LIFE AFTER 55

 

LIFE AFTER 55
An interesting article. 

Life can begin at 55, it is all in your hands! Many people feel unhappy, health-wise and security-wise, after 60 years of age, owing to the diminishing importance given to them and their opinions. But, it need not be so, if only we understand the basic principles of life and follow them scrupulously. Here are ten mantras to age gracefully and make life after retirement pleasant.

1. Never say I am aged' :
There are three ages, chronological, biological, and psychological. The first is calculated based on our date of birth; the second is determined by the health conditions; the third is how old we feel we are. While we don't have control over the first, we can take care of our health with good diet, exercise and a cheerful attitude. A positive attitude and optimistic thinking can reverse the third age.

2. Health is wealth:
If you really love your kith and kin, taking care of your health should be your priority. Thus, you will not be a burden to them. Have an annual health check-up and take the prescribed medicines regularly. Do take health insurance coverage.

3. Money is important:
Money is essential for meeting the basic necessities of life, keeping good health and earning family respect and security. Don't spend beyond your means even for your children. You have lived for them all through and it is time you enjoyed a harmonious life with your spouse. If your children are grateful and they take care of you, you are blessed. But, never take it for granted.

4. Relaxation and recreation:
The most relaxing and recreating forces are a healthy religious attitude, good sleep, music and laughter - hey that's where I come in 💋. Have faith in God, learn to sleep well, love good music and see the funny side of life.

5. Time is precious:
It is almost like holding a horses' reins. When they are in your hands, you can control them. Imagine that everyday you are born again. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is ready cash - use it profitably. Live this moment; live it fully, now, in the present time.

6. Change is the only permanent thing: We should accept change - it is inevitable. The only way to make sense out of change is to join in the dance. Change has brought about many pleasant things. We should be happy that our children are blessed.

7. Enlightened selfishness:
All of us are basically selfish. Whatever we do, we expect something in return. We should definitely be grateful to those who stood by us. But, our focus should be on the internal satisfaction and the happiness we derive by doing good for others, without expecting anything in return. Perform a random act of kindness daily.

8. Forget and forgive:
Don't be bothered too much about others' mistakes. We are not spiritual enough to show our other cheek when we are slapped in one. But for the sake of our own health and happiness, let us forgive and forget them. Otherwise, we will be only increasing our blood pressure.

9. Everything has a purpose:
Take life as it comes. Accept yourself as you are and also accept others for what they are. Everybody is unique and is right in his own way.

10. Overcome the fear of death:
We all know that one day we have to leave this world. Still we are afraid of death. We think that our spouse and children will be unable to withstand our loss. But the truth is no one is going to die for you; they may be depressed for some time. Time heals everything and they will go on.

Pass it to all 50+ you may know 

2

வைதீக கார்யங்களில் ஏன் கிழக்கு பார்த்து உட்காரவேண்டும்

வைதீக கார்யங்களில், ஏன் கிழக்கு திக்கைப் பார்த்து உட்காரவேண்டும் என்று கேட்கிறார்கள்...

இவை போன்றவைகளுக்குப் பல காரணங்கள் இருந்தாலும், எல்லாருக்கும் புரியும் காரணம் உண்டு இதற்கு, அடியேன், பல வருடங்களுக்கு முன்பு, ஸ்ரீ ந்ருஸிம்ஹப்ரியாவில் எழுதி இருக்கிறேன் 

அதாவது......

நமது தேசத்தில் அர்ச்சாவதார எம்பெருமான்கள் பெரும்பாலும், கிழக்கு நோக்கி எழுந்தருளியிருக்கிறார்கள் என்பது தெரிந்ததே.....

ஆனால் அதேசமயம், மேற்கு நோக்கி எழுந்தருளி இருப்பவர், ஸ்ரீ ந்ருஸிம்ஹன் 

வைதீககார்யங்களில், நாம் ஸ்ரீ ந்ருஸிம்ஹனைப் பார்த்து ---அதாவது ,கிழக்கே பார்த்து , கார்யங்களைச் செய்கிறோம் ----அவதாரங்களில் ஸ்ரீ ந்ருஸிம்ஹாவதாரம்அவ்வளவு உயர்ந்தது....
ஸ்ரீ ந்ருஸிம்ஹன், நமக்கு எதிரே இருப்பதாகப் பாவித்து, வைதீக கார்யங்களைச் செய்கிறோம் என்று சொல்லலாம் 

கிழக்கே பார்த்துச் செய்ய இயலாத சமயங்களில், வடக்கே பார்த்து ,இப்படிக் கார்யங்களைச் செய்யலாம் என்று சாஸ்த்ரம் சொல்கிறது..... அப்படியானால் இதற்கு என்ன பொருள் என்று கேட்கிறார்கள்.... இதற்கும் அப்போதே பதில் சொல்லி இருக்கிறேன்....

நாம் வடக்கே பார்த்து இவ்விதக் கார்யங்களைச் செய்தால், நம்மைப் பார்த்து அனுக்ரஹிப்பவர் , 
ஸ்ரீ ஹயக்ரீவன் ....இவர் தெற்கே பார்த்து எழுந்தருளி இருக்கிறார் 

ஆக , கிழக்குதிக்கைப் பார்த்துக்கொண்டு கார்யங்களைச் செய்யும்போது, 
மேற்கு நோக்கி வீற்றிருக்கும் ந்ருஸிம்ஹனும் , 
வடக்கு திக்கைப் பார்த்துக் கார்யங்களைச் செய்யும்போது தெற்கு நோக்கி வீற்றிருக்கும் ஹயக்ரீவனும் அருள்கிறார்கள்....

பகவானின் அவதாரங்களில் ஸ்ரீ ந்ருசிம்ஹ அவதாரமும், ஸ்ரீ ஹயக்ரீவ அவதாரமும் அனுக்ரஹ அவதாரம் என்று சொல்லி இருக்கிறேன்.....

English translation 

During vaideeka karmas, why should we sit facing east ?

Though there will be numerous reasons for such of these, there is a reason which is understandable by all 

Adiyen wrote the reason in Sri Nrusimhapriya some years back ( of late, no such contributions ,the resaon forwhich is best known to them )

THAT IS-----

Every one knows that Archavathara Emperumans are facing EAST in our Desam 

But at the same time, Sri NRUSIMHAN is faing west 

In our Vaideeka karmas we are doing these ,facing east ---i.e, facing Sri Nrusimhan

Among Bagavan Avatharas ,the avathar of Sri Nrusimhan is such maginificient --top one 

It can be said that we are performing vaideeka karmas, imagining the presence Sri Nrusimhan infront of us 

Sastras say that vaideeka karmas can be performed facing north if it is not possible to do it facing east.

If it is so, people ask the meaning for this---- 

For this also, reply was given at the same breathe 

If we perform vaideeka karmas facing north , we are getting the anugraha of Sri Hayagreevan who is faing south 

Thus, when we perform vaideeka karmas facing EAST, the west facing SRI NRUSIMHAN 

and when we perform vaideeka karmas facing NORTH, the south facing SRI HAYAGREEVAN 

extend their anugraha on us 

Thus, among Bhagvan's avatharas, the avathara of SRi Nrusimhan and Sri Hayagrrevan are anugraha avatharams 
-- 

P.S. 

Adiyen also pointed out in one of my lectures that Swami Desikan's Sri Hayagreeva Stotra reflects the stotra of Sri Nrusimhan also-----( see also adiyen's book "KADHAMBA MAALAA" about Sri Hayagreevan)

In oushathagiri, Thiruvaheendrapuram, prior to Swami Desikan's arrival there , Sri Nrusimhan was there as Archa moorthi, and when Swami Desikan began Hayagreeva Stotra, He put Nrusimha beejaaksharam also 

In Sri Hayagreeva Stotra ---and when we recite Sri Hayagreeva Stotra we automatically recite Nrusimha stotra also 

You can worship Sri Nrusimhan at Oushathagiri by the side of Sri Hayagreevan even now--

Sarvam Sree Hayagreeva preeyathaam

Dasan Uruppattur Soundhararaajan
Srikainkarya.

Extracts from Shri. H. S. Dixit's Diary - 4

Extracts from Shri. H. S. Dixit's Diary - 4

 

 

BABA'S PROMPTING OTHERS:

 

One Haribhau Karnik of Dahanu went to Shirdi during Guru Poornima of 1918. 

A friend of his had to ask Baba for leave to go away and had accompanied him. Some gentleman asked on behalf of that friend for leave to go and Baba gave it. He also got permission from Baba for Haribhau and told Haribhau "Get down" (from the floor of the Masjid where Baba sat). Haribhau went down, but it struck him then that he had thought of giving one Rupee to Baba. 

Meanwhile that gentleman from the Masjid told him "Go Now". So immediately Haribhau went away from there and proceeded to visit a temple. 

There was a Digambar Swamy (i.e., naked) with a big crowd a round him. As soon as Haribhau entered the temple that Digambar got up and came to Haribhau, held his wrist, and said, "Where is my rupee? Bring it" and got one rupee from Haribhau. In this way, the desire of Haribhau to pay one rupee to Baba was gratified by the latter.

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 48 Assigned for May 01, 2016,

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana,

Chapter – 48 Assigned for May 01, 2016,

Warding off Devotee's Calamities 

Stories of (1) Shevade and (2) Sapatneker 

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(In English, Hindi, and Tamil total chapters are 50, there are 51 chapters in Sindhi, Punjabi, Odia, Bengali, Telugu and Hindi, 52 chapters in Malayalam and 53 chapters in Marathi, Kannadam, Konkani and Gujarati. Last few chapters are adjusted to have 50 days parayana cycle)

 

SHRI SAI SATCHARITRA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:

 

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Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in English Ch. 48

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Shri Sai Satcharitra Audio in Hindi Ch. 48

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Chapter XLVIII 

Warding off Devotee's Calamities 

Stories of (1) Shevade and (2) Sapatneker 

At the commencement of this chapter, someone asked Hemadpant whether Sai Baba was a Guru or Sad-guru. In order to answer the question Hemadpant describes the signs or marks of a Sad-guru as follows:-

Signs of Sad-guru

He who teaches us Veda and Vedanta or the six Shastras (systems), he who controls the breath, or brands his body with Mudras (metallic marks of Vishnu's weapons) or gives pleasing discourses regarding Brahma, he who gives mantras (sacred syllables) to the disciples and orders them to chant the same a certain number of times, but does not assure them any result in a definite time, he who by his spacious wordy knowledge explains beautifully the Ultimate Principle, but has himself got no experience or self-realization is not a Sad-guru. But he, who by his discourse creates in us, a distaste for the enjoyments of this world and the next, and gives us a taste of self-realization, who is well-versed in both the theoretical and practical knowledge (self-realization) deserves to be called a Sad-guru. How can he, who is himself devoid of self-realization, give it to the disciples? A Sad-guru does not, even in his dream, expect any service or profit from his disciples. On the contrary he wishes to serve them. He does not think that he is great and the disciple small. Not only he loves him as his son but regards him as equal to himself or as Brahma. The main characteristic of a Sad-guru is that he is the abode of peace. He is never restless nor ruffled. He has no pride of his learning. The poor and the rich, the small and the great, are the same to him.

Hemadpant thinks that on account of the store or accumulation of merits in his past births, he had the good fortune of meeting and being blessed by such a Sad-guru as Sai Baba. Even in full youth He hoarded nothing (expect perhaps chillim). He had no family, no friend, no home, nor any support. Since He was eighteen, His control of mind was perfect and extra-ordinary. He lived then fearless in a secluded place and always abided in His Self. Seeing the pure attachment of His devotees He always acted in their interests and hence He was in a way dependent on them. What experiences He gave to His devotees while he was living in flesh, are even to-day, after His Mahasamadhi, obtained now by those who attach themselves to Him. What the devotees have to do is this – They have to trim their heart-lamp of faith and devotion, and burn in it wicks of love, and when this is done, the flame of knowledge (self-realization) will be lit up and shine brighter. Mere knowledge without love is dry; nobody wants such knowledge. Without love there is no contentment; so we should have unbroken and unbounded love. How can we praise love? Everything is insignificant before it. Without love our reading, hearing and the study are of no avail. In the wake of love follow devotion, dispassion, peace and liberation with all their treasures. We do not get love for anything unless we feel earnestly about it. So where there is real yearning and feeling, God manifests Himself. It includes love and is the means of liberation.

Now let us revert to the main story of this chapter. Let a man go to a true saint with a pure mind, otherwise (fraudulently) and hold his feet; ultimately he is sure to be saved. This is illustrated by the following stories.

Mr.Shevade

Mr. Sapatneker of Akkalkot (Sholapur District) was studying for law. A co-student Mr.Shevade met him. Other fellow students also gathered together and compared notes of their study. It was found by the questions and answers amongst themselves, that Mr.Shevade was the least prepared of all for the examination, and therefore all the students derided him. But he said that though he was not prepared, he was sure to pass the examination, as his Sai Baba was there to get him through it successfully. Mr.Sapatnekar was surprised at this remark. He took Mr.Shevade aside and asked him who this Sai Baba was whom he extolled so high. He replied – "There lives in a Masjid in Shirdi (Ahmednagar District) a fakir. He is a great Sat-purusha. There may be other saints, but this is unique. Unless there is a great store of merits on one's account, one can't see Him. I fully believe in Him, and what He says will be never untrue. He has assured me that I will pass definitely next year and I am confident that I will get through the final examination also with His grace." Mr.Sapatneker laughed at his friend's confidence and jeered at him and Baba.

Sapatnekars

Mr.Sapatnekar passed his examination, settled at Akkalkot and practised as a pleader there. Ten years after this, i.e., in 1913 he lost his only son on account of a throat disease. This broke his heart. He sought relief by making a pilgrimage to Pandharpur, Ganagapur and other holy places. He got no peace of mind. Then he read Vedanta, which also did not help him. In the meanwhile he remembered Mr.Shevade's remarks and his faith in Baba, and he thought that he too should go to Shirdi and see Baba. He went to Shirdi with his younger brother Panditrao and was much pleased to see Baba from a distance. When he went near and prostrated himself and placed a coconut before Baba with pure feeling (devotion), the latter at once cried out "Get away." Saptnekar hung down his head, moved back and sat aside. He wanted to consult somebody who would advise him how to proceed. Somebody mentioned Bala Shimpi's name. Sapatnekar saw him and sought his help. They bought Baba's photos and came with them to the Masjid. Baba Shimpi took a photo in his hand, gave it to Baba and asked him whose photo it was. Baba said that this photo was the 'Yara' (Lover) of him, pointing to Sapatnekar. Saying this Baba laughed and all others joined. Bala asked Baba the significance of the laugh and beckoned Sapatnekar to come forward and take darshan. When Saptnakar began to prostrate himself, Baba again cried "Get out." Sapatnekar did not know what to do. Then they both joined their hands and sat before Baba, praying. Baba finally ordered sapatnekar to clear out immediately. Both were sad and dejected. As Baba's order had to be obeyed, Sapatnekar left Shirdi with a heavy heart praying that he should be allowed to take darshan next time.

Mrs.Saptnekar

One year elapsed. Still his mind was not at peace. He went to Gangapur, where he felt more restless. Then he went to Madhegaon for rest and finally decided to go to Kashi. Two days before starting, his wife got a vision. In her dream she was going with a pitcher to Lakadsha's well. There a fakir with a piece of cloth round his head, who was sitting at the foot of the Neem tree, came close to her and said – "My dear lassie, why get exhausted for nothing? I get your pitcher filled with pure water." She was afraid of the fakir and hastened back with the empty pitcher. The fakir followed her. At this she was awakened and opened her eyes. She told this vision to her husband. They thought that this was an auspicious sign and they both left for Shirdi. When they reached the Masjid, Baba was absent. He had gone to Lendi. They waited till His return. When He returned, she was surprised to see that the fakir she saw in her vision, resembled exactly Baba. She reverentially prostrated herself before Baba and sat looking at him. Seeing her humility Baba was much pleased and began to tell a story in his peculiar characteristic fashion to a third party. He said – "My arms, abdomen and waist are paining for a long time. I took many medicines, the pains did not abate. I got sick of the medicines as they gave me no relief, but I am surprised to see now that all the pains have disappeared at once." Though no name was mentioned it was the story of Mrs.Sapatnekar herself. Her pains, as described by Baba, left her soon and she was happy.

Then Mr.Sapatnekar went ahead to take darshan. He was again welcomed with the former "Get out." This time he was more penitent and persevering. He said that Baba's displeasure was due to his past deeds and resolved to make amends for the same. He determined to see Baba alone and ask his pardon for his past actions. This he did. He placed his head on Baba's feet and Baba placed His hand on it and Sapatnekar sat stroking Baba's leg. Then a shepherdess came and sat massaging Baba's waist. Baba in his characteristic way began to tell the story of a bania. He related the various vicissitudes of all his life, including the death of his only son. Sapatnekar was surprised to see that the story which Baba related was his own, and he wondered how Baba knew every detail of it. He came to know that He was omniscient and knew the hearts of all. When this thought crossed his mind, Baba still addressing the shepherdess and pointing to Sapatnekar said – "This fellow blames Me and charges Me with killing his son. Do I kill people's children? Why does this fellow come to the Masjid and cry? Now I will do this I will again bring that very child back in his wife's womb." WIth these words He placed His blessing and on his head and comforted him saying – "These feet are old and holy, you are care-free now; place entire faith in Me and you will soon get your object." Sapatnekar was much moved with emotion, he bathed Baba's feet with his tears and then returned to his residence.

Then he made preparations of worship and naivedya and came with his wife to the Masjid. He offered all this to Baba daily and accepted prasad from Him. There was a crowd in the Masjid and Sapatnekar went there and saluted Baba again and again. Seeing heads clashing against heads Baba said to Sapatnekar – "Oh, why do you prostrate yourself now and then? The one Namaskar offered with love and humility is enough." Then Sapatnekar witnessed that night the chavadi procession described before. In that procession Baba looked like a veritable Pandurang (Vithal).

At parting next day, Sapatnekar thought that he should first pay one rupee as dakshina and if Baba asked again, instead of saying no, he should pay one more, reserving with him sufficient amount as expenses for the journey. When he went to the Masjid and offered one rupee, Baba asked for another as per his intention and when it was paid, Baba blessed him him saying – "Take the coconut, put it in your wife's oti (upper fold of her sari), and go away at ease without the least anxiety." He did so, and within a year a son was born to him and with an infant of 8 months the pair came to Shirdi, placed it at Baba's feet and prayed thus – "Oh, Sainath, we do not know how to redeem Your obligations, therefore we prostrate ourselves before You, bless us poor helpless fellows, henceforth let Your holy feet be our sole refuge. Many thoughts and ideas trouble us in waking and dream states, so turn away our minds from them to Your bhajan and bless us."

The son was named Murlidhar. Two others (Bhaskar and Dinkar) were born afterwards. The Sapatnekar pair thus realized that Baba's words were never untrue and unfulfilled, but turned out literally true.

 

Bow to Shri sai – Peace be to all

Extracts from Shri. H. S. Dixit's Diary - 3

Extracts from Shri. H. S. Dixit's Diary - 3

 

 

Krishnaji Narayan alias Chotu Bhayya Saheb Parulekar, an honorary Magistrate of Harda wrote to H. S. Dixit on 11-2-1924 thus.

 

"By Baba's grace, I was cured of a disease in the following manner. I was suffering from amlapitta (bilious acidity). If I took my afternoon meal, immediately it was vomited out. The same occurred at my night meal. To cure this, many doctors and Vaidyas gave me medicines, which I took without getting any relief. Some days later my father's friend Sadashiv Ramachandra Patwardhan sent an excellent Vaidya from Nagpur and recommended me to use his medicines. The Vaidya was a very old man. He came to Harda and prepared medicine. He prepared three packets and asked me to take one in the morning and one in the afternoon. So I took two packets. From 3 p.m., my bowels began to move. By 8 p.m. I had so many motions that I was not able to get up from my bed. Thereupon the Vaidya and the people of my house got terrified. Then the Vaidya got into our Puja room, prayed to God and then gave medicine for stopping the motions. At 11 p.m. the motions stopped. Later he told my father, "Hereafter do not give him any medicine for this Amlapitta. It will stop only by the grace of a Satpurusha". I stopped all medicine.

 

Five or six years later I went to Shirdi to see Shri Baba. Neither I nor my companions told Baba about my disease. Next year, for Guru Poornima, I again went to Shirdi. After the celebration was over, the next day at 4 or 4.30 p.m. my brother Narayanrao and I with two or three companions went to the Masjidand sat at Baba's feet. Meanwhile a lady called 'Mausi Bai' came there and Baba asked, 'Mausi, why are you so late?" She told Baba that, 'okala' (Nausea or Retching, Tamil okkalam) was the reason for the delay. Thereupon Baba laughed and said, "You are eating too much and therefore you have this okala". Then Mausi requested him to protect her from that nausea. Baba kept quiet for a few minutes. Then he pointed his finger to me (Chotu Bhayya) and said, "This brother for a very long time had the same (okari) trouble". Then Narayan, brother of Chotu Bhayya prayed to Baba thus, "This man had okari and all treatment failed". Baba then said, "Hereafter all medicines should be stopped. This nausea will not recur." From that day, i.e., all these eight or nine years, the amlapitta has disappeared. For ten or twelve years, in spite of many medicines that disease was not cured; but by Baba's utterance, it completely disappeared. How wonderful are these Samarth's Lilas?

One day Baba asked Vaze, "What work are you doing? Then Vaze said,"Ifthere is any workin the Masjid to do, I shall do it". Baba replied. "If there is any work in the wada to be done, do it". Next day, Pandit, the man who was, doing much work in the wada, fell ill.

 

Thereupon in accordance with Baba's order, Vaze undertook all the work that Pandit did and continued to serve at the wada till Pandit's recovery.

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana - Chapter – 47 Assigned for April 30, 2016

 

Shri Sai Satcharitra Parayana,

Chapter – 47 Assigned for April 30, 2016

Baba's Reminiscences

Story of Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa (Snake and frog)

 

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Chapter XLVII

Baba's Reminiscences

Story of Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa (Snake and frog)

 

The last chapter described Baba's reminiscences about two goats. This describes more such reminiscences and relates the story of Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa.

 

Preliminary

Blessed is the face of Sai. If we cast a glance at Him for a moment, He destroys the sorrow of many past births and confers great bliss on us; and if He looks at us with grace, our bondage of Karma is immediately snapped away and we are led to happiness. The river Ganges washes away the dirt and sins of all people who go to her for a bath; but she intently longs for the saints to come to her and bless her with their feet and remove all the dirt (sins) accumulated in her. She knows for certain that this accumulation can only be removed by the holy feet of the saints. Sai is the crest-jewel of the saints, and now hear from Him the following purifying story.

The Snake and the Frog

Sai Baba said – "One morning after taking My breakfast I strolled along till I came to a small river bank. As I was tired, I rested there, washed My hands and feet and had a bath and felt refreshed. There was a foot-path and a cart-track sheltered by shady trees. The breeze was also blowing gently. As I was preparing to smoke chillim (pipe), I heard the croaking of a frog. I was striking the flint and lighting the fire, when a traveller turned up, sat by My side, bowed to Me and politely invited Me to his house for meals and rest. He lit up the pipe and handed it over to Me. The croaking was heard again and he wanted to know what it was. I told him that a frog was in trouble and was tasting the bitter fruit of its own karma. We have to reap now the fruit of what we sow (do) in our past life, and there is no use in crying about it. Then he smoked and handed over the pipe to Me and said that he would go there in person and see for himself. I told him that a frog was caught by a big snake and was crying. Both were very wicked in their past life and were now reaping the fruit of their actions in these bodies. He went out and found that a huge black serpent was holding a big frog in its mouth.

He turned to Me and said that in about 10 or 12 minutes the frog would be eaten up by the snake. I said, "No, this can't be. I am its father (protector) and I am here now. How shall I allow the snake to eat it up, am I here for nothing? Just see how I release it."

After smoking again, we walked on to the place. He was afraid and asked Me not to proceed further as the snake might attack us. Not minding him, I went ahead and addressed the creatures thus:- "Oh Veerbhadrappa, has not your enemy Bassappa yet repented though he has been born as a frog, and you too, though born as a serpent, still maintain bitter enmity against him? Fie upon you, be ashamed, give up your hatred now and rest in peace."

Hearing these words, the snake left the frog quickly and dived into the river and disappeared. The frog also jumped away and hid itself in the bushes.

The traveller was much surprised; he said that he could not understand how the snake dropped the frog and disappeared at the words uttered, who was Veerbhadrappa and who was Basssappa, and what was the cause of their enmity. I returned with him to the foot of the tree and after sharing a few puffs of smoke with him I explained the whole mystery to his as follows:-

There was ancient holy place sanctified by a temple of Mahadev about 4 or 5 miles from My place. The temple was old and dilapidated. The residents of the place collected funds for its repairs. After a large amount was collected, arrangement for worship was made and plans with estimates for repairs were prepared. A rich local man was appointed the Treasurer and the whole work was entrusted to him. He was to keep regular accounts and be honest in all his dealings. He was a first class miser and spent very little for the repairs, which consequently made very little progress. He spent all the funds, swallowed some amount himself and spent nothing from his pocket. He had a sweet tongue and was very clever in offering plausible explanations regarding the poor and tardy progress of the work. The people again went to him and said that unless he lent his helping hand and tried his best, the work would not be complete. They requested him to work out the scheme and again collected subscriptions and sent the amount to him. He received it, but sat as quiet as before without making any progress. After some days, God (Mahadev) appeared in his wife's dream and said to her – "You get up, build the dome of the temple, I will give you a hundred-fold of what you spend." She told this vision to her husband. He was afraid that it would involve him in some expenses and therefore laughed it out saying that it was a mere dream, a thing not to be relied and acted upon, or else why did not God appear to him and tell him? Was he far off from her? This looks like a bad dream, having for its object the creation of ill feeling between husband and wife. She had to remain quiet.

God does not like big subscriptions and donations collected against the wishes of the donors, but He likes ever trifling amounts given with love, devotion and appreciation. Some days after, God again appeared in her dream and said – "Do not bother yourself about your husband and the collections with him. Don't press him to spend any amount for the temple. What I want is, feeling and devotion. So give, if you like, anything of your own." She consulted her husband about this vision and decided to give God her ornaments given by her father. The miser felt disconcerted and decided to cheat even God in this item. He undervalued the ornaments at Rs.1,000/- and bought them himself and in lieu of the amount gave a field to God as endowment or security. The wife agreed to this. The field or land was not his own, it belonged to one poor woman named Dubaki who mortgaged it to him for Rs.200/-. She was not able to redeem it for long. So the cunning miser cheated all, his wife, Dubaki and even God. The land was sterile, uncultivated and worth nothing and yielded nothing, even in best seasons.

Thus ended this transaction and the land was given in the possession of the poor priest who was pleased with the endowment. Sometime later on, strange things happened. There was a terrific storm and heavy down-pour of rain; lightning struck the house of the miser, when he and his wife both died. Dubaki also breathed her last.

In the next life, the rich miser was born at Mathura in a Brahmin family and was named Veerbhadrappa. His devout wife was born as the daughter of the priest of the temple and was named Gouri. The woman Dubaki (the mortgagor) was born as a male in the family of the Gurav (attendent) of the the temple and was named Chenbassappa. The priest was a friend of Mine, He often came to Me, chatted and smoked with Me. His daughter Gouri was also devoted to Me. She was growing fast and her father was seeking a good husband for her. I told him not to worry about this as the bridegroom himself would come seeking her. Then there came a poor boy named Veerbhadrappa of their caste, wandering and begging his bread to the priest's house. With My consent Gouri was given in marriage to him. He was also at first devoted to Me as I recommended his marriage with Gouri. Even in this new life he was hankering after money and asked Me to help him to get it as he was leading a married man's life.

Strange things happened. There was a sudden rise in prices. By Gouri's good luck, there was a great demand for land and the endowment land was sold for one lakh of rupees (100 times the worth of her ornaments). Half the amount was paid in cash and the remaining was to be paid in 25 instalments of Rs. 2,000/- each. All agreed to this transaction, but began to quarrel over the money. They came to Me for consultation. I told them that the property belonged to God and was vested in the priest and Gouri was his sole heiress and proprietress and no amount should be spent without her consent and that her husband had no right whatsoever to the amount. Hearing my opinion Veerbhadrappa was wroth with Me and said that I wanted to establish Gouri's claim and embezzle her property. Hearing his words, I remembered God and kept quiet. Veerbhadrappa scolded his wife (Gouri) and she came to Me at noon and requested Me not to mind the words of others and not to discard her as she was My daughter. As she thus sought My protection I gave her a pledge that I would cross seven seas to help her. Then that night Gouri had a vision. Mahadev appeared in her dream and said – "The whole money is yours, do not give anything to anybody, spend some amount for temple purposes in consultation with Chenbassappa and if you want to use it for some other purpose, consult Baba in the Masjid (Myself)." Gouri told Me the vision and I gave her the proper advice in the matter. I told her to take the principal or capital amount to herself, give half the amount of interest to Chenbassappa and that Veerbhadrappa had nothing to do in the matter. While I was thus talking, both Veerbhadrappa and Chenbassappa came there quarreling. I tried My best to appease them and told them God's vision to Gouri. Veerbhadrappa got wild and angry and threatened to kill Chenbassappa cutting him to pieces. The latter was timid, he caught my feet and sought my refuge. I pledged Myself to save him from the wrath of his foe. Then after some time Veerbhadrappa died and was born as a snake and Chenbassappa died and was born as a frog. Hearing the croaking of Chenbassappa and remembering my pledge, I came here, saved him and kept My word. God runs to His devotees for help in times of danger. He saved Chenbassappa (the frog) by sending Me here. All this is God's Leela or sport."

The Moral

The moral of the story is that one has to reap what one sows, and there is no escape unless one suffers and squares up one's old debts and dealings with others, and that greed for money drags the greedy man to the lowest level and ultimately brings destruction on him and others.

Bow to Shri Sai – Peace be to all