Swami teaches us stric discipline

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Swami teaches us strict discipline

Sai as Father is a strict disciplinarian. He brooks no mercy for those who cross

the limit He has prescribed whether it is in the Sai organization or among

general devotees.

"Following My instructions without demur is the best plan while engaged in

service or seva; it is wrong to yield to lower craving or to follow ones own

impetuosity…… I dislike flippant talk, frivolous prattle, casual conversation

and even face to face grouping of men and women, at all times and, more

specially during spiritual gatherings and occasions. You must be models of

straight and courteous behavior." Baba directs.

Many so-called 'close devotees' had to leave the Mandir at short notices

whenever they crossed the Lakshman Rekha marked by Him. But He will never have

any ill will towards them. All that He wants is to make them look inward and

correct themselves for their own good. Kasturiji admits of a bad habit he had

had of using frequently the expletive 'idiot' for expressing displeasure even

without much of a provocation. Baba once admonished him rather harshly "Don't

cause injury to anyone's self-respect, intentionally or unintentionally" and

this practice was virtually erased.

As Father Sai He grooms His devotees far and near. During a halt at the

residence of one of the devotees, a young man in the group asked the host for a

glass of buttermilk. Baba unexpectedly entered the room detected the empty glass

on the sill of the window. With patriarchal authority he pointed out the mistake

as it must have caused inconvenience to the host and advised all to be satisfied

with whatever was given or served and to keep our urges under check. He also

gave tips on table manners and insisted on the need to desist from asking for

second helpings.

In order to discourage and dissuade His devotees from carrying on with certain

bad addictions that have assumed chronic proportions over a period of years

Baba sometimes expresses His displeasure about it in general terms within their

hearing as the first dose of treatment. If they do not give up such bad habits

with such oblique references then He will directly deal with them.

Kasturiji was a snuff addict for three decades when he traveled with Baba to

Rishikesh and other places of great spiritual importance. So he had stored

enough of that stuff that would suffice for considerable period. One night

while camping at the Ashram of Swami Sivananda, Baba came out of His cottage in

the Ashram complex and straightaway walked into the dormitory where Kasturiji

and five others were preparing for sleep. He was accompanied by Swami Sadananda

and Satchidananda. Baba came near Kasturiji's cot and turned the pillow over to

expose the snuff-box. Baba looked at him sternly and said only one word

"Dirty". Kasturiji in great remorse and embarrassment took it and threw it

away, and touching Baba's feet assured Him "No more Swami, I am giving it up

from this moment". The immediate reward was a soft pat. The harshness or

roughness of Baba intended to correct anyone at all times has an undercurrent

of perpetual love which makes an everlasting impact on the

corrected.

(Sharing with Sai Love) Ram.ChuganiRam ChuganiKobe, Japanrgcjp

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