Life & Teachings of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi

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Life & Teachings of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi

Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi is a unique phenomenon on

the horizon of spirituality. Sitting on a rugged stone, His eyes full of

compassion and concern for the suffering humanity, with a torn kafni (a dress) on His body, Shri

Sai Baba presents a picture of a sage who has descended on this earth to answer

the calls of His innumerable devotees all over the world, irrespective of

caste, creed or religion.

 

His Manifestation:

Shri Sai Baba first manifested Himself under a neem tree in Shirdi (Maharashtra - India) as a young lad of sixteen and then disappeared

for a while. He returned to Shirdi with a marriage-party. The village priest Mahalsapati saw the young Fakir descending from a cart and

accosted him 'Ya Sai' i.e. welcome Sai. Thenceforth

others also started addressing Him as Sai and He became known as Sai Baba. He

began to stay in a Mosque which He later on named as ‘Dwarka

Mai’.

 

No body knew the parentage, birth or

birthplace of Shri Sai Baba. Many queries were put to

Him but no satisfactory answer was ever obtained. Who so ever tried was

dumb-founded and captured by His unique personality. No body could ever know

which caste, creed or religion He belonged to. It is no wonder; for he who had

completely surrendered himself to the Lord by getting rid of his egotism and

body consciousness and had become one with Him, had nothing to do with the

question of caste or creed.

 

His food, He begged from a few houses and

shared it with men and animals on a common platter.

 

His Teachings:

Shri Sai Baba advocated Harmony, Love, Kindness and

Universal Brotherhood, He came to bridge the gulf

between various communities. His preaching to every one was that God in

whatever form worshipped was one and the same. When it is so, then why men

should quarrel amongst themselves. Not only this but

He celebrated the festivals of Hindus and Muslims alike.

 

The Life of Shri

Sai Baba is as wide and deep as the infinite ocean and all can dive deep into

the same and take out precious gems of Knowledge and Bhakti

(devotion). The teachings of Shri Sai Baba give peace

and happiness to the people, who are afflicted with sorrows. If these teachings

of Shri Sai Baba, which are interesting and

instructive as the Vedic lore, are listened to and meditated upon, the devotees

will get what they long for, i.e., Bliss of Meditation, Peace and Moksha - the Eternal Union with God.

 

His Impact:

Seeing

Him immensely benefited people. He is known for answering the prayers of His devotees by

granting them boons and satisfying their legitimate

wishes. He comes to their aid in times of dire necessity and saves them from

awkward and difficult situations. He cures incurable diseases as if by magic;

Leprosy was cured in some cases, some blind men got their sight and lame ones

got their legs. Many got their desires fulfilled. Students appearing in

examinations, candidates applying for jobs, parents planning the marriage of

their children, litigants seeking favorable disposal of their cases,

businessmen aspiring success in their undertakings, women seeking issues throng

in large numbers to worship at Lord's feet for Mercy and Benevolence and get

their desires fulfilled.

 

The Sadguru

(Supreme Master) looks to the intense feelings and devotion of His devotees,

endows them with Knowledge and Eternal Bliss. To solve the riddle of life and

death, the easiest way of worship is to chant His name any time and every time.

 

Today Shirdi Sai Baba's name is ringing not

only in India but the World over. He is God, Sadguru and Guide to religious and God fearing people.

Devotees considered Him as God incarnate when He was in " flesh and

blood " . Baba took Mahasamadhi (Eternal rest) in

1918 and in Mahasamadhi Baba is even more powerful.

People experience His near presence as the Universal spirit, even after so many

decades of His having taken 'Mahasamadhi'.

 

His Assurances:

1. No harm shall befall him who sets his

foot on the soil of Shirdi.

2. He who cometh to My Samadhi (Eternal

resting place), his sorrows and sufferings shall cease.

3. Though I be no

more in flesh and blood, I shall ever protect My devotees.

4. Trust in Me and your prayers shall be answered.

5. Know that My Spirit is Immortal. Know

this for yourself.

6. Show unto Me he

who has sought refuge and been turned away.

7. In whatever faith men worship Me, even so do I render to them.

8. Not in vain is My

promise that I shall ever lighten your burden.

9. Knock, and the door shall open, Ask, and

ye shall be granted.

10. To him who surrenders unto Me totally I shall ever be indebted.

11. Blessed is he who has become one with Me.

 

His Healing Touch:

Shri Sai Baba always sat near Dhuni

(Sacred Fire), which He lit and kept it burning day after day. The unbroken fire known as 'Dhuni Mai'

(Mother Fire) yields the Sacred Ash - Vibhutti

– Udi which is ever potent because of the

blessings and omnipresence of the Lord. It was in the healing of

sickness that Baba's powers were lavishly displayed. At first He used to

prescribe herbs but soon he dispensed with them and gave every one the sacred Vibhuti (Ash). The devotees have been using this as His

blessings for remarkable cures. The Vibhuti alone

does not work the wonders but the devotees' bhakti

(faith and devotion) play an important role in the wonderful results of the Vibhuti. It has played a very important part in the grace

shown by Shri Sai Baba to people all these years. It

is still being sought and used by the people all over and it could bring you

blessings you seek if only you have sincere faith in Him.

Bow to Shri Sai - Peace be to all

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Society

Faridabad