Heritage of Shirdi Sai Bi-Weekly Newsletter

April 6, 2007

Note: forwarded message attached.

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Om Sai Ram!

N E W S L E T T E R

VOL26, APRIL 2007

FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE

……“These great souls are called the Sadgurus or Perfect Masters or Qutubs or Adepts. Shirdi Sai Baba was not only the Param Sadguru of His time but is the incarnation of this Age. That is why even after departure from the physical existence His influence is spreading allover the globe. Highly self-motivated devotees are doing yeoman job to propagate His preaching. Sai is as He was. Today under His benefic influence, the Sai Age has dawned and this is what every devotee has to understand.

The role of the incarnation is more expansive and spreads over thousands of years. We should celebrate Guru Purnima as a token of love for these great souls who made total sacrifice of themselves for the evolution of mankind, and ameliorating the sufferings of crores of human beings that come in direct or indirect contact with them. The least one can do to these infinitely merciful entities is to remember them, pray to them and follow them.”…….

FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

……“He was once asked by a Prarthana Samajist, 'Shall I ask you a question? 'Yes', said Baba. The Prarthana Samajist asked, 'Do you look upon all people equally?' Then Baba said, 'Yes, I look upon all equally'. It requires some sense to ask a question. The point is that Baba had several persons to whom he showed great consideration, for example Nana Chandorkar, Tatya Patil, M.B. Rege and others just as Sri Krishna showed special affection for Arjuna. Baba distinctly stated that he was anxious to help Chandorkar, Patil and Rege, and did actually help them. Yet, Baba has said that he is impartial and does not prefer one to another. What is the explanation? The same as in Sri Krishna’s case. If anyone has previously been loving Baba and getting attached to him with repeated efforts, the natural law of psychology and of ethics makes Baba respond to him more vigorously and constantly than to others. Thus he seems to favour those persons who have been constantly drawn to him in the past. Nana Chandorkar had been his sishya for four janmas, and the affection of four janmas cannot go for nothing. That is why he sends for Chandorkar when he has not sent for any one else in the world. Similarly he takes the naivedya of Mrs. Khaparde first without touching any of the previously offered ones, because for several janmas, one after another, she has been anxiously and lovingly taking up naivedyas and giving milk and food to him. Baba said, the food she gives me is sweet, with her love. Similarly towards Tatya Patil, Baba showed considerable concern, and helped him to get a large income on which income-tax was levied. He was well known to be the pet of Baba. The reason was what Baba himself gave out and what everybody knew. Tatya Patil’s parents were greatly attached to Baba from the very beginning of Baba’s visit to Shirdi when he had made no name and exhibited no powers. Tatya Patil’s mother would run into the jungles taking food in her hand to feed Baba, a self-forgetful fakir, who did not care for his food. She was looking after Baba with so much love even in this janma. Baba’s nature like Bhisma’s nature had gratitude as its bedrock, and he could never forget such ardent and loving service. He also explained that Tatya’s mother was his sister in several previous janmas, and she was always feeding him. Therefore, Tatya, being a son of his sister of so many janmas, was expressly called by Baba his nephew, and Tatya always called Baba his Mama, that is, maternal uncle. The effects of so many janmas cannot be forgotten or brushed aside, and that is why Baba paid so much attention to Tatya. Tatya’s own conduct towards Baba was also one of great surrender and attachment. Tatya used to sleep in the Mosque along with Baba and Mahlsapathy for many years, that is as long as he was a bachelor, and Baba used to attend to his body and soul. Baba would massage his legs, make passes over his head and see that he did not come to grief. Tatya was a person of no education, and would ordinarily get easily ruined in the countryside. But Baba’s company kept him up to a pretty high mark of culture and morality, and thus saved him from spiritual and moral shipwreck. There were also factions in the village, and bickerings of various sorts were common. Baba occasionally helped Tatya even in those bickerings where he had sufficient reason. He would help him even with chamatkars, that is super normal powers. Some men of Tatya’s faction like Raghu were charged before the Kopergaon Magistrate for outraging the modesty of a Marwadi woman. On the evidence of six eye witnesses, Raghu and his set were all sentenced to imprisonment. This was the result of faction. The case was not true. When Raghu was crying in the Ahmednagar Jail, Baba appeared to him in a dream and told him that he would be released quickly. Tatya took up the appeal papers first to some lawyers in Ahmednagar who thought that the case was too strong to have any success in appeal. But when the papers were taken to Baba, Baba ordered the papers to be taken to Bhav, S.B. Dhumal, Pleader of Nasik, to be presented by him with an appeal memo before the Ahmednagar District Magistrate. Baba by a wonderful chamatkar gripped the mind of the District Magistrate and made him acquit Tatya’s whole set of men, Raghu and others without sending for the papers or reading the judgment or the appeal memo, or issuing notice to the respondent. This might be considered to be a very strong piece of evidence showing Baba’s love of Tatya leading to the disregard of Law. That is true. But still, if Baba secured justice without caring for and observing the formalities in a special case, there seems to be nothing wrong in it, for in the annals of civilian trials, there may be several extraordinary instances showing disregard of laws of evidence and procedure. Coming back to the question of Baba's love for his devotees, his love for Rege was the return of a powerful love by the young Rege to him. In Rege’s vision, Sri Narayana appeared and pointed out the figure of Baba to him as his Guru. In a vision Baba had told Rege that he was bound to him and that he Rege, need now bow to Him. On the first day of Rege’s visit at Shirdi, Baba appeared to give Rege a rebuff, but told him in the afternoon that Rege was his child, and embraced him. He loved Rege and encouraged Rege, because Rege's bhava was Putra, that is, the child of Baba. Baba offered to give any promotion that Rege wanted or anything else that he wanted. But Rege wanted only that janma after janma, Baba should be with him. He cared for nothing else. That is the proof of his strong affection. Allam bhakta Paradenah that is, I am subjugated by the love of my devotee is a statement not merely of Narayana but also of Sai.

Baba also said, If one ever dwells on me in his mind and will not even taste food before offering it to me, I am his slave. So also if he hungers and thirsts after me, and treats all else as unimportant. I am bhaktaparadheena the bond slave of my devotee. I love devotion.”……

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION

SPIRITUALISM IN DAILY LIFE

Man is fortunate to have choices in life, using sense of discrimination he can evolve and by making a right choice. Unlike in olden times man has the freedom to choose his religion as well. With his ability to rationalize and be informed about the values and practices and ideology of a particular religion; he chooses to move away from the religion he is born into.

The main aim of choosing religion is to follow and attain spiritual progress and be at peace. Often one mistakes religion and spirituality to be one and the same and uses these words interchangeably. There is a subtle difference between both terms. Religion is a set of practices, rituals and beliefs that one conforms to either in a institutionalized setting or at home. On the other hand spirituality is the understanding and following the religious values in life, conforming more to innate spirit of an individual unlike the temporal practices of Religion.

A man initially follows a religion aiming at progression towards spiritual evolution. His spiritual progress is ascertained only when he is able to internalize the values governing that religion and apply it in day to day life. The basis of every religion is simple and it comprises being pure in thought and behaviour, love for all beings, compassion to fellow beings and being content with what one has and being charitable. These values are easier said than practiced. Living and being entangled in the materialistic world it is hard to be filled with pure thoughts and behaviour when the fight is for survival of the fittest.

For one who wants to progress in spiritual life, he has to constantly remind himself that in order to progress at the spiritual level one has to imbibe the values and live by them in one’s daily routine. One step at a time and one conscientious act of kindness with humility, love and generosity is required to tame our wild and erratic mind. For practicing these virtues and progressing in spirituality one need not be isolated from the world. All it needs is adapting these values in our daily routine. Hoarding is result of greediness and it pulls man to the lowest levels of behaviour. In order to get rid of his attachment to the materialism, charity is prescribed in scriptures. It is easy to love our relatives, but He who loves one who hurts him is the true devotee of God. It is difficult to accept one who does harms us, but the greatness lies in forgiving such a person and winning him over with love.

A man who makes such a conscious effort to live a simple life by accepting everything as the will of God and follows values as laid out in the religious scriptures, such a man progresses faster spiritually. Of course one needs Guru’s blessings to overcome obstacles and also to persist in the efforts to follow these spiritual values in daily life. O Master!

Give us your blessings to practice spiritualism in daily life.

Anitha Kandukuri, Australia

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DEVOTEE'S EXPERIENCE

It had been a long time since my parents could leave me all by myself. After a period of prolonged illness, I had been totally drained of my mental and physical strength. There was time in my life when I could do things all by myself. Once upon a time, I savoured the joys of a solitary existence, wallowing in the warmth of my being. But those were things of the past. Solitude was now terrifying. It was as if life was mocking at me. But there comes a moment, a moment of epiphany in life, which heralds the coming of good times. Miracles happen, however tiny. You have to believe in them.

That evening in June, my parents had to leave me behind. I had managed to put a brave front and had calmly agreed to stay by myself. I had decided not to let my fears get the better of me. Because they had been invited to attend a wedding ceremony and were going to be late, I had asked a friend of mine to give me company for a few hours. My parents left. And I waited for my friend to arrive. She had called to confirm that she would reach me in half an hour’s time. Gradually the afternoon melted into picturesque summer dusk. The sky was splattered with myriad hues. I stood on the verandah, looking at the scene outside. Children were playing happily. A cool breeze was cheerfully blowing. My parents kept calling me to ensure everything was fine. As the blissful dusk transformed into the darkness of the evening, I felt the shadows of fear slowly creeping into my heart. My friend had still not arrived…..

I sat watching the T. V. with empty eyes, to distract myself. Suddenly the doorbell rang. I was relieved; maybe my friend had arrived at last. I opened the door, and who should be standing before me? It was my aunt, a cousin of my mother’s. What was she doing here, when she should have been at the wedding? I asked her to come in. But she was in a hurry. She was on her way to the ceremony, and decided to stop by and deliver a little packet on the spur of the moment. I took the packet and she left. By then, it was already dark outside. It was quiet and eerie. The street lamps had flickered to life, trying their best to cheer up the murky lanes and alleys and my miserable self.

I stared at the packet for a long time. It was from a friend of my mother's. Curiosity got the better of me and I opened it. To my surprise and delight, out came a little framed picture of Sai Baba, with a little packet of holy vibhuti and prasad. And it had come all the way from Shirdi! My mother’s friend had been to Shirdi and had sent it for her. But for me it was a divine moment. My friend had arrived. Baba was my friend and he had come to ease the mental and physical agony that I was going through. I felt lonely no longer. I realized a friend was there for me, to help me in times of distress, to talk to me when there was nobody around. It was as if the colours of the sky had filled my bleak world with richness. The picture of Baba came as a blessing. I began to feel a lot better. I spent the evening, doing my work.

Soon, my parents returned. And with each passing day I began to regain my strength. I started enjoying the pleasures of solitude; I had learnt to do things on my own. Although it took me several months to become my usual self, I remained undeterred and kept fighting to get back my lost state of health. Every time the dark clouds of depressive bouts shrouded me, I looked into Baba’s eyes and they vanished within a second. Miracles do not happen, they have to be sensed. Miracles do not announce themselves with a flash of lightening or a peal of thunder. It is the spark within, that whispers quietly into your heart that a blessing has been granted to you and that things will be all right...Thank you Baba, for being there for me and with me.

Amrita Satpathy

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DEVOTEES' FORUM

PATIENCE

He who has faith has... an inward reservoir of courage, hope, confidence, calmness, and assuring trust that all will come out well - even though to the world it may appear to come out most badly.

Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.

Shreya, Delhi

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READER'S REFLECTION

The message in the Guru Purnima issue 2006 of Heritage of Shirdi Sai is very nice. I liked it. More on the same lines would be great reading--- I am told that Satpathyji has written some few odd thousand verses (in poetry format) in Oriya language. How about getting the same translated in English? Why not share it with all? It would be a delight to read, I am sure.

Yagyasaini Kakkra, Delhi

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NEWS OF SHIRDI SAI ACTIVITIES

SHIRDI SAI BABA SANSTHAN, CANADA

RAM NAVAMI CELEBRATION

Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada (Toronto) Cordially Invites all to Join in Celebrating Ram Navami Festival on Saturday March 31 2007 program starting with Kakad Aarti at 8:00am to Shej Aarti at 7:30pm – Maha Abhishek & Alankar - Bhajan Sandhaya - Naam Jaap – Paalki Procession – Preeti Bhoj (lunch & dinner with refreshments) at 207 Queen’s Plate Dr. Etobicoke M9W 6Z7(Highway27 & Rexdale just south of Humber College Blvd ). For further details please visit http://www.shirdisainath.org/ or call 416-294-4804

THE RESOURCE CENTRE

Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan, Canada is pleased to announce the establishment of it's first Resource Centre in Woodbridge, Toronto. All visits are by appointment only. Shri Sai Satcharita is available in all languages. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Location: Maple Crest Private School - 28 Roytech Rd. Woodbridge, On L4L 8E4 Ph: 905 - 652-6666. For other Details call 416-294-4804 or visit http://www.shirdisainath.org/

SHIRDI SAI MANDIR, TORONTO, CANADA

The Shirdi Sai Mandir located at 2721 Markham Road, Toronto, Ontario, M1X 1L5 (Intersection of Markham and Nashdene) is open through out the day on Saturday, Sunday and holidays and in the morning and evenings on all weekdays. Baba's Kakad Aarti, Abhishek Puja, Madhyan Aarti, Dhoop Aarti, Satcharita Reading and Shej Aarti are performed every day. Bhajans and Sai Naam Sankirtan in the evening on Thursday and Saturday. For information regarding the daily schedule, temple activities and events please visit Mandir's website: http://www.theshirdisaimandir.com/ or send an email to info or call 647-444-4724.

PERSATUAN SHIRDI SAI BABA SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

I belong to the Shirdi Sai Group (registered as Persatuan Shirdi Sai Baba, Selangor), Malaysia. Sai Ram everybody. This to inform Baba’s devotees in Malaysia and Singapore that every Thursday we conduct prayers in the morning at 9.00 am and bhajans and satsang in the evenings from 7.30 pm onwards. Anyone who is interested in joining us may please contact SP Kannan at 012-2739486; or Usha at 012-2392911; or Res: 03-33717540. Also if you come across any Malaysian devotees, please direct them to us. Thank you and Sai Ram.

SHIRDI SAI TEMPLE SINGAPORE

The dream of having a full fledged exclusive Shirdi Sai Temple in Singapore, will soon come true. Thanks to the efforts of a Sai devotee in making this happen.Here is a golden opportunity for all of us to be part of this initiative.We are planning to collect the Mantra 'Om Sai Nathayah Namaha', 1 crore times (10 million). To participate you need to write the Sai Mantra 'Om Sai Nathayah Namaha' in a language of your choice minimum of 500 times. Please mention the number of mantras on the front page on the top right hand corner. There is no restriction on the maximum number of mantras.All devotees are requested to try their best to hand-write the mantras/prayers. Please ensure that the mantras/prayers reach one of the following addresses by 15th April 2007.Mr. Uganthar ReddyBlock 601, #06-03Senja RoadSingapore - 670601 Mr. Prabhakar ChettiarBlock 927, #15-77Hougang Street 91Singapore - 530927

Please forward this message to all your friends and relatives around the world.

SHRI SHIRDI SAI SANSTHAN LOS ANGELES

By the grace of our Shirdi Sai we are happy to announce the inauguration of Shri Shirdi Sai Temple in LA region in the city of Montebello. We need the support of all Sai Devotees. For more information please email krishna

SHIRDI SAI CENTER, BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA

Location: 897-B E. Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA - 94086

Daily timings and activities:

Weekdays:6:15 am – 7:40 am: Abhishekam and Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am11.45 am – 12:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm6:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm

Weekends:6:15 am – 7:40 am: Kakad Arathi at 6:30 am11:00 am – 9:30 pm: Madhyan Arathi at 12:00 pm, Dhoop Arathi at 6:30 pm and Shej Arathi at 8:30 pm

Every Thursday:7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Shirdi Sai Bhajans

For more information please call 408-705-7904 / 408-564-6704 or send email to saibandhu or visit our website at http://www.Shirdisaiparivaar.org

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Topic of Discussion

Topic of Discussion feature is intended to initiate useful discussions on topics related to Shirdi Sai Philosophy and His teachings, Guru Tradition, Teachings of the Sadguru, the nature and functions of the Perfect Masters, true devotion, qualification of a disciple, etc.

TOPIC OF DISCUSSION : SAI'S MESSAGE TO THE CHILDREN

Reader’s Reflection

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July 11, 2007

N E W S L E T T E R

VOL33, JULY 2007

FROM SHRI C.B. SATPATHY'S MESSAGE

……“Therefore, the Maha Samadhi day of Baba simply means that on the 15th of October, 1918, He had decided to leave His mortal body, as the work He wanted to perform with the use of the body was over. There is enough evidence to prove that Baba had known about His Maha Samadhi even two years before, on the day of Dussehra in 1916, which Baba had called the day of ‘Seema Langhan’ and which means crossing the boundaries from a mortal existence to an immortal existence. When the consent to construct the present Samadhi Mandir at Shirdi was given by Him, He had said that “after the Wada is completed, I will come there to stay” Before His Maha Samadhi, Baba had sent some money to Shamsuddin, a Saint of Aurangabad for conducting Kawali, Mauli and Nyas, saying that the light that Allah had lighted will be taken back by Him on 9th Muharram in 1918 which incidentally was the 15th October, 1918. Therefore, Baba the Perfect Master, who was a Jivan Mukta, had decided to leave His body, as His last days and last minute actions indicate.

When the Master was with a human body, He outwardly looked like a man but 'internally' He was carrying on His universal divine role. But did His divine role end when He left His body? Before leaving His body the all merciful Sai, had clearly stated about His role after His Maha samadhi, so that the devotees He had been protecting and helping, do not feel like orphans. He had promised that He will look-after His devotees even from His tomb and also that they only will have to approach Him through their hearts and with love to get His love and support. Today the experiences of millions of devotees throughout India and everywhere else, indicate that Baba’s divine activities in helping and evolving His devotees continue with all their manifestations and glory. Reports of thousands and thousands of devotees getting unexpected help for temporal, mental and spiritual development are coming from numerous places in India and the world. Experiencing His grace, self-motivated devotees are building many Sai temples throughout the world and carrying on various types of activities in propagating His deeds and philosophies across the globe. It seems as if Shri Sai without a human body is many times more active in removing the suffering of His devotees, than the Sai when He was with a body. Those days the number of His devotees was much less than the number of devotees today. The activities to spread His name have multiplied a thousand times.Sadgurus as the embodiments of Divine Mercy are ever in a state of full divine consciousness, and beyond the states of life and death. They take a human body out of infinite compassion for the suffering devotees. Sadguru Shri Sainath Maharaj had taken His Maha Samadhi eighty-four years back. But because of His Maha Kripa (infinite compassion), His love and protection for the devotees continues.”…….

FROM "LIFE OF SAI BABA" BY NARASIMHA SWAMI

……“Baba was watching not only over Kaka, but over all his relatives also. One day Kaka received a letter that his younger brother at Nagpur was ill. Then he said to Baba, ‘I have received this letter and I am of no service to him.’ Baba said, ‘I am of service’. Kaka could not make out why Baba said so. But at that very moment, at Nagpur, a sadhu came to attend upon his brother, and cured him of his illness, and used the very words of Baba, namely, ‘I am of service’. Kaka thus found that across 1,000 miles, Baba could see what went on and could carry out what was necessary for his sishya’s relatives.

Dixit had such perfect reliance on Baba that before taking any step in any important matter, he would go to Baba and get his orders and follow the same to the very letter, even though the course was running counter to his own judgment and feelings or those of his friends and relations. Baba once tested and proved his implicit obedience while enjoying the fun of the test. B.C.S. 619 gives the account which shows that Bade Baba, Shama, and Ayi all shrank from assisting Baba or carrying out his order that a goat thoroughly weak and about to die should be slaughtered with a knife at the mosque-while Kaka Dixit alone stood the test and was bringing down a knife over the neck of the creature in implicit obedience to an apparently horrid command. B.C.S. 619 gives the account thus:Once a goat entered the mosque, old, famished and just about to die.

Baba (to Bade Baba):-Cut that goat with one stroke.

Bade Baba-(Looking at it with pity) How are we to kill this?

So saying, he went away from the mosque.

Baba:-Shama, you cut it. Fetch a knife from Radhakrishna Ayi.

(Ayi sent a knife; but learning the purpose, recalled it.)

Shama:- I will go home to fetch a knife. Shama went home and stayed away there.

Then Baba to H.S.D. – ‘You fetch a knife and kill it.’

H.S.D. went and fetched a knife.

H.S.D.-Baba, shall I kill it ?

Baba- Yes.

H.S.D. lifted up the knife and held it up in hesitation. Baba-What are you thinking of? Strike.

Dixit obeyed and was bringing the knife down.

Baba - Stop.

Let the creature remain. I will kill it myself but not at the mosque.Then Baba carried the creature a few yards, after which it fell dead.”……

ARTICLE

Living In Truth II

(In continuation of the preceding part, analysis of similarities and influence of various thoughts of Sufi School, Bhakti traditions, Baba’s sayings has been made to draw attention of the readers towards the path and the conduct )

The lives of Sufi Saints provide interesting examples of the use of social traditions to propagate spiritual concepts. The songs sung at mandirs, gurudwaras. mazaars of Sufi Shrines propagate the concept of unity of Godhead and integration, at a time when dissension was prevalent in myriad forms in society, in a dialect that people could understand. Thus the Saints led the masses in achieving harmony in society.

The Sufi School extensively utilized prayers and music (qwaalis) in its quest for achieving the union. Music (qwaalis) was often used in Sama (congregation of worshippers), which often threw its listeners into raptures inducing haal (heightened state of ecstasy) . Similarly, the medieval Bhakti Saints of India also composed songs, prose and lyrics in praise of God. The songs of both Sufi Saints and Bhakti Saints narrate the various stages of the path of God realization in a cryptic manner. The dimensions of the same song varied, according to the ripening of the seeker. The songs extensively sung praise of the Master / Guru (i.e. Pir. Murshid Yaar) for the Master led the path .

As Baba says:

Guru bina suna re sadho. ... ... guru se bichadna mera bhay hai(Quote: Sai Charan Mein)(Translation: The world is a meaningless place without Master’s grace…………. To fall from his grace is my fear or leads to death)

The use of music (in Sama) by Sufi Saints was looked down upon by the local ulemas who considered this to be against the Islamic injunctions. It is stated that during Sheikh Muinindin Chisti’s time as also during Sheikh Kaki’s time, concerted efforts were made by the local ulemas (priests) to ban music during prayers. The opponents had to retreat after realizing the spiritual powers of Sheikh Muinindin Chisti and Sheikh Bakhtiyar Kaki. The songs of Amir Khusro till date are sung by Qawaals and it is not uncommon to see the Qawaals paying respect to the Saints by performing at their mazaar (shrine). This is similar to the Hindu tradition of offering prayers in a musical form to various Gods / Saints. Shri Ramakrishna Parmahansa often sang prayers in praise of Ma Kali and often experienced Samadhi while listening to the songs.

Shri Shirdi Sai also listened to qawaalis, songs and prayers and watched performances of dancers etc. as stated in Shri Sai Satcharitra thus showing the fusion of varied schoosl of religious thought, having in common the principle of unity of the Godhead, which is followed till date in Shirdi. During major festivals, performers and musicians consider it a privilege to sing / perform at Shirdi to offer their respect to Shri Shirdi Sai.

Baba Tajudin Auliya often experienced Samadhi after listening to qawaalis and it was not uncommon to see musicians and dancers performing as a mark of respect before Baba Tajuddin. The Masters remained absorbed within, even while witnessing performances of dancers, musicians etc. though they outwardly conducted themselves in an ordinary manner.

Sheikh Kaki said that “Sama” should be used only by those who can follow it. While the Saints extensively used music as a means to offer prayers yet the mode in hands of an unripe seeker could also be the cause of his ruin. As Shri Ramakrishna Parmahansa stated, a larger receptacle is able to withhold and withstand more whereas a smaller vessel becomes turbulent easily. The Master / Guru alone can guide the disciple. As Rumi states, whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for a two day journey. Khalil Gibran, the mystic poet of Lebanon, says that a teacher takes you to threshold of your wisdom. The Hindu tradition also places the Master /,”Guru” above all Gods, parents etc. Guru Gita states that:

Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu Guru devoh Maheshwara, Guru Sakshat Parbrahma Tasme Shri Guruveyha Namah.

The Master provided the sheet anchor to continue in the path, often shielding the disciple (Murid) from the vicious flux. No wonder, the Master was the husband, beloved, brother, confidante, God, all at once, for his pupil. Like Guru tradition, the Master is GOD in the Sufi School. His intercession and blessings could lift the veil of ignorance for the child (disciple).

It is stated that Kabir Sahib told his disciple to pray to the Lord. The disciple ardently prayed only to find that his “Guru Kabir” was in fact the God. After experiencing this, he narrated the same to Kabir Sahib asking him why had he not disclosed this fact to him earlier, instead of directing him to look for the Lord. Kabir Sahib told him that now that he had experienced and witnessed it, he would believe the same. It is in this context it is stated that the Masters and God are one.

As Baba says:

“ Pita hain ishwaar par nirakar, Aankh me in aate nahinNar jab naaryan ban kar aaye, to sadguru ban kar aaye.. ..(Quote: Sai sharan me in : poem “ Sant Kripa”)

(Translation: The Formless GOD manifests in the form of the Sadguru to guide.)

Stories of the disciple following the Master to the grave also exist, as in the case of Amir Khusru. It is said that Sheikh Amir Khusro was a favourite disciple of Sheikh Nizamudin Auliya. Sheikh Nizamudin Auliya once remarked to Khusro “Turk, I may tire of myself, but not of You”. Within six months of Sheikh Nizamudin Auliya’s death, Amir Khusru too died. His tomb is within the precincts of Sheikh Nizamudin’s dargah, and respect is first offered at Khusro’s shrine before praying to Sheikh Nizamudin Auliya