Leela:
One day, an astrologer named Nanasaheb Dengale told Bapusaheb Butti, who was then in Shirdi, "Today is an inauspicious day for you. There is danger to your life. Have courage in your heart and be very alert".
This made Bapusaheb restless. When they went to Masjid, as they usually did, Baba said to Bapusaheb, "What does this Nana say? He foretells death for you. Well, you need not be afraid. Tell him boldly, ‘Let us see how death kills’”.
Later that evening Bapusaheb went to the privy (outdoor toilet) to ease himself, where he saw a snake. His servant saw it too and lifted a stone to strike at it. Bapusaheb restrained him, saying, "Go get a stick instead. Hurry, in such matters, is not good".
However, before the servant returned with the stick, the snake was seen moving away and soon disappeared. Bapusaheb remembered with joy Baba's words about fearlessness.
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), p117
Based on Shri Sai Satcharita, The Life and Teachings of Shirdi Sai Baba, G. R. Dhalbokar, Translated by Indira Kher (Slovenia: Bird Publisher, 2009), p185
Teachings from Leela:
1) Your Sadguru will help you face your calamities with courage and fearlessness
Even though the astrologer asked
Bapusaheb to have courage and be very alert, it still made him restless, as
would you or me.
Baba being omniscient, knows how to help His devotees face their dangers with courage and fearlessness. While the astrologer’s advice to have courage did not help reduce the fear in him, the words of encouragement from His Sadguru assured Bapusaheb that Baba would take care of his problems and this gave him the courage to face the danger. Bapusaheb’s courage is evident from the way he was able to handle the situation.
When the snake did appear, his servant lifted a stone to strike at it. Bapusaheb restrained him, saying, "Go get a stick, instead. Hurry, in such matters, is not good".
By asking the servant to not react quickly, it shows how Bapusaheb was able to handle his situation with calmness, courage and fearlessness. This was only possible due to his Sadguru’s assurance that nothing would happen to him and that he was going to be safe.
Thus, Baba averted the danger, both to Bapusaheb
Butti and the snake.
Putting into Practice
Here are some suggestions on how we could use this leela in our daily lives.
1) Your Sadguru will help you face your calamities with courage and fearlessness
Always remember that you are a devotee of Baba. In chapter 11, of the Sai Satcharitra, Baba has Himself said, “He, the slave of His devotees, always stood by them, and responded to them, whenever they called upon Him”.
Offer all your troubles to Baba and then remembering this leela, act calmly to face all your calamities with courage and fearlessness. Finally, accept all that comes your way as His wish. Even if, on the face of it, it might appear that things are not going your way, Baba knows what is good for you in the long run.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, it's not the end.
John Lennon
We are very fortunate that Baba is our Sadguru, so have shraddha (faith based upon knowledge and trust) in Him, as He will carry us all the way to the end ,to Moksha, no matter how many lifetimes it takes.
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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