Taking to the Forests

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Is running away from the daily world the only solution for a person that is not

in a position to detach himself from the worldly affairs? Somdev did such a

thing. He reached Shirdi after his pilgrimage to Kedarnath and saw Baba's

grandeur, flags and chariot, and devotees flocking around Sainath. With

questions about Baba's detachment and feeling proud about his achievement in

being away from the family, Somdev approached Baba with a contempt that was not

uncommon with the doubting Thomas's of those days in Shirdi. Baba struck at him

straightaway, without any compassion said, "get that rascal away!" Somdev was

puzzled, his pride running watery. Later, Baba, the one who knew past present

and future, reprimanded Somdev for running away from his family in search of

deliverance, and let out the words of wisdom; there is nothing more sinful than

renunciation as a means to escape from inability and weakness. In fact, such an

act amounts to selfishness!

Sri Ammula Sambasiva Rao in his "Life History of Shirdi Sai Baba" narrates an

incident involving Nana Chandorkar and Sadguru Sainath as follows: One's

closeness to Baba was the result of good deeds over many births, and such a

person was Nana Chandorkar. He learnt many things from Baba. He found this

samsara (worldly life) to be like a fearful ocean. The samsara appeared to him

like an obstacle to his spiritual progress. He learnt this truth by practical

experience. In the year 1918, one day when Baba was alone, Nana said to Him,

"Baba, I am finding the samsara very fearful. My mind is not interested in

worldly affairs. Somehow, give me salvation from this worldly affairs". On

hearing this Baba smiled and said, "There is some truth in what you said. But

the remaining is untruth and meaningless. You are under the impression that by

taking to forests, one can escape from trials and tribulations of the samsara.

But this is not correct. It is only an

illusion, because wherever you go, your body and mind are with you only. They

will never leave you but will be giving you some kind of happiness. Our past

actions are the basis for our present troubles and happiness. They should be

faced courageously and with tact, and you should lead a family life in the

proper way. By getting away from samsara, one cannot attain happiness. Everyone

who proceeds in the spiritual way will have to face all these problems and to

think of renunciation (escape) as a solution is not correct". This is the

message of Baba.

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Arun Reddy Nukala

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