then gave him or rather one Dada Kelkar on his account some Rs.4 for his food expenses and went back to the Masjid.  I stayed at Shirdi for one or two days at that time.


On the first day, He asked all generally for dakshina kukshana, some gave. He extended His palms towards me and asked for dakshnia kukshan. I said I had nothing and made pranams.


On the occasion, Sai Baba said to me the same words as the sadhu at Tapovan. 'Lo there was a tree. Two persons went up that tree.   One came down; the other went up, in Hindustani. I was at once reminded of the Tapovan saint whose person closely resembled Sai Baba's, though the dress was different.    Sai Baba mentioned some autobiographical reminiscences of His own.  He said He had been at the battle in which the Rani of Jhansi took part.   He was then in the army.


On the second day He asked me again for dakshina. I excused myself on the ground that I had barely the railway fare for my Journey with me. Then He pointed to a silver watch I had in my pocket and asked for it as dakshina. I gave it - but not without a momentary regret and hesitation. He received it and handed it over to some fakir by His side. Then looking at me and evidently to meet my momentary regret at losing the watch, Baba said to me "You are not going to be worse off (on this account)'. I said, 'Of course, it was nothing I had given. Then I started back, and via Kopergaon came to Poona. There I went to a friend's (Mr. Natu's) house. I was talking of my Shirdi watch incident and inquired what it would cost to get a similar watch. Just then my friend's brother sent down his gold watch worth about Rs. 60 and wanted me to accept it as a present and I accepted it. So, I was not worse off for parting with my watch to Sai Baba. I visited Shirdi on one or two occasions.  I composed then Sanskrit poems on Sai Baba.

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 15 Assigned for April 01, 2016

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana

Chapter – 15 Assigned for  April 01, 2016, 


Naradiya Kirtan - Paddhati - Mr. Cholkar's Sugarless Tea - Two Lizards. 


DIRECT DOWN LOAD LINKS IN MAJOR INDIAN LANGUAGES:


Shri Sai Satcharita in English Ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMGVkOGMwaXVMOFU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Hindi ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsM25mRUZYT3ZabnM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Marathi Ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsZG43aXJfQXBVT00/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Tamil Ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSDBzckk2TnFUTXM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Telugu ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSndBLXpRdG5jcUU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Malayalam ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsYkx1aEdYSTd5NWs/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Kannadam ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscTVWNi00OXVpV0U/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Konkani  ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsWFZWc0RnTVFIdzg/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Bengali ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsdTQydDYweVYxaGs/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Gujarati  ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXZEV2VKVUJMMmc/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Odia 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsWmt1TmtKVmpNOG8/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Punjabi ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscEZCT3dGUkxvYm8/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Sindhi ch 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsV3NwUkQ0ZUpUaWc/view?usp=sharing


SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:


Shri Sai Satcharitra in Nepali

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb0Q4T0JfR3dlY2M&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in German

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsRXd1TW5QSWhjN1U&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in French

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsY0JCdGdsYV9lWUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXJSaVBSZjN2ckU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Urdu

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsclNCdlBjTlA3X1U/view?usp=sharing


SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN AUDIO MP3 FORMAT:


Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOU9wd3ExOUl3MzQ/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsUE0xRG5uRmpOSHM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch. 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CscmxqTmtBdm1haHM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsVi1FVWMzQXFveTg/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 15

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsbGxxOXc4c0g1YU0/view?usp=sharing

Chapter XV

Naradiya Kirtan - Paddhati - Mr. Cholkar's Sugarless Tea - Two Lizards. 


The readers may remember that mention was made in the 6th Chapter regarding the Rama-Navami Festival in Shirdi; how the festival originated and how in the early years there was a great difficulty in getting a good Hardidas for performing Kirtan on that occasion, and how Baba permanently entrusted this function (Kirtan) to Dasganu permanently. Now in this Chapter we shall describe the manner in which Dasganu was performing the Kirtan.

Naradiya Kirtan-Paddhati

Generally our Haridasas, while performing the Kirtan, wear a gala and full dress. They put on a head-dress, either a pheta or a turban, a long flowing coat with a shirt inside, an uparane (short dhotar) on the shoulders and the usual long dhotar from the waist below. Dressed in this fashion for some Kirtan in the Shirdi village, Dasganu once went to bow to Baba. Baba asked him - "Well, bridegroom! where are you going dressed so beautifully like this?" 'For performing a Kirtan' was the reply. Then Baba said - "Why do you want all this paraphemalia-coat, uparani and pheta etc, doff all that before Me, why wear them on the body?" Dasganu immediately took them off and placed them at the Baba's Feet. From that time Dasganu never wore these things while performing the Kirtan. He was always bare from waist upwards, a pair of `chiplis' was in his hand and a garland round his neck. This is not in consonance with the practice generally followed by all the Hardidasa, but this is the best and the purest method. The sage Narada, from whom the Kirtan-Paddhati originated, wore nothing on his trunk and head. He carried a 'veena' in his hand, and wandered from place to place everywhere singing the glory of the Lord.

Mr. Cholkar's Sugarless Tea

Initially, Baba was known in Poona and Ahmednagar Districts, but Nanasaheb Chandorkar, by his personal talks and by Dasganu, by his splendid Kirtans, spread the fame of Baba in the Konkan (Bombay Presidency). In fact, it was Dasganu - May God bless him-who, by his beautiful and inimitable Kirtans, made Baba available to so many people there. The audience, who come to hear the Kirtans have different tastes. Some like the erudition of the Haridas; some his gestures, some his singing, some his wit and humour, some his preliminary dissertation on Vedanta, and some others, his main stories and so on; but among them, there are very few, who by hearing the Kirtan get faith and devotion or love for God or saints. The effect of hearing Dasganu's kirtan on the minds of audience was however electric, as it were. We give an instance here

Dasganu was once performing his Kirtan and singing the glory of Sai Baba, in the Koupineshwar temple in Thana. One Mr. Cholkar, a poor man serving as a candidate in the Civil Courts in Thana, was amongst the audience. He heard Dasganu's Kirtan most attentively and was much moved. He there and then mentally bowed and vowed to Baba saying - "Baba, I am a poor man, unable to support my family. If by your grace, I pass the departmental examination, and get a permanent post, I shall go to Shirdi, fall at Your Feet and distribute sugar-candy in Your name." As good luck would have it, Mr.Cholkar did pass te examination and did get the permanent post and now it remained for him to fulfil his vow, the sooner the better. Mr. Cholkar was a poor man with a large family to support; and he could not afford to pay for the expenses of a Shirdi trip. As is well said, one can easily cross over Nahne ghat in Thana District or even the Sahyadri Range; but it is very difficult for a poor man to cross Umbareghat, i.e., the threshold of his house. As Mr. Cholkar was anxious to fulfill his vow as early as possible, he resolved to economize, cut down his expenses, and save money. He determined not to use sugar in his diet; and began to take his tea without it. After he was able to save some money in this way, he came to Shirdi, took Baba's darshan, fell at His Feet, offered a coconut, distributed it with a clean conscience along with sugar-candy as per his vow and said to Baba that he was much pleased with His darshan and that his desires were fulfilled that day. Mr. Cholkar was in the Masjid with his host Bapusaheb Jog. When the host and the guest both got up and were about to leave the Masjid, Baba spoke to Jog as follows:- "Give him (your guest) cups of tea, fully saturated with Sugar." Hearing these significant words, Mr. Cholkar was much moved, he was wonderstruck, his eyes were bedewed with tears, and he fell at Baba's Feet again. Mr. Jog was also curious about this direction, regarding the tea-cups to be given to his guest. Baba wanted by His words to create faith and devotion in Cholkar's mind. He hinted as it were, that He got the sugar-candy as per his vow and that He knew full well his secret determination not to use sugar in his diet. Baba meant to say, "If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I am immediately with you, day and night. Though, I am here bodily, still I know what you do; beyond the saven seas. Go wherever you will, over the wide world, I am with you. My abode is in your heart and I am within you. Always worship Me, Who is seated in your heart, as well as, in the hearts of all beings, Blessed and fortunate, indeed, is he who knows Me thus."

What a beautiful and important lesson was thus imparted by Baba to Mr. Chokar !

Two Lizards

Now we close this Chapter, with a story of two little lizards. Once Baba was sitting in the Masjid. A devotee sat in front of Him, when a lizard tick-ticked. Out of curiosity, the devotee asked Baba whether this tick-ticking of the lizard signified anything; was it a good sign or a bad omen? Baba said that the lizard was overjoyed as her sister from Aurangabad was coming to see her. The devotee sat silent, not making out the meaning of Baba's words. Immediately, a gentleman from Aurangabad came on horse-back to see Baba. He wanted to proceed further, but his horse would not go, as it was hungry and wanted grams. He took out a bag from his shoulders to bring grams and dashed it on the ground to remove dirt. A lizard came out therefrom and in the presence of all, climbed up the wall. Baba asked the questioner devotee to mark her well. She at once went strutting to her sister. Both sisters met each other after a long time, kissed and embraced each other, whirled round and danced with love! Where is Shirdi and where is Aurangabad? How should the man on horse-back come there from Aurangabad with the lizard? And how should Baba make the prophesy of the meeting of the two sisters? All this is really very wonderful and proves the omniscience -- the all-knowing nature of Baba.

Post Script

He who respectfully reads this Chapter or studies it daily, will get all his miseries removed by the grace of the Sadguru Sai Baba, Hence:


Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

டோரன்ட் டவுன்லோடுகள் - இதில் இவ்வளவு வில்லங்கமா?

நாம் நேர்மையானவர் என்று நினைத்துக்கொண்டிருப்போம். ஆனால், நம்மை அறியாமல் நாம் செய்யும் சின்னசின்ன தவறுகள் கூட கிரிமினல் குற்றங்களாக இருக்கின்றன.

இன்டர்நெட் கனெக்‌ஷன் வாங்கும்போது இணைய வேகம் குறைவாக இருந்தாலும் 'அன்லிமிடெட்' பிளான்களை தேர்ந்தெடுப்பவர்களுக்கு எப்போதும் குஷிதான். குறைவான கட்டணம், நிறைவான டவுன்லோடுகள் என முதலில் டோரன்ட் மென்பொருளைத்தான் இன்ஸ்டால் செய்வார்கள். முதல் வேலையாக நான்கு படங்கள், மூன்று மியூஸிக் ஆல்பம், ஒரு 10 ஜிபி கேம் என டவுன்லோடை போட்டு தெறிக்கவிடுவார்கள். ஆனால், இவர்களில் பலருக்கும் இருக்கும் குழப்பம், டோரன்ட் மூலம் டவுன்லோடு செய்வது குற்றமா?..இல்லையா? என்பது..!

ஒன்று தெரியுமா? டோரன்ட்டில் டவுன்லோடு செய்வது டெக்னிக்கலாக குற்றம் கிடையாது!

அட ஆமாம் பாஸ்..டோரன்ட் பயன்படுத்துவது தப்பில்லை. ஆனால், அதில் எதை டவுன்லோடு செய்கிறீர்கள் என்பதுதான் சிக்கல்.



ஓ.கே..முதலில் டோரன்ட் உலகம் எப்படி இயங்குகிறது என்று பார்ப்போம்!

உதாரணத்துக்கு, ஒரு PDF ஃபைலை டோரன்ட் நெட்வொர்க் மூலமாக பகிர, முதலில் டோரன்ட் மென்பொருளை இன்ஸ்டால் செய்யவேண்டும். பகிர விரும்பும் ஃபைலை மென்பொருளில் தேர்வு செய்ததும், அது 'torrent' எனும் எக்ஸ்டென்ஷனுடன் இன்னொரு ஃபைலை தரும். இந்த ஃபைலை மற்றவர்களுடன் பகிர்ந்து கொண்டால், அவர்களால் டோரன்ட் மென்பொருள் மூலம் உங்களுடைய PDF ஃபைலை பதிவிறக்கம் செய்ய முடியும்.

நீங்கள் Torrent ஃபைலை இன்னொரு நண்பருக்கு மட்டும் கொடுத்தால், அவர் மட்டும்தான் டவுன்லோடு செய்யமுடியும். ஆனால், உங்களுடைய PDF ஃபைலை இந்த உலகத்துடன் பகிர்ந்துகொள்ள நினைத்து, பொது இணையத்தில் Torrent ஃபைலை வெளியிட்டால் என்ன ஆகும்? பல லட்சம் பேர் உங்களுடைய PDF ஃபைலை டவுன்லோடு செய்ய முடியும்.


உங்களுடைய PDF ஃபைலை பல லட்சம் பேரில் ஒரே ஒருவர் டவுன்லோடு செய்துவிட்டால் போதும். அதன்பிறகு, உங்களுடைய இணையம் நிறுத்தப்பட்டாலும், அவர் மூலம் உலகம் முழுக்க அந்த ஃபைல் பரவிக்கொண்டுதான் இருக்கும்.

அது எப்டி பாஸ்?


டோரன்ட் என்பது ஒரு பரவலாக்கப்பட்ட நெட்வொர்க். அதாவது Decentralized நெட்வொர்க். டைரக்ட் டவுன்லோடு என்றால், ஒரே ஒரு சர்வர் மட்டுமே உங்களுக்கான ஃபைலை அனுப்பும். ஆனால், டோரன்ட் நெட்வொர்க்கில் லட்சக்கணக்கான கம்ப்யூட்டர்களில் இருந்து குட்டி குட்டியாக ஃபைல் உங்கள் கம்ப்யூட்டரை வந்தடையும்.

இந்த கான்செப்ட்டின்படி, உங்களுடைய PDF ஃபைலை ஆயிரம் பேர் டவுன்லோடு செய்துவிட்டார்கள் என்று வைத்துக்கொள்ளுங்கள். அவர்களில் 800 பேர் தொடர்ந்து டோரன்ட் செய்தால், தானாகவே PDF ஃபைலை டவுன்லோடு செய்யும் மற்றவர்களுக்கு 800 பேரின் கம்ப்யூட்டரில் இருந்து ஃபைல் அப்லோடு ஆகும். எனவே, ஒருவரிடம் இருந்து சென்ற ஃபைல், ஆயிரம் பேரிடம் சென்று அங்கிருந்து கோடிக்கணக்கானோரை அடைகிறது. இதனால், இந்த PDF ஃபைல் ஏதேனும் ஒரு சர்வரில் இருக்கவேண்டிய கட்டாயம் இல்லை. டோரன்ட் இருக்கும் ஒவ்வொரு கம்ப்யூட்டருமே ஒரு மினி சர்வர்தான். ஏனென்றால், இந்த கம்ப்யூட்டர் டவுன்லோடு மட்டும் செய்வதில்லை. அப்லோடும்தான் செய்கிறது. ஆனால், அப்லோடை நிறுத்தி வைக்கமுடியும். எல்லோருமே அப்லோடை நிறுத்திவிட்டால், அந்த டோரன்ட் செயலிழந்துவிட்டதாகவே அர்த்தம்!

இங்குதான் Seeders/Leechers ratio எனும் மிக முக்கியமான கான்செப்ட் வருகிறது. ஒரு டோரன்ட் ஃபைலை உயிரோடு வைத்திருப்பது இதுதான்.

இதில், ஃபைலை மற்றவர்களுக்கு பகிர்பவர்கள், அதாவது அதிகம் அப்லோடு செய்பவர்களை Seeders எனும் அழைக்கிறார்கள். டவுன்லோடு செய்பவர்களை Leechers என்று அழைக்கிறார்கள். இப்போது ஒரு டோரன்ட்டுக்கு 1,000 பேர் Seeder-களாகவும், 1,000 பேர் Leecher-களாகவும் இருக்கிறார்கள் என வைத்துக்கொள்வோம். அப்படியானால், அப்லோடுகளும், டவுன்லோடுகளும் சரிசமமாக இருக்கிறது. எனவே, இந்த 2,000 பேரின் இணைய வேகத்தைப் பொறுத்து அனைவருக்கும் ஃபைல் கச்சிதமாக பிரிந்து செல்லும்.

இப்போது 10,00,000 பேர் Leecher-களாக இருக்கிறார்கள் என்றால், 1,000 பேர், 10 லட்சம் பேருக்காக அப்லோடு செய்யவேண்டும் அல்லவா? எனவே, இந்த 10 லட்சம் பேரின் டோரன்ட் டவுன்லோடு வேகம் குறையும். இப்போது இந்த 10 லட்சம் பேரும் PDF ஃபைலை டவுன்லோடு செய்துவிட்டு, அப்லோடு செய்கிறார்க்ள் என்று வைத்துக்கொள்ளலாம். இங்கேதான் 'மேஜிக்'.

இப்போது 10 லட்சம் பேர் Seeder-களாக இருக்கிறார்கள். ஆனால், PDF ஃபைலை வேண்டுபவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை வெறும் 500-ஆக குறைகிறது. அப்படியானால் 500 Leecher-கள்தான். எனவே 10 லட்சம் பேர், 500 பேர் கேட்கும் PDF ஃபைலை கொடுக்கப்போகிறார்கள் அல்லவா? எனவே, இந்த 500 பேருக்கு அதிக டவுன்லோடு வேகத்துடன், விரைவாக ஃபைல் கிடைக்கும்.


ஒருவேளை, இந்த Seeder-களின் எண்ணிக்கை '0'-வாக குறைந்தால், அன்றுடன் அந்த டோரன்ட்டை இணையத்தில் மரணித்ததாக கருதிக்கொள்ளலாம். ஆனால், யாரோ ஒருவர் மட்டும்கூட அந்த ஃபைலை தொடர்ந்து பகிர்ந்தால், அந்த டோரன்ட் உயிருடன் இருக்கிறது என்றே அர்த்தம்.

எல்லாம் சரி.. வில்லங்கம் என்று தலைப்பு வச்சீங்களே…!


ரைட்டு. நீங்கள் பகிர்ந்த PDF ஃபைல், நீங்களே டைப் செய்த டாக்குமென்ட் என்று வைத்துக்கொள்வோம். இதை உலகுடன் பகிர்ந்துகொள்ள விரும்பி நீங்கள் டோரன்ட் செய்தால் தப்பே இல்லை.

ஆனால், நீங்கள் டோரன்ட் செய்தது நேற்று ரிலீஸான 'கபாலி' படம் என்றால்... தவறு தானே! டெக்னிக்கலாக காப்புரிமை பெற்ற, இன்னொருவர் விற்பனை செய்யும் தயாரிப்பை நீங்கள் உலகுக்கு இலவசமாக பகிர்ந்திருக்கிறீர்கள் அல்லவா? இதற்கும் திருட்டு விசிடிக்கும் வித்தியாசம் இல்லை பார்த்தீர்களா? ஷாக்கிங்காக இருக்கிறதா? ஆம், காப்புரிமை பெற்ற ஃபைல்களை டோரன்ட் செய்வது திருட்டு விசிடி போன்று குற்றம்தான். ஆனால், இங்கு பல லட்சம் பேர் ஒரே படத்தையோ, பாடலையோ பகிர்கிறார்கள் என்பதால், அத்தனை பேரையும் பிடித்து கூண்டில் நிறுத்த முடியாது. முதலில் அப்லோடு செய்பவர்களையே வேட்டையாடுவார்கள். ஆயிரக்கணக்கானோரை கூண்டில் நிறுத்திய சம்பவங்கள் வெளிநாட்டில் நடந்திருக்கின்றன.

ஆனால், திருட்டு விசிடி குற்றம் என்று பரவலாக இருக்கும் விழிப்புணர்வு, தவறான டோரன்ட் பதிவிறக்கங்களுக்கு இல்லை. இதனால், டோரன்ட் பயன்படுத்தி புதிய படங்களை, பாடல்களை, மென்பொருள்களை டவுன்லோடு செய்து, மற்றவர்களுக்கு பகிர்வது தவறு என்று தெரியாமலேயேதான் செய்கிறார்கள்.

மென்பொருள் உருவாக்குபவர்களுக்கு இருக்கும் இதுகுறித்த விழிப்புணர்வு, முதலில் படத்தயாரிப்பாளர்களுக்கும், மியூஸிக் நிறுவனங்களுக்கும் இல்லாமல்தான் இருந்தது. ஆனால், இப்பொதெல்லாம் ரொம்பவே முன்னேறிவிட்டார்கள் என்பதால், விரைவில் தமிழ் டோரன்ட் தளங்களுக்கு கெடுபிடி வரலாம். தமிழ் ராக்கர்ஸ் தளம் 'ப்ரேமம்' படத்தை பகிர்ந்து சிக்கியது நினைவிருக்கலாம். 'ரஜினி முருகன்' படத்துக்காக டோரன்ட்டுகளை எதிர்த்த திருப்பதி பிரதர்ஸ் நிறுவனத்தால், பிரபல டோரன்ட் டிராக்கரான 'TrackerFix' சேவையே முடங்கியது. 'மேக்னட் லிங்க்' போன்று டோரன்ட் சேவைகள் டெக்னிக்கலாக அப்டேட் ஆனாலும், உலகெங்கும் தயாரிப்பு நிறுவனங்களும் டெக்னிக்கலாக அப்டேட் ஆகிக்கொண்டே வருகின்றன.

டோரன்ட் உலகின் கதாநாயகனான பைரேட் பே தளமே இன்று முடக்கப்பட்டு, ப்ராக்ஸிகள் மூலமாகவே இயங்கி வருகிறது.

எனவே, காப்புரிமை பெற்ற எதையும், படமாக இருந்தாலும் சரி, புத்தகமாக இருந்தாலும் சரி, நீங்கள் டோரன்ட்டில் உலகுடன் பகிர்ந்தால் டெக்னிக்கலாக கிரிமினல்தான்.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

BABA - A SURRENDERED INSTRUMENT OF GOD.

BABA - A SURRENDERED INSTRUMENT OF GOD.

 

Without God's permission, nothing can be done by me.

 

G.G.Narke. Do not blame me for not giving you a Kupni. "That Fakir" (God) has not permitted me.

 

Hallo. Do I demand dakshina of every one ? I demand only from those whom "The Fakir" points out to me.

 

I do nothing. I receive nothing. Datta calls for his own. He had called for Rs.15 his due and given it to Masudi Ayi. So, the money has been received (by me).

 

If Gods, like Datta, are easily accessible on the way and if one does not take darshan of them how can I help him?

 

Baba is but a Phaladata; you must do good.

 

Baba: If you do good and surrendered it to God, good will come to you. God the Lord of them that do good. Both wicked and virtuous want good things from me? How (or whence) can I give? (i.e. If they have not put forward the good karma warranting the gift)

 

I am the Progenitor of God. Mediate on me as pure Ananada Nirakara : but if you cannot do so, meditate on this this Sai Body eaxtly as it is.

 

I am not the body or the senses. I am the sakshi, witness of all these.

 

I do nothing. I receive nothing.

 

 

(Source: Baba's Charters and Sayings #101 - 106)

 

 

Baba's Leelas after 1918 - Baba Fulfilled the Vision of the Head Clerk C.C S Office

Baba Fulfilled the Vision of the Head Clerk C.C S Office,

 

 

For over 48 days I went on with Puja of Shri Sai Baba and I have had many experiences.

 

(1) My son Sundararajan had typhoid. Medicines did not help. I prayed to Shri Sai Baba when the case looked helpless. Baba's grace saved my son.

 

(2) My six years old boy was suffering for a month from diarhoea and there was swelling all over the body. I did not care to give him medicine and relied on Baba's grace. He was cured by Baba's grace.

 

(3) My five year old boy saw on old person entering into my puja room one evening but no one was found there. He told me his vision. I feel that Baba was present there.

 

(4) My cousin, a 17 year old young lady remained as a Spinster for four years. Her father was looking for a groom. I prayed to Baba on 1-6-1939 for his blessing. On 7-6-1939 she was married.

 

(5) A lady Avayambal who resided with her husband at Kiranur had her disagreement with her agreement. She came away to Palakarai and stayed here for a month. She was anxious that her husband should go over here and take her back. I made her spend Rs. 6/-on a gold plate and wrote on it "Shri Sai Baba Raksha". I daily worshipped that plate. In a week from the starting of chat Puja, the husband came and took her away. The husband said that one old person had appeared and direct to him to take back his wife.

 

Surrender Shri Sai Completely I Stupendous Delectation and Deliverance be there !!

 

(Ambrosia in Shirdi – Stories after Baba's Maha Samdhi on 15-10-1918 – Written by Ramaling Swamy,  Ambrosia-21)

 

 

Blessed Devotee who Experienced Baba’s Miracle before 1918 - Blessed Devotee who Experienced Baba’s Miracle before 1918 It is not these coins I want from you

Blessed Devotee who Experienced Baba's Miracle before 1918

It is not these coins I want from you

 

Repeatedly Baba asked Purandare for rupees two as dakshina.   Purandare went to see Baba often out of the deep love and regard he felt for Him.   Every time Baba asked for rupees two nothing more or nothing less.

 

Curious about this Purandare asked Baba about it, Baba replied, "It is not these coins I want from you. I want Nishta (concentrated faith) and Saburi (joyous patience)",  Purandare replied that he had given all his faith to Baba and was patiently awaiting progress. Baba told him to keep up his faith unfailingly and to be strict and anxious to fulfill all the promises he had made.

 

Further Baba said, "You should have truth always wifh you. Then I will be always with you wherever you are and at all times." Humbly, Purandare promised to try his best and entreated Baba's help for controlling his mind.

 

 

Leela- 32 in Ambrosia in Shirdi - Part-I

Sai Devotee Doctor Couple’s Splendid Sai Seva

Sai Devotee Doctor Couple's Splendid Sai Seva

 

We often meet people who say 'I am a devotee of this God or that Guru'. But, how many of them understand the implication of being a devotee or disciple?

 

One, who lives by the tenet of his God's or Guru's teachings, reflects his surrender and discipleship. Following a Guru's teachings is the true discipleship. (Shri Sai Satcharita, chap. 23, verse 172, 189) One such true devotee of Sai Baba is Dr. Amol Pitale, resident of Vile Parle, Mumbai and a member of Gurusthan Trust.

 

Chapter 32 of Shri Sai Satcharita states the body which is completely given to the service of others has truly served the purpose for which it was created. According to this teaching Dr. Pitale is truly serving others for a decade by rendering free medical service to pilgrims walking from various places to Shirdi. He provides medical service to the pilgrims from Nasik to Shirdi from Gudipadva to Ramnavami. In this service he is supported by his wife Dr. Anita, his sister Dr. Shraddha, and sister's husband Dr. Ujjwal Bhure and mother Shaila Pitale. In these eight days while going from one group of pilgrims to another, he travels an estimated 4,500 km.

 

After learning about Dr. Pitale from renowned Singer Anupama Deshpande, we decided to meet him. After fixing an appointment with him we headed for his residence at Vile Parle. We were elated to meet a family which was blissfully drenched in Sai devotion. The most touching sight at their residence was the two and half feet brass statue of Baba in the hall. This statue was sculpted by Dr. Pitale's father Late Manohar Pitale. While the sublimely smiling statue of Baba was holding our attention, Dr. Pitale's one year four month old, Nishtha came running into the room. We were touched by not only the devotion of all the adults in the family, but also the tiny tot, who chanting 'Baba... Baba' was busy lighting the lamps in front of Baba.

 

Dr. Pitale said, "Nishtha is devoted to Baba, every morning when she wakes up, she comes to the hall, and ask us to lift her, then she kisses Baba. When we do Pooja, since she can't say Aarati, she simply chants 'Baba... Baba'."

 

Dr. Pitale then showed us a photo. We were shocked and the first thought to cross our mind was, 'Is this possible?' This was a photograph, where Nishtha was giving a kiss to Baba and it looked Baba too was responding to her. Actually, in the statue Baba's lips are closed; but in the photo they are together as if about to kiss.

 

While recalling the incident Dr. Pitale said, "It was her first birthday, as usual I lifted Nishtha in my arm and she kissed Baba, in that moment the picture was taken. That day we didn't notice anything unusual, nor did we when the photo prints came and we hung it in the hall. It was only when a friend of mine who was visiting us, brought it to our notice."

 

Dr. Pitale while stating this was feeling overwhelmed. He added, "Shri Sai has blessed five generations of the Pitale family, and this is a clear sign of it." We asked, "Five generations?"

 

Dr. Pitale explained, "Yes. Nishtha is the fifth generation of the Pitale family to be blessed by Baba. My great grandfather Late Vishnupant Pitale had the privilege of taking Baba's Darshan in 1916. In that first Darshan Baba's love attracted my great grandfather. That time my great grandfather took a picture of Baba and gave it in Dwarkamai, which was blessed by Baba. Even today that picture is with us. From that day to this day Baba is with our family, and we are experiencing His blessings bestowed on us."

 

When queried, "How did you think of providing free medical facilities to the pilgrims?" He replied, "In 2001, my father had asked Baba for something (vow), when the request was fulfilled, he promised to come to Shirdi.

 

"His wish was fulfilled; so we left for Shirdi the next day, and it was Gudi Padva. We had also taken with us first aid box and some medicines. We had halted our vehicle near Bhiwandi Bypass for a while. We saw Shraddha Saburi Mandal's Sai Palkhi (palanquin carrying Sai Baba's picture), they too had halted. We saw a boy vomiting; he too also had pain in his stomach. My father asked him if he needed any help, he told my father to meet the Mandal's chairman. At the same time the chairman was coming towards them. When my father said that my son is a doctor and do you want any help, the chairman said, 'You have arrived like God in this moment of distress, there are 25-30 pilgrims who are unwell.'

 

"We treated them with our medicines and moved ahead. On the way we spoke to 2-3 more Mandals, and while treating the pilgrims, the medicines, we were carrying got exhausted. We bought some medicines in Nasik and treated a few more pilgrims. We reached Shirdi, took Baba's Darshan and returned to Mumbai. My father took a decision that from Gudi Padva to Ramnavami, eight days in all we will provide free medical services to the pilgrims on the way to Shirdi; and from that day to this day, the services are provided every year without a hitch."

 

When queried, "Where do you get the necessary fund for this?" He replied, "Initially, we spent approximately Rs. 25,000 on the medicines. Under this building the Sai temple, that you see was constructed by my father. The money from the donation box was collected once a year and that would help us buy the requisite amount of medicines. But, as the years rolled by, the number of pilgrims increased and the total cost of the medicines spiralled, this year it is Rs.4,42,614 (if we were to consider the retail price, the cost will be higher). As our service increased, so did the help; today, the pharmaceutical companies help us with the medicines. Besides, the Gurusthan Trust of this Sai temple also bears a part of the cost. There are some generous donors who support us whole heartedly. We have never experienced a lack, with Baba's grace, somehow or the other help has always come. Initially our group had 14 people in this voluntary service, now we have 72. This is all Baba's Leela."

 

Again we enquired, "In eight days, many pilgrims were likely to feel unwell, so a large amount of medicines is required to deal with the situation. How do you manage it?"

 

Dr. Pitale replied, "We keep all the medicines before Sai Baba and then put Udi on them. Then we make packets of them to treat body ache, fever, loose motion and vomiting. Each packet has four dosages; some packets are handed to the chairman of the Mandals. At the moment there are 81 Palkhis in touch with us. We require about one lakh such packets. The Sai devotees are experiencing great results from these packets; so they have started calling it 'Sai Dose'.

 

We enquired, "In those eight days, do you experience Baba's Leelas?"

 

Dr. Pitale replied, "We experience many; but if you listen to the experiences of the Sai devotees, you will be pleasantly shocked. Once, I got a call from the chairman of the Mandal at around 12.30 p.m. asking me to treat a patient, who was shivering with very high fever. I asked him to give 'Sai Dose'; he said all the packets were exhausted.

 

"At that time I was on Kasara Ghat and he was at Wasim, the distance was too much. The chairman of the Mandal said, 'Let me see what I can do.' The chairman at that time, had tablets of Gelusil (one given for acidity), he took it, kept it in front of the Palkhi, applied Udi to it and gave it to the patient, in no time the patient's fever subsided and the next day, he was ready to walk!

 

"There are times when the condition of the patient is critical and he has to be hospitalized; but 'Sai Dose' is enough to treat the patient, isn't it Baba's Leela?

 

"Once, a 62-years old man who walked to Shirdi every year, met us at our Igatpuri camp. His legs were operated upon and screws were fitted on them. One of the screws had come off and there was pus formation. I gave him a T.T. injection and told him that he needs to get the screw fitted and asked him to return home. He didn't listen to me and started arguing, 'I am on my pilgrimage to Shirdi. I can't leave it half way. Treat me if you wish, before I leave'. I beseeched him that he had a grave health hazard and he should return home. To this, he responded slightly with anger, 'If you want to treat me, please do it. Otherwise, even if all the three screws come out, I will continue my journey to Shirdi.'

 

"I saluted his Sai devotion and dressed his wounds. His dressing took about 30 minutes. This will give you an idea of the extent of his wound the pus formation. For the next three days I went to all the places where he was journeying and dressed his wounds. And, the most astonishing thing was, on the third day, the pus had totally disappeared from his wound. He Reached Shirdi, had Baba's Darshan and returned to Mumbai, he sought surgical attention and his leg is fine; we met him this year in the pilgrimage.

 

"Once, some devotees brought a patient to our medical camp. I asked what had happened, they said, 'This man has been hit by a running truck and the impact was such that the headlight of the truck broke.' But, when I examined the patient, he had minor scratches on his back!

 

"The Mandals who get to hear of us have come and voluntarily helped us. One came and gave us a generator, some others donate food packets and water bottles, and some give voluntary service, like in helping fill medicines in the packets, etc. This is the service that Baba has asked us to do, it is so touching to meet these kind souls. Some devotees from these Mandals now are a part of our extended family, and they keep in touch with us round the year.

 

"Once, when my father was ill, he needed 2-3 bottles of blood. When I called one Sai devotee, 27 devotees came forward to donate blood!

 

"By giving medical assistance we feel very happy and satisfied. Every year people go on vacation and return with renewed vigour. For us those eight days rejuvenate us, we get energy for the entire one year, other than this we do not go for any outings in the year.

 

"In 2005 my Dr. Ujjwal had gone to Switzerland for some study. Hence, we were finding ourselves short of one doctor. With this niggling thought we left for Seva; but the next day, Dr. Ujjwal joined us in this trip! My sister had taken a loan for his travel, the moment we completed the camp he returned to Switzerland. The satisfaction we get while serving is incomparable to anything and it seems like Baba's doing to get this done by us.

 

"Even my wife's parents are blessed by Baba. Her mother's great grandfather is the same Harishchandra Pitale, to whom Baba had given the blessed two rupees, which are still with the family.

 

"Let Baba forever bless us all. Let Him get the service done through us, this is the only earnest prayer at His Feet."

 

Penned by Sau. Mayuri Mahesh Kadam; Email: saimayumahesh@gmail.com

 

Translated from Marathi into English by Ms. Shamshaad Ali Baig; Email: shamshadbaig@gmail.com

GURUVAAR PRARTHNA

Guruvaar Prarthna

 

 

 

Our Beloved Sadguru Sainath, please accept our humble prayers on this Holy Day of Guruvaar. Baba, all are so busy changing conditions and circumstances that they have no time to change themselves. Our life is constantly subject to fluctuations and changes, getting sad, happy, elated, grieved, depressed, disappointed, thrilled, excited and swayed by one thing or another. As long as we are moved by these attachments, our chances of seeking Your Light are very weak. Baba, please help us to change ourselves to be eligible to reach You and rest at Your Lotus Feet. On this holy day we start our prayers by reading your divine guidance in Shri Sai Samartha Satcharitra.

 


 

 

I know the state of your mind at the time of taking the vow and about your self-imposed punishment for the postponement. Though you have kept it a secret, I have come to understand it all.

 

Any one of you, wherever you are, whenever you come to me, with your hand outstretched, with devotion, I am there to respond to your faith, day and night.

 

Though I am bodily present at this place and you may be beyond the seven seas, and doing anything there, I am aware of it immediately.

 

You may go anywhere on the face of this earth, I am always with you. I reside in your heart and I am within you.

 

You should always bow down to that ME who thus resides in your heart. I am also the same ME who resides in the hearts of all beings.

 

Therefore, whomsoever you come across, at home, outside or anywhere in the course of life, I am within them and I am myself present in them.

 

All living creatures – insects, ants, creatures of the water and the sky, dogs and pigs – I am always present within them. I am in all and everywhere.

 

Do not keep at a distance from me. There is no difference between you and ME. Whosoever regards ME in this way, he is indeed fortunate."

 

 


 

I bow down to Sree Ganesh

I bow down to Sree Saraswati

I bow down to the Guru

I bow down to the Family Deity

I bow down to Sree Sita-Ramachandra

I bow down to Sree Sadguru Sainath.

 

 

Sarveshaam Svaastir Bhavatu

Sarveshaam Shaantir Bhavatu

Sarveshaam Poornam Bhavatu

Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanteeh

 

 

 

-(from Shri Sai Samartha Satchrita, Chapter  15, Ovi  66 - 73)

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 14 Assigned for March 31, 2016

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana,

Chapter – 14 Assigned for March 31, 2016

 

Ruttonji Wadia of Nanded – Saint Moulisaheb – Dakshina Mimansa.

 

DIRECT DOWN LOAD LINKS IN MAJOR INDIAN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharita in English Ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsR290ZEtoeC1DY2c/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Hindi ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsRGZCYTFtOG55aUU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharita in Marathi Ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csc01lQmVfZS1uM1k/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Tamil Ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsVkVOd0Rra3FzNU0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Telugu ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsLXd6ajVhSjJwaUU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Malayalam ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsU1N1ZDdBeUliMEU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Kannadam ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsQ1FwRXN0RGY4SUk/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Konkani  ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsNlFsTV9SS05PMDA/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Bengali ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsTElLaTZZaFlrRUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Gujarati  ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-Csa3pmRUNsTzdJaXM/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Odia 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsUm9PZ0VneG9Dclk/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Punjabi ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsZlJ2aGxKcklJck0/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Sindhi ch 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsbzZkVy1GUGdvWVk/view?usp=sharing

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Nepali

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-Csb0Q4T0JfR3dlY2M&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in German

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1bwnkVMR-CsRXd1TW5QSWhjN1U&usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in French

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsY0JCdGdsYV9lWUE/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Spanish

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsOXJSaVBSZjN2ckU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra in Urdu

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsclNCdlBjTlA3X1U/view?usp=sharing

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN AUDIO MP3 FORMAT:

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsSmRTdUVsZzU1M2M/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsaU5DcW1takN0TkU/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Marathi Ch. 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsMGRFTEd0SUtVTTQ/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Tamil Ch. 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsNFpiQXQ1WGdlZ1k/view?usp=sharing

Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Telugu Ch. 14

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bwnkVMR-CsTV9CWUQ3MTBaeFU/view?usp=sharing

 

 Chapter XIV 

 

Ruttonji Wadia of Nanded – Saint Moulisaheb – Dakshina Mimansa.

In the last Chapter, we described how Baba's word and grace cured many incurable diseases. Now, we shall describe, how Baba blessed Mr. Ruttonji Wadia with an issue.

The life of this Saint is naturally sweet in and out. His various doings, eating, walking and His natural sayings are also sweet. His life is Bliss incarnate. Sai gave it out as a means of His devotee's remembrance to Him. He gave them various stories of duty and action, which ultimately led them to true religion. His object may be that people should live happily in this world, but they should be ever cautious and gain the object of their life, viz. self-realization. We get human body as a result of merits in past births and it is worth-while that with its aid, we should attain devotion and liberation in this life. So we should never be lazy, but always be on the alert to gain our end and aim of life.

If you daily hear the Leelas (stories) of Sai, you will always see Him. Day and night you will remember Him in your mind, When you assimilate Sai in this way, your mind will lose its fickleness and if you go on in this manner, it will finally be merged in pure Consciousness.

Ruttonji of Nanded :

Now let us come to the main story of this Chapter. In Nanded, in the Nizam state, there lived a Parsi mill-contractor and trader, by name Ruttonji Shapurji Wadia. He had amassed a large amount of money and had acquired fields and lands. He had got cattle, horses and conveyances and was very prosperous. To all outward appearances he looked very happy and contented, but inwardly, and really he was not so. Providential dispensation is such, that no one in this world is completely happy and rich; Ruttonji was no exception to this. He was liberal and charitable, gave food and clothing to the poor and helped all in various ways. The people took him to be a good and happy man, but Ruttonji thought himself miserable as he had no issue, male or female, for a long time. As Kirtan (singing glories of the Lord) without love or devotion, music of singing without rhythmical accompaniments, Brahmin without the sacred thread, proficiency in all arts without commonsense, pilgrimage without repentance and ornamentation without a necklace, are ugly and useless, so is the house of a man or house-holder without a male issue. Ruttonji always brooded on this matter and said in his mind, "Would God be ever pleased to grant me a son?" He thus looked morose, had no relish for his food. Day and night, he was enveloped with anxiety whether he would ever be blessed with a son. He had a great regard for Dasganu Mahajat. He saw him and opened his heart before him. Dasganu advised him to go to Shirdi, take Baba's darshan, fall at His Feet and seek His blessing and pray for issue. Ruttonji liked the idea, and decided to go to Shirdi. After some days he went to Shirdi, took Baba's darshana and fell at His Feet. Then opening a basket, he took out a beautiful garland of flowers and placed it around Baba's neck and offered Him a basket of fruits. With great respect he then sat near Baba, and prayed to Him saying- "Many persons who find themselves in difficult situations come to You, and You relieve them immediately. Hearting this, I have sought anxiously Your Feet; please, therefore, do not disappoint me." Sai Baba then asked him for Daksbina of Rs. five which Ruttonji intended to give, but added, that He has already received Rs. 3-14-0 from him, and that he should pay the balance only. Hearing this, Ruttonji was rather puzzled. he could not make out what Baba meant. That was the first time, he thought, that he went to Shirdi and how was it that Baba said that He had formerly got Rs. 3-14-0 from him? He cold not solve the riddle. But he sat at Baba's Feet and gave the balance of the Dakshina asked for, explained to Baba fully, as to why he came and sought His help, and prayed that Baba should bless him with a son. Baba was moved and told him not to be worried, and that that time his bad days had ended. He then gave him Udi, placed His hand on his head and blessed him saying that Allah (God) would satisfy his heart's desire.

Then after taking Baba's leave, Ruttonji returned to Nanded and told Dasganu everything that took place at Shirdi, He said that everything went on well there, that he got Baba's darshan and blessing with Prasad, but there was one thing which he could not understand. Baba said to him that he had got Rs.3-14-0 before. Please explain as to what Baba meant by this remark. He said to Dasganu, "I never went to Shirdi before, and how cold I give Him the sum to which Baba referred?" To Dasganu also, it was a puzzle, and he pondered much over it for a long time. Some time afterwards it struck him that Ruttonji had received some days ago a Mahomedan Saint, by name Moulisaheb, in his house and had spent some money for his reception. This Moulisaheb was coolie-saint wellknown to the people of Nanded. When Ruttonji decided to go the Shirdi, this Molisaheb accidentally came to Ruttonji's house. Ruttonji knew him and loved him. So he gave a small party in his honour. Dasganu got from Ruttonji the yadi or memo of expenses of this reception, and everybody was wonderstruck to see, that the expenses amounted to exactly Rs.3-14-0, nothing more, nothing less. They all came to know, that Baba was omniscient, that thought He lived in Shirdi, He knew what happened outside far away from Shirdi. In fact He knew the past, present and future, and could identify Himself heart and soul with anybody. In this particular instance how could He know the reception given to Moulisaheb, and the amount spent therefore, unless He could identify Himself with him, and be One with him?

Ruttonji was satisfied with this explanation and his faith in Baba was confirmed and increased. In due time afterwards, he was blessed with a son and his joy knew no bounds. It is said that he had in all a dozen (12) issues out of which only four survived.

In a foot-note towards the end of this Chapter,it is stated that Baba told Rao Bahadur Hari Vinayak Sathe, after the death of his first wife, to remarry and that he would get a son. R.B. Sathe married second time. The first two issues by this wife were daughters and he, therefore, felt very despondent. But the third issue was a son. Baba's word did turn out true and he was satisfied.

Dakshina – Mimansa

Now we shall close this Chapter with a few remarks about Dakshina. It is a well-known fact that Baba always asked for Dakshina 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 Dakshina and care for money?" We shall consider this question broadly now.

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. He 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. Then after Baba's fame had spread far and wide, people began to flock in numbers; and Baba began to ask Dakshina from them. It is said in the Shruti (veda) that Puja of the Gods is not complete, unless a golden coin was offered. If a coin was necessary in the Puja of the Gods, why should it be not so in the Puja of the Saints also? Ultimately, the Shastras laid it down that, when one goes to see God, King, Saint or Guru, he should not go empty-handed. He should offer something, preferably coin or money. In this connection we may notice the precepts recommended by the Upanishads. The Brihadaranyak Upanishad says that the Lord Prajapati advised the Gods, men and demons by one letter "Da". The Gods understood by this letter that they should practice (1) "Dama" i.e. self-control; the men thought or understood that they should practice (2) "Dana" i.e. charity; the demons understood that they should practice (3) "Daya" i.e. compassion. To men Charity or giving was recommended. The teacher in the Taittiriya Upanishad exhorts his pupils to practise charity and other virtues. Regarding charity he says, "Give with faith, give with magnanimity, i.e. liberally, give with modesty, with awe and with sympathy. In order to teach the devotees the lesson of charity and to remove their attachment to money and thus to purify their minds, Baba extracted Dakshina from them; but there was this peculiarity, as Baba said, that He had to give back hundred times more of what He received. There are many instances, in which this has happened. To quote an instance, Mr. Ganpatrao Bodas, the famous actor, says in his Marathi autobiography, that on Baba's pressing him often and often for Dakshina, he emptied his money-bag before Him. The result of this was, as Mr. Bodas says, that in later life he never lacked money, as it came to him abundantly.

There were also secondary meanings of Dakshina, in many cases, in which Baba did not want any pecuniary amount. To quote two instances – (1) Baba asked Rs.15/- as Dakshina from Pro. G.G.Narke, who replied that he did not have even a pie. Then Baba said, "I know you have no money; but you are reading Yoga-Vashistha. Give Me Dakshina from that." Giving Dakshina in this case meant – `Deriving lessons from the book and lodging them in the heart where Baba resides'. (2) In the second case Baba asked a certain lady (Mrs. R. A. Tarkhad) to give Rs.6/- as Dakshina. The lady felt pained, as she had nothing to give. Then her husband explained to her that Baba wanted six inner enemies (lust, anger, avarice etc.) to be surrendered to Him. Baba agreed with this explanation.

It is to be noted, that though Baba collected a lot of money by Dakshina, He would distribute the whole amount the same day, and the next morning He would become a poor Fakir as usual. When Baba took His Mahasamadhi, after receiving thousands and thousands of Rupees as Dakshina for about ten years, He had only a few Rupees in His possession.

In short, Baba's main object in taking Dakshina, from His devotees was to teach them the lessons of Renunciation and Purification.

 

Post-script 

Mr. B. V. Deo of Thana, retired Mamlatdar, and a great devotee of Baba, has written an article on this subject (Dakshina) in "Shri Sai Leela" magazine, Vol.VII, P.6-26, in which he says amongst other things, as follows:-

"Baba did not ask Dakshina from all. If some gave Dakshina without being asked, He sometimes accepted it; and at other times He refused it. He asked it from certain devotees only. He never demanded it, from those devotees, who thought in their minds that Baba should ask them for it, and then they should pay it. If anybody offered it against His wish, He never touched it, and if he kept it there, He asked him to take it away. He asked for small or big amounts from devotees, according to their wish, devotion and convenience. He asked it, even from women and children. He never asked all the rich for it, nor from all the poor."

"Baba never got angry with those from whom He asked Dakshina, and who did not give it. If any Dakshina was sent, through some friend, who forgot to hand over the same to Baba, He reminded him somehow of it and made him pay it. On some occasons, Baba used to return some sum from the amount tendered as Dakshina, and ask the donor to guard it or keep it in his shrine for worship. This procedure benefited the donor or devotee immensely. If anybody offered more than he originally intended to give, He returned the extra amount. Sometimes, He asked more Dakshina from some, than what they originally intended to give and, if they had no money, asked them to get or borrow from others. From some, He demanded Dakshina three or four times a day."

"Out of the amount collected as Dakshina, Baba spent very little for His own sake, viz., for buying Chilim (clay pipe) and fuel for His Dhuni (sacred fire), and all the rest, He distributed as charity in varying proportions to various persons. All the paraphenalia of the Shirdi Sansthan was brought, by various rich devotees at the instance and suggestion of Radha-Krishna-Mai. Baba always used to get wild and scolded those, who brought costly and rich articles. He said to Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar, that all His property consisted of one koupin (codpiece), one stray piece of cloth, one Kafni and a tumrel (tinpot), and that all the people troubled Him by bringing all these unnecessary, useless and costly articles."

Woman and wealth are the two main obstacles in the way of our Pramartha (spiritual life); and Baba and provided in Shirdi two institutions, viz., Dakshina and Radha-Krishna-Mai. Whenever they came to Him, He demanded Dakshina from them, and asked them to go to the 'SCHOOL' (Radha-Krishna-Mai's house). If they stood these two tests well, i.e. if they showed that they were free from attachment for woman and wealth, their progress in spirituality was rapid and assured by Baba's grace and blessings.

Mr. Deo has also quoted passanges from the Gita and Upanishads; and shown that charity given in a holy place and to a holy personage, conduces to the donors' welfare to a great degree. What is more holy than Shirdi and its Presiding Deity — Sai Baba?

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all