Chapter 32, Leela 2: Fasting and Mrs. Gokhale

Leela:

Baba never fasted Himself, nor did He allow others to do so. The mind of the faster is never at ease, then how could he attain his Paramartha (goal of life)? God is not attained on an empty stomach; first the soul has to be appeased. If there is no moisture of food in the stomach and nutrition, with what eyes should we see God, with what tongue should we describe His greatness and with what ears should we hear the same? In short, when all our organs get their proper nutrition and are sound, we can practise devotion and other sadhanas to attain God. Therefore, neither fasting nor overeating is good. Moderation in diet is really wholesome both to the body and mind.

 

One Mrs. Gokhale came to Shirdi with an introductory letter from Mrs. Kashibai Kanitkar (a devotee of Baba) to Dada Kelkar. She came to Baba with a determination to sit at Baba's Feet observing a three days fast. The day previous, Baba said to Dada Kelkar, that He would not allow his children to starve during the Shimga, i.e., Holi holidays, and that if they had to starve, why was He there? Next day when the woman went with Dada Kelkar and sat at Baba's Feet, Baba at once said to her, ""Where is the necessity of fasting? Go to Dadabhat's house, prepare the dish of Puran Polis (wheat rotis with gram-flour and jaggery), feed his children and yourself too."" Shimga holidays were on. Mrs. Kelkar was then in her menses and there was nobody to cook in Dadabhat's house. So Baba's advice was very timely. Then Mrs. Gokhale had to go to Dadabhat's house and prepare the dish as directed. She cooked that day, fed others and herself. What a good story and how beautiful its import! "

 

Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p173

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    When fasting, your mind is too distracted to focus on your spiritual practice

If your body is at ease, your mind will also be at ease. When you feel at ease, your mind can focus on your spiritual practice.  Baba wanted us to take care of the body (but not pamper it).

When you are fasting, your body is craving food, and your mind is somewhat distracted. You will find that taking on an activity that requires deep focus will be difficult to accomplish. To Baba, it was more important to focus on your spiritual practice than to follow this form of tapas (practice of austerity).

2)    Wearing out one's body for the cause of others is of far greater merit than observing fasts

Use your body’s labour to benefit others rather than putting it through turmoil by fasting.

In Hemadpant’s original book, the verses describing this leela have the following additional message from Baba:

“Not only did he get the 'polis' prepared by her, but made her eat them to her heart's content and impressed upon her mind how the fulfilment in wearing out one's body in the cause of others, is truly great.” 
The Life and Teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba, Indira Kher, Page 267, verse 9.

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.

1)    When fasting, your mind is too distracted to focus on your spiritual practice

Many things you do (or neglect to do) in life affect your ability to focus. In order to focus so that you can achieve your goals, you must not be distracted. When observing your spiritual practice, you may encounter many obstacles, such as: tiredness, lethargy, anxiety, worries and physical aches or pains.

If you extend this teaching about fasting to other activities, you will find ways to put both your body and mind more at ease, which will help you in your spiritual practice.

Tiredness and lethargy are indications that you are either not eating a healthy diet, not getting enough sleep, or not exercising regularly. To address this, you can begin by ensuring you get sufficient sleep, by doing regular, moderate exercise and by eating nutritiously.  This will improve your overall health and increase your energy.

Similarly, you may suffer from anxieties and worries, which occupy your mind with troubled thoughts and prevent you from focusing. To address the root cause of worries and anxieties, here is a story that was told by my Vedanta Guru, Rita Nayar:

There are two beggars, both in torn clothes, with begging bowls, begging for food. They both are in identical situations, but the first beggar is completely attached to his life, and feels miserable and sorry for himself. The second beggar is detached, as he knows he is not a beggar, but playing the role of a beggar temporarily. He is at peace and even enjoying his role.

If you approach your life with a feeling of detachment, then your mind will not be affected by the problems around you, by anxiety, or the worries you are facing in your life.  You will understand that you are not the body, which is temporary, but the atman, which is eternal and indestructible.  You will understand that you are just playing a role in Maya.

2)    Wearing out one's body for the cause of others is of far greater merit than observing fasts

If you wish to perform some actions that will help you develop spiritually, rather than doing tapas (practicing austerities), it is of much greater value to do karma yoga (performing actions with absolutely no expectation of anything in return). Offer your services to the needy and consider these services as an offering to God.

 

 

Mantra:

Om, Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ

Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ

Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu

Mā kashchit duḥkha bhāgbhavet

Oṁ Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ

Meaning:

May all be prosperous and happy

May all be free from illness

May all see what is spiritually uplifting

May no one suffer

Om peace, peace, peace

 

This above mantra is from the Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/seekingshanti/2015/09/hinduprayerforeveryone_globalgoals/

 

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

 

Om Sai Ram.

 

Chapter 19, Leela 3: Remuneration for Labour

Leela:

One day at noon, Baba came near Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and said - "Bring Me a ladder." Some men brought it and set it against a house as directed by Baba. He climbed up on the roof of Vaman Gondkar's house, passed the roof of Radha-Krishna-Mai's house and then got down from the other corner. What object Baba had, none could know. Radha-Krishna-Mai was, at that time, shivering with Malaria. It may be to drive off that fever, that He may have gone there. Immediately after getting down, Baba paid Rupees two to the persons who brought the ladder. Somebody asked Baba, why he paid so much for this. He replied that nobody should take the labour of others, in vain. The worker should be paid, his dues promptly and liberally

 

Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p103

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    If you use someone’s services, pay them generously and promptly  

Baba set an example by his action in the above leela to show us how to act in ordinary worldly dealings with others. Make it a rule never to take anybody's labour for free and do not take undue advantage of them, regardless of their relationship to you or their status in society. Do not feel that you are entitled to receive work from them without compensation or appreciation.

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.

1)    If you use someone’s services, pay them generously and promptly  

Be appreciative and respond generously and promptly when you receive any service from people around you. Remember this leela, to make sure you either compensate their efforts by money or do something nice for them in some other way. This will help you to become more humble, selfless and empathetic towards others and will help you move forward in your spiritual journey.

 

Mantra:

Om, Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ

Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ

Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu

Mā kashchit duḥkha bhāgbhavet

Oṁ Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ

Meaning:

May all be prosperous and happy

May all be free from illness

May all see what is spiritually uplifting

May no one suffer

Om peace, peace, peace

 

This above mantra is from the Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/seekingshanti/2015/09/hinduprayerforeveryone_globalgoals/

 

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

Om Sai Ram.

 

Chapter 11, Leela 3: Haji Sidik Falke

Leela:

One Mahomedan gentleman by name Sidik Falke of Kalyan, after making a pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina, came to Shirdi. He lived in a Chavadi, facing north, and sat in the open court-yard of the Masjid. For nine months, Baba ignored him, and did not allow him to step into the Masjid. Falke felt much disconsolate, and did not know what to do. Somebody advised him not to be disappointed; but to try to approach Baba through Shama (Madhavarao Deshpande), a close and intimate devotee of Baba. He told him that as they approach the God Shiva through his servant and devotee, Nandi, so Baba should be approached through Shama. Falke liked the idea and implored Shama to intercede for him. Shama agreed and on a convenient occasion spoke to Baba about him thus:- "Baba, why don't You allow the old Haji to step into the Masjid, while so many persons freely come and go, after taking Your darshan; why not bless him once?" Baba replied "Shama, you are too young to understand things. If the Fakir (Allah) does not allow, what can I do? Without His grace, who will climb into the masjid? Well, go to him and ask him whether he will come to the narrow footpath near the Barvi well." Shama went and returned with an affirmative answer. Again Baba said to Shama,"Ask him whether he is willing to pay me the sum of Rs. 40,000/- in four instalments." Shama went and returned with the answer that he was willing to pay even 40 lacs. Again Baba said to Shama- "We are going to butcher a goat in the Masjid, so ask him, whether he would like to have mutton, haunch or testicles of the goat." Shama returned with the answer that the Haji would be happy to receive a small crumb from Baba's kolamba (mudpot). Hearing this Baba got excited and with His hands threw away the earthen jars and kolamba and straightway advanced to the Haji and lifting His Kafni up with His hands said - "Why do you brag and fancy yourself great and pose yourself as an old Haji? Do you read Koran like this? You are proud of your pilgrimage to Macca, but you do not know Me." Being thus scolded, the Haji was confounded. Baba then went back to the Masjid, purchased a few baskets of mangoes and sent them to the Haji. Then again Baba went to the Haji and taking out Rs.55/- from His pocket, gave them to the Haji. From that time, Baba loved the Haji, invited him for meals and the Haji, thereafter, came into the Masjid whenever he liked. Baba gave him at times some rupees, and thus the Haji was enlisted in Baba's Darbar.

 

Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p65

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    Even though it might appear that Baba is not responding to his devotees, he is in fact working on them internally to advance their spiritual development

Having completed his pilgrimage to Mecca and Madina, the Haji was still lacking important qualities required to gain spiritual progress. Baba wanted him to understand them and help him in his spiritual journey.

The Haji had an inflated ego and feeling of pride from his achievement, for which he felt superior to others. He assumed that, after his pilgrimage, he was entitled to get a personal audience with Baba. Baba worked on him internally to get rid of his inflated ego and to uplift him spiritually.

It appeared to take nine months for Baba to accept the Haji as his devotee, but in actual fact the Haji went through great spiritual transformation over that time. When Baba tested him at the end of the nine months, the Haji demonstrated that he had no attachment to wealth and had developed great humility.

Even though it looked like Baba was angry with the Haji, by not allowing him to enter the masjid, his heart knew no anger. He only had the Haji’s best interest in his heart. He did not mean to harm him in any way, but was in fact helping him to grow spiritually. Baba had accepted him right from the beginning and was causing the transformation within him which increased his sense of detachment and freedom from his ego.

Baba did this by putting him in a situation in which he had to spend time to self-examine his attitudes and to improve them. The self-struggle to understand why Baba was angry with him, led him to a better understanding of himself and to take steps to improve himself.

It took the Haji nine months to make this transformation and to understand what Baba really wanted him to know. If Baba would have tested him with the three questions on the first day he arrived in Shirdi, his answers would have been very different. Due to his contemplation for nine months, a transformation took place and he realised that it was not enough to just perform the pilgrimage, and that he had further spiritual growth to achieve.

This is what the Haji learned in nine months and Baba confirmed this by asking him three questions:

Question 1: Baba wanted to know if the Haji was willing to take on difficult tasks towards his spiritual progress.

Answer: The Haji confirmed that he was willing to tread the difficult path of spirituality prescribed by Baba.

 

Question 2: Baba wanted to know if the Haji was still attached to money

Answer: The Haji confirmed his detachment to wealth by indicating  that he was willing to pay even 100 times more than what was asked for by Baba

 

Question 3: Baba wanted to know if the Haji had learnt humility

Answer: The Haji confirmed that he had no expectations of getting anything material from Baba and was happy to receive even a small crumb from Baba's kolamba (mudpot).

 

Then Baba wanted to test him further to determine that if he really meant what he said, or was he just saying nice words to please Baba. In order to do so, Baba advanced towards him in anger and accused him of being proud of his pilgrimage, while examining his mind for the Haji’s true feelings. Baba realised that the Haji truly meant what he said and thus outwardly accepted him into his durbar.   

 

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.

1)    Even though it might appear that Baba is not responding to his devotees, he is in fact working on them internally to advance their spiritual development

Even though it might appear that Baba is not responding to you, he is working on your spiritual progress internally. You must not give up or lose faith in Baba. Just like the Haji did not give up hope for nine months, stay firm in your faith and work hard towards it.

Just like the Haji spent time in self examination, you too should examine your own attitudes and look for areas of improvement.

You could start by examining your attitude about the world and about yourself, start looking for little ways to improve yourself, and then work to correct some of those areas of improvement.

 

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

Om Sai Ram.

Chapter 12, Leela 3: Mrs. Nimonkar

Leela:

Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar, Watandar of Nomon and Honorary Magistrate, was staying at Shirdi with his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Nimonkar were spending most of their time in the Masjid with Baba and serving Him. It so happened, that their son fell ill at Belapur and the mother decided, with Baba's consent, to go to Belapur, and see her son and other relatives; and stay there for a few days, but Mr. Nanasaheb asked her to return the next day. The lady was in a fix and did not know what to do; but her God Sai came to her help. While leaving Shirdi she went to Baba, who was standing in front of Sathe's wada with Mr. Nanasaheb and others, and prostrated at His Feet and asked His permission to go. Baba said to her, ""Go, go quickly, be calm and unperturbed. Stay comfortably at Belapur for four days. See all your relatives and then return to Shirdi."" How opportune were Baba's words! Mr. Nanasaheb's proposal was overruled by Baba's decree.

 

Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p68

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    Baba cares for all his devotees equally, regardless of gender

Baba treats all souls equally. Everyone has the right to live happily, and to have their own wishes and dreams. It was Mrs. Nimonkar’s wish to spend a few days with her son and other relatives, for which she, due to the social conventions of the time, had to get approval from her husband.  In fact, she could not even communicate her wishes freely to her husband. Baba intervened, by fulfilling her wishes in a manner that her husband had to fully accept. Despite the unequal rights under which Mrs. Nimonkar lived due to her gender, Baba made sure that his devotee’s wish was fulfilled.

We all have the right to freedom and to do things as per our wishes, as long as we do not hurt anyone, regardless of our age, gender or other differences. In Hindu tradition, even God does not intervene when it comes to one’s actions and its consequences. He grants us this free will.  We too, as human beings, must not interfere in each other’s lives and force our will over others.

2)    Baba shows his love by fulfilling his devotees’ unspoken wishes

Both husband and wife were deeply faithful devotees of Baba.  Mrs. Nimonkar wished to stay in Belapur for a few days, but her husband had asked her to return the next day. She was in a dilemma; she had agreed to return as she did not want to hurt her husband's feelings. Baba intervened in such a manner that the wife’s wishes were fulfilled without upsetting the husband.

 

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.    

1.    Baba cares for all his devotees equally, regardless of gender

Each of us is fundamentally an atman temporarily residing in a physical body.  The atman has no characteristics upon which we hang our own biases.  It has no gender, race, skin colour, age, religion or creed.  When you look at others, try to focus your attention on their atman, not their body.  This will help you to get over any gender or other biases you have.

 

2.    Baba shows his love by fulfilling his devotees’ unspoken wishes

My dad used to say that there are three kinds of people in this world.

·         Devata: those who do things for others without being asked.

·         Manushya: those who do things for others when asked to do so.

·         Shaitan: those who do not do anything for others even when asked to do so.

Try to be the person who reaches out to help others even before they ask for it.

 

Mantra:

Om, Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
Sarve santu nirāmayāḥ
Sarve bhadrāṇi paśyantu
Mā kashchit duḥkha bhāgbhavet
Oṁ Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ

Meaning:

May all be prosperous and happy
May all be free from illness
May all see what is spiritually uplifting
May no one suffer
Om peace, peace, peace

 

This above mantra is from the Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/seekingshanti/2015/09/hinduprayerforeveryone_globalgoals/

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

Om Sai Ram.

 

Chapter 9, Leela 2: European Gentleman

 

Leela:

One European gentleman of Bombay once came to Shirdi, with an introductory note from Nanasaheb Chandorkar, and with some object in view. He was comfortably accommodated in a tent. He wanted to kneel before Baba and kiss His hand. Therefore, he tried thrice to step into the Masjid, but Baba prevented him from doing so. He was asked to sit in the open court-yard below and take Baba's darshan from there. Not pleased with this reception he got, he wanted to leave Shirdi at once and came to bid good-bye. Baba asked him to go the next day and not to hurry. People also requested him to abide by Baba's direction. Not listening to all this, he left Shirdi in a tanga. The horses ran at first all right, but when Sawul well was passed, a bicycle came in front, seeing which the horses were frightened and ran fast. The tanga was turned topsy-turvy and the gentleman fell down and was dragged some distance. He was immediately released; but had to go and lie in Kopargaon hospital for the treatment of the injuries. Because of such experiences all people learnt the lesson, that those who disobeyed Baba's instruction met with accidents in one way or the other, and those who obeyed them were safe and happy.

.

Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p51

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    When approaching a Spiritual Master, you must leave behind your ego, expectations and your sense of entitlement

The gentleman wanted things done his way. For his comfort, he believed he was entitled to stay in a tent, a wish which was fulfilled. He also came with the expectation that because he wished it so, he would be permitted to approach Baba, to kneel before him, kiss his hands, and sit with him a while. When approaching a spiritual master, or for that matter, any opportunity for spiritual growth, you must approach them with utmost humility and without any expectations.

2)    Prasada Buddhi

The gentleman was not pleased with the reception he got from Baba and wanted to leave Shirdi at once. Baba knows what is best for us and we must accept it. Just as we accept prasad in the temple, graciously and without complaining, we should accept all situations, pleasant or unpleasant, that come into our lives, as prasad from Baba. Be grateful for whatever is received without evaluating the effort or reward. Make the best of whatever the result, without complaining about the nature of the outcome.

There is a saying – If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

 

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.

1)    When approaching a Spiritual Master, you must leave behind your ego, expectation and your sense of entitlement

Approach the spiritual master with a lot of humility and an open mind, not with an ego, expectations and a sense of entitlement.

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind as you contemplate upon this teaching:

Do you find yourself believing that you are somehow unique or special in your spiritual quest? Do you find yourself expecting more from Baba than what is ordinarily provided to other devotees? Such feelings must be overcome in order to continue your spiritual progress.

2)    Prasada Buddhi

Accept all that comes to you in your life, pleasant as well as unpleasant. You should no longer ask “why me?” Or “why is this happening to me?”. In this way, you develop the attitude of prasād buddhi. This awareness has to be maintained constantly so that it becomes a permanent part of your attitude.

 

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

 

Om Sai Ram.

 

Chapter 7, Leela 4: Baba’s All-pervasiveness and Mercy

 

Leela:

"In the year 1910 A.D., Baba was sitting near the Dhuni on Divali holiday and warming Himself. He was pushing fire-wood into the Dhuni, which was brightly burning. A little later, instead of pushing logs of woods, Baba pushed His arm into the Dhuni; the arm was scorched and burnt immediately. This was noticed by the servant Madhava, and also by Madhavrao Deshpande (Shama). They at once ran to Baba and Madhavarao clasped Baba by His waist from behind and dragged Him forcible back ward and asked, ""Deva, for what have You done this?"" Then Baba came to His senses and replied, ""The wife of a blacksmith at some distant place, was working the bellows of a furnace;her husband called her. Forgetting that her child was on her waist, she ran hastily and the child slipped into the furnace. I immediately thrust My hand into the furnace and saved the child. I do not mind My arm being burnt, but I am glad that the life of the child is saved."

.

Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p42.

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    Act calmly even when anxious or under stress.

As described in The Life and Teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba, Translated by Indira Kher (a verse-by-verse translation of the Dabholkar’s complete Pothi into English), Page 57, verse 78:

"Hearing her husband call out to her, the smith's wife began to blow the bellows vigorously, out of fear, while holding the child..."

When the blacksmith’s wife heard her husband call out to her, she reacted out of fear and haste instead of staying calm.  As a result, her mind was not alert and she completely forgot that her child was on her waist. Baba wanted to point out in this leela to practice Sthitaprajna.

Sthita means firmly established in. Prajna is the combination of Pra (higher) and jñā (jnana), meaning a higher state of mind where one is clearly aware of the reality of Brahma, his own true nature, and his dharma.  Sthitaprajna is a state of mind where the person has developed the ability to have a stable (equanimous) mind that can act calmly even under stress. This type of person is in a state of equilibrium while facing the ups and downs of life.

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/01/shri-krishna-on-sthitaprajna-or-ideal.html

In the second chapter, verse 54 of the Bhagavad Gita:

Arjuna asks:

sthitaprajñasya kā bhāṣā samādhisthasya kēśava.

sthitadhīḥ kiṅ prabhāṣēta kimāsīta vrajēta kim..2.54..

Krishna answers:

uḥkhēṣvanudvignamanāḥ sukhēṣu vigataspṛhaḥ.

vītarāgabhayakrōdhaḥ sthitadhīrmunirucyatē..2.56..

Meaning of Arjuna’s question:

What is the description of a man of steady wisdom who is Self-absorbed?

Meaning of Krishna’s Response:

He whose mind is not shaken by adversity, who does not hanker after pleasures, and is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom.

https://indiaspirituality.blogspot.ca/2013/04/qualities-of-sthitapragna-self-realized.html

2)    Baba is always on the alert to help his devotees

Baba will immediately respond (even if the danger is just a split second away) and help his devotees during an emergency, even though he is physically at a distant place. Showing no concern about his own injury, he quickly pushed his hand into the dhuni to save the life of his devotee. This shows how he is watching over us each and every moment, and will quickly respond to avert our dangers in life if necessary.

 

3)    Baba takes on the sufferings of his bhaktas

Even though Baba had the capacity to stir food in a boiling pot with his bare arm (see leela 38.1, Baba's Handi), his arm never got burnt.  However, in this leela his arm did get burnt, the reason being that he took on the karma of his bhakta. He was glad to save the life of the child and did not mind his arm being burnt in exchange. The Karma of the child and the parents still existed, but Baba was able to divert its effect and take on the consequences upon himself.

 

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.

1)    Act calmly even when anxious or under stress.

No matter how serious your situation is, always stay calm and alert. Staying calm under pressure will improve your ability to focus on the right things, at the right time, and in the right way. It will help you to make more effective, intelligent and emotion-free decisions. Such a person will not lose control of his/her senses and avoid becoming a victim of situations.

While this idea appears very convincing why are we not able to practice it?

Learn from the Tortoise

Lord Krishna provides a simple method by which we can avoid such situations in our life. He points to the example of a tortoise. A tortoise (kūrma) is endowed with a capability to withdraw all of its body into the shell the moment it senses some danger. Since it is covered with the hard shell outside it is protected from any physical damage that could happen to it. After some time it slowly withdraws its four limbs outside. Lord Krishna advises us to take a similar approach in life.

 

We become the victim of a situation simply because of our inability to control our senses.

Lord Krishna suggests that the moment we sense that a situation is getting out of control, we need to immediately withdraw our senses as a tortoise does. A sthita prajña trains his mind to behave exactly the way Lord Krishna has advised. The idea here is not to instantaneously react to the situation. We must respond with full awareness and deliberation during an unpleasant situation, such as an angry conversation or a fight. With this alone, more than 80% of our problems will be solved. We will not regret our action later. We will have avoided an unpleasant situation of compromising the honour and respect of the people involved in the situation. We will have also avoided unnecessary mental stress and loss of credibility.

 

A practical way to implement this is to create a little gap between the stimulus (the action provoking us) and our response. This is what modern‐day psychologists also advise. Typically, they advise us to mentally count to 10 before giving a response to a situation. A better way is to remember Lord Krishna and the tortoise example. That not only saves us from the situation but also showers on us the divine Grace of Lord Krishna. We will have also laid the first important step in building a happy family, better relationships, and a more contended self.

 

http://www.iimb.ernet.in/sites/default/files/03%20Avoid%20being%20a%20victim%20of%20situations_1.pdf

 

2)    Baba is always on the alert to help his devotees

If you are going through life under stress, difficulties and problems, remember that Baba will come to your rescue in a split second when he thinks it is necessary. Always remember him even if you think that trouble is just a split second away.

 

3)    Baba takes on the sufferings of his bhaktas

If you find yourself in an unhappy situation facing the advent of suffering, remind yourself that Baba will take on some of your suffering if it becomes intolerable. Remember him often.

It also becomes your duty to keep your deeds clean so that you do not create new bad karmas, the consequences of which Baba will have to suffer unnecessarily, as he is bound by his duty to protect you.

When you find yourself in a situation where it appears you have got away with less harm than potentially could have happened, consider the possibility that Baba took on some of the consequences. On contemplating this, you will realise that your faith in him deepens.

You will also realise that in taking some of the consequences Baba has made some room for you. Instead of being fully occupied with the allotted suffering, you have been given the gift of time, which you should make the best use of, by applying it towards your spiritual growth.

 

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

 

Om Sai Ram.

 

Chapter 7, Leela 3: Baba's unique way of curing diseases

Leela:

He started practicing medicine in the village, examined patients and gave medicines. He was always successful, and He became famous as a Hakim (Doctor). A curious case may be narrated here. One devotee got his eye balls quite red and swollen. No Doctor was available in Shirdi. The other devotees took him to Baba. Other Doctors would use ointments, Anjans, cow’s milk and camphorated drugs etc., in such cases. Baba’s remedy was quite unique. He pounded some ‘BEEBA’ (Some Carpus Ana Cardium i.e. marking nuts) and made two balls of them, thrust them on in each eye of the patient and wrapped a cloth-bandage round them (eyes). Next day, the bandage was removed and water was poured over them in a stream. The inflammation subsided and the pupils became white and clear. Though the eyes are very delicate, the BEEBA caused no smarting; but removed the disease of the eyes. Many such cases were cured and this is only an instance in point. ".

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 Shri Sai Satcharita, The wonderful life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, Translated by Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji (Mumbai: Shri Sai Baba Sansthan, Shirdi, 20^th Edition 2002), p41.

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    Baba performed a miracle in order to develop Shraddha in his devotees

Baba could have used regular medicine in the above leela to cure the illness in the eye, but he chose to use an unusual way of curing the disease. Even though beeba is supposed to be harmful to the eyes, it did not cause any harm to his devotee, but cured the disease. In this leela, Baba performed this miracle to increase his devotees Shraddha in him.

 

2)    Baba has the capacity to change the harmful effects of any difficulties in his devotee’s life, turning them into benefits instead

Even though, on the face of it, it seemed like beeba could harm the devotee’s eyes, it actually cured them. Baba transformed the harmful effects of the beeba, changing them into a cure for the devotee.

 

 

Putting into Practice

Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.

1.    Baba performed a miracle in order to develop Shraddha in his devotees

To strengthen your own Shraddha, you can look to this leela and other leelas just like it where Baba performed miracles. Contemplate upon the miracles by putting yourself in the place of the devotee in the leela to deepen its significance for you.

Once Baba has taken devotees under his wing, he will work with them, even if it takes many life-times, to help them in their spiritual journey to moksha.

 

2.    Baba has the capacity to change the harmful effects of any difficulties in his devotee’s life, turning them into benefits instead

In your difficult times remember Baba and surrender all your difficulties to him. He will change the harmful effects of your problems into benefits for you.

 

I would encourage all of you to please share your interpretations, learnings and experiences on how you have put this leela into practice.

 

 

Om Sai Ram.