Sai Satcharitra - Ovi to Ovi english Translation - Chp-II

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145. Sai darshan is an exceptional experience. The whole nature changes with

it. The memories of past deeds disappear and slowly a dislike develops for

worldly pleasures.

 

146. The sins accumulated from many past lives were destroyed by the

benevolent glance. Hope awakened of unending joy being received at Sai’s

feet.

 

147. By my good fortune I reached Sai’s feet, which are as holy as the Lake

Manas26, which will transform a crow like me into a swan. Sai is a great

‘mahant’, foremost amongst saints, ascetic of highest order and a great

yogi.

 

148. He is the destroyer of sins, difficulties and miseries. By the darshan

of such a person as Sai, I am greatly blessed by coming into contact with

the treasure-house of virtue.

 

149. My meeting with Sai Maharaj is the outcome of the good deeds of all my

previous births. If the eyes are filled with the form of Sai, then the whole

world takes the form of Sai.

 

150. On the first day of my arrival at Shirdi, I had an argument with

Balasaheb Bhate27 on the necessity of having a Guru.

 

151. “By giving up one’s own independence why should one rely upon someone

else! What is the need of a Guru where there is competence in performing one

’s duties?

 

152. For one should do one’s own duties. What can a Guru do for him who does

not act? To one who is supine and lazy, who can give him anything?”

 

153. Just this was my simple proposition. The other side had the opposite

view point. Obstinacy on both sides was equally balanced. And the

controversy continued.

 

154. The source of all controversy is strong self-conceit. This is a sign of

egotism without which there cannot be any such arguments in the world.

 

155. The argument of the opposite side was that even if a person is learned

and well-versed in the Vedas, without the grace of the Guru, such a person

will be only academically free of bonds.

 

156. Is destiny more important or one’s own efforts? A fierce dispute raged;

and I said, “What will you achieve by entirely depending upon your destiny?”

 

157. Then the opponent said, “Destiny is irresistible. The future cannot be

averted. Even the most confident become helpless.

 

158. Who can defy destiny? You may try doing something and it may take

quite a different turn. Keep your word jugglery to yourself. Your ego should

be discarded”.

 

159. I said, “How do you say so? One who makes efforts receives everything.

How can destiny help an idler?

 

160. One should raise himself by one’s own efforts, proclaim the Smritis.

One cannot go further by disregarding this.

 

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