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.

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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), 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.