Chapter 35, Leela 5: Power and Efficacy of Udi

Leela:

Once it happened that, at Balaji's death anniversary, a certain number of guests were invited and dinner was prepared for them. At dinner-time, three times more people showed up than expected. Mrs. Newaskar was in a fix. The quantity of food she had prepared would not suffice for the people assembled, and if it fell short, the honour of the family would be at stake. Her mother-in-law comforted her by saying, "Don't be afraid, it is not ours, but Sai's food. Cover every dish with a cloth, after putting some Udi in it. Serve from underneath the covering. Sai will save us from embarrassment." She did as she was advised, and found to her surprise and joy, that not only did the food suffice for all, but plenty of it was left over.

 

Based on 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), p191

 

Teachings from Leela:

1)    In times of trouble, remember Baba with shraddha, and He will be there for you as promised

Mrs Newaskar’s mother-in-law had complete Shraddha (faith and confidence) in Baba. She knew that, in this difficult situation, when family honour was at stake, she could rely on Baba to help them.

When the situation arose, she was helpless as nothing could be done to overcome the shortage of food on short notice.

She invoked Baba’s help via the Udi and Baba answered her call for help. Baba had promised to help anyone who called out to Him with complete Shraddha during times of trouble. He kept that promise.

           

Putting into Practice

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

1)    In times of trouble, remember Baba with shraddha, and He will be there for you as promised

When you find yourself in a difficult situation which is beyond your control, remember Baba and seek His help. He is always ready to help you. All you need is Shraddha (faith and confidence) and Saburi (patience).

This does not mean that you can neglect your own duties and expect Baba to bail you out.

 

 

 

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.