Sai Baba the Master

November 1, 2005

Devotee Purandhare had a very bad headache. He sent word to Baba through Dr.

Pillay that it would be better for him to end his life than be subject to such

a pain. Baba had sent him a snuff-like substance which immediately relieved

Purandhare of his headache.

* * *

In 1918, on the eve of the holy day of Sri Ramanavami, Namasaptaha (incessant

chanting of divine name for seven days) was going on. Several devotees were

seated in Dwarakamai. Baba called Shama and told him, “Go out and fetch the

candy which the old man standing outside has brought for me.” Shama went out

and did find a very old man standing there. He looked senile owing to age.

Saliva was dripping from his parted lips and flies were swarming all over his

face. Shama led the old man by the hand into Baba’s presence. Baba then kept

his hand on the old man’s head in blessing, took a little candy from a small

bundle in his garment and gave the rest to him as prasad.

* * *

There were occasional flashes of lighter moods in Baba. At such times, he used

to play with his devotees. For instance, he used to hide the turban of a

devotee like Tatya and enjoy the fun. Sometimes he put Tatya’s turban on his

own head, and used to mimic Tatya’s manner and walk. Again, when Mahalasapathy

was alone with him, Baba used to press Mahalsapathy’s feet! When the latter

protested, Baba used to say “Don’t mind this. We are the same. People might

say great things of me. But I am no such.”

Sathe writes: “On several occasions I was invited to get upadesh (initiation)

from others like Upasani Baba, Mrs. Athabai of Sangola, Phatak Maharaj of

Moregaon. In each case, I referred the question to Sai. His response was

negative. Though there was no formal initiation by Baba he wished me to look

to him alone with undeviating attention and he was powerful enough and willing

to look after my interests, temporal and spiritual.”

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