Previously Posted
Continued CHAPTER 16
The Method Of Baba’s Instructions
14. Balasaheb Mate
(i) Balasaheb was a friend of Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Because of Nanasaheb’s influence, Balasaheb came to Shirdi for Baba’s darshan. Basically he had a strong inclination towards spiritual path right from his young age. He had an opportunity of darshan of many Saints and sadhus when he was in his prime youth. He had listened to Kirtans of many great men. Because of Baba’s darshan his faith became firm. He advanced in spirituality and turned inward to become detached by Baba’s grace.
(ii) He was so much attracted and drawn towards Baba that he resigned from the job of Mamlatdar and led a life of an ascetic thereafter. He was at the Lotus feet of Baba till the end of his life.
15. Abdulbhai
(i) Abdulbhai started his inward journey as a result of Baba’s lessons. He became detached and free of desires by His grace.
(ii) Baba used to teach him the sacred book of Islam religion, ‘Quran‘
(iii) Baba used to give him money for his subsistence. He never allowed him to accept money from anybody else.
16. Mhalsapati
(i) He was an ardent devotee of Khandoba, a deity, and used to frequently go to Jejuri.
(ii) His desire for money gradually diminished because of Baba’s precept.
(iii) Baba would never allow him to keep even a paisa with him.
17. Saguna Meru Naik
(i) Baba gave him a training of a gardener. He then planted and brought up the garden of Shirdi Sansthan.
(ii) Baba gave him a command through a dream, to bring breakfast for Him every morning. When he met Him in person, Baba told him what dishes he should bring.
(iii) After some days, Baba instructed him to offer some part from breakfast with ghee to the fire (Dhuni). He gave him the practical training of the ritual. Baba had warned, not to bring cooked rice without ghee.
(iv) The ritual of offering the food to the fire before eating was called ‘Vaishvadev’. Baba taught this religious process to Saguna.
(v) Baba also told him to be compassionate towards the poor and meek. He advised Saguna to help them as far as possible.
(vi) Baba taught him to love animals as well.
18. Balkrishna Vishwanath Deo
(i) Baba taught him Yoga in his dream He showed him the correct posture and correct position of fingers. He also advised him the ‘Nama-Mantra‘ (Incantation for chanting God’s name).
(ii) Through Nanasaheb Chandorkar, Deo got the instructions about the method of chanting in the wakeful state.
(iii) Baba asked him to read ‘Dnyaneshwari‘ (a sacred book) everyday.
(iv) After two years Baba put a question to him, again in his dream, whether he could comprehend the above sacred book. He suggested the correction of his mistakes also.
(v) Baba told him, “When you offer Me ‘Four’, only one reaches Me. Whatever you give Me will be credited to your account. Be sure about it”.
(vi) Baba further said, “If you have any doubts in your mind, you should ask Me; and don’t go to anybody for clearing it. Never listen to or rely on others.”
(vii) Once Deo made a mistake in one of the lessons. Baba flew into a towering rage, and ran to him with His ‘Satka’ (a thick wooden stick) as if He were about to beat him. His face turned red due to anger. He drove him out Dwarkamai. After a while He cooled down, called him in and accepted Dakshina (Money) from him. Baba advised Deo to ponder over the intention behind His anger, and to read Dnyneshwari everyday, without fail.
All the above eighteen devotees had an invaluable opportunity of being in contact Baba. I (the author) am purposefully mentioning a few other names and a brief information about some more devotees who were fortunate to have Baba’s grace to stay in his proximity. The reason is, many more fake, so called devotees are now propping up and coming forward. Many had tried to boast that they were very close Baba, He told many things to them, which others do not know or they have received many lessons from Him. They are trying to deceive people and mislead them.
© Author – Dr. Keshav Bhagwant Gavankar (Annasahib Gavankar) – Explicit Rights To Publish To Shirdi Sai Baba Books.com (Member of SaiYugNetwork.com)
Love you Deva! Jai Sai Samarth!
Koti pranams to all Maha Bhaktas!