Thanksgiving

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What is the method of teaching that Baba followed? Did He install any

institution or a particular way of thought for His followers to propagate? For

that matter, has there been any record of Sadguru Sainath appointing anyone to

continue His mission?

Inscrutable are His ways! During His lifetime and after, Baba showed a peculiar

way of teaching and guiding His followers. He had asked some to be more

disciplined, perform rituals, and undertake reading of sacred texts, while some

were asked to keep quiet or just wait. Some were commended for their piety while

some denounced for their orthodoxy! Baba seemed to have answers to the innermost

of the questions His followers had. He seemed to have a certain way of giving

"individualized instruction" depending on one's earnestness. However, He seems

to be very particular in emphasizing certain virtues in His followers. The two

pice (two cents) He demanded were faith and patience. Invaluable! By calling

Himself as a servant, Baba has stressed the importance of humility, because

humility is a virtue that reaps rich harvest in one's pursuits. By insisting on

the surrender of the self and accepting the will of the supreme over the

individual, Baba stressed the

existence of a unifying higher order. His views on the purpose of religions were

simple, "There is only one God and the purpose of every religion is the same".

In a unique way, Sai Baba of Shirdi also had asked His followers to investigate

the "self". He also expounded on the obstacles for such a pursuit, native as

well as acquired. Is it possible to categorize this unique way of spiritual

leadership?

For some, Baba's life and teachings might look like a paradox, but in reality,

His ways are as simple and natural as it could be! He did not give any set of

rules to follow for His disciples. On the other hand, He was present in the

minds of earnest devotees who sought His guidance on matters, big and small.

For such people, in His words, He guarded them from front, back, and sides. To

those who would differ with His advice, Baba said simply, "God will do good".

Neither was there an insistence on a rigorous stewardship. Faith and patience

are two traits common to everyone regardless of their religious, social, and

financial or other status. By invoking the traits common to every human being,

Sai Baba of Shirdi has indeed simplified the pursuit and the purpose life may

have in the mosaic of modern day life. How shall one thank the God of Shirdi

for this? On this Thanksgiving Day, let us be happy for being so fortunate.

Arun Reddy Nukala

+44 7946 595063

http://groups.msn.com/

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