Leela:
Once, Kaka Mahajani went to Shirdi from Mumbai. He wanted to stay there for one week and enjoy the Gokul-Ashtami festival. As soon as he took Baba's darshan, Baba asked him, “When are you returning home?” He was rather surprised at this question, but he had to give an answer. He said that he would go home when Baba ordered him to do so. Then Baba said, “Go tomorrow”. Baba's word was law and had to be obeyed. Kaka Mahajani therefore, left Shirdi, immediately. When he went to his office in Mumbai, he found that his employer was anxiously waiting for him. His munim (accountant) had suddenly fallen ill, and so Kaka's presence was absolutely necessary. His employer had sent a letter to Kaka at Shirdi, which was still on its way there while Kaka was already on his way back.
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, 20th Edition 2002), p68
Based on Shri Sai Satcharita, The Life and Teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba, G. R. Dhalbokar, Translated by Indira Kher (Slovenia: Bird Publisher, 2009), p94
Teachings from Leela:
When our plans fail to execute, we should take comfort that, instead of our plan, it is God’s plan that is in effect, and accept it as the best plan for everyone involved.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember this leela, as it proved that when things do not go as planned, initially you might be surprised and disappointed, but in the end, you will realise that it all works out, not just for your own benefit but for the benefit of everyone involved.
Putting into Practice
Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.
1) If you fail to bring your own plans to action, be happy and satisfied that Baba’s own plans have overruled them
I once watched an interview of a famous Bollywood actor, Amitabh Bachchan, who narrated an incident in his life. Once he had prepared for a school play, but at the last moment, got sick and was not able to perform. His father said to him, “If your wish is fulfilled then be happy, but if it is not then be even more happy, as it is God’s wish that is being fulfilled and it is much better than our own”.
When things don’t go your way, don’t be disheartened. Accept things as they are, as God’s plan is in the best interest for all concerned.
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.
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