Shri Sai Satcharitra can only guide them.�…….

[Guest guest]

……“An in-depth analysis of the Path shown by Baba leads to certain obvious

pointers essentially required for spiritual evolution of human beings. Baba,

during His interaction with a very large number of devotees of different

religions and paths had repeatedly brought out certain common emotional,

psychological and physical parameters to be followed by the devotees. Although

specific instructions were given directly or indirectly to most of the devotees

to solve their immediate or mundane problems, yet the general parameters for

ethical living and spiritual evolution were more profound and long term. After

Baba left His human form, those who followed the parameters and advice for the

rest of their lives benefited immensely. Others, who deviated, in the absence of

interaction with a Sadguru with a human body, did not evolve much. This is the

conclusion one is bound to draw when lives of the prominent devotees of Baba are

examined as a whole.

 

These general parameters for a contented and evolved life have been brought to

the fore extensively in Shri Sai Satcharitra when it narrates real-life

happenings at Shirdi, anecdotes and interpretations. Most of the other books

written on Baba have also tried to bring out these parameters in different ways.

Thus for a good disciple the examples from the life of Baba and his percepts, as

codified in Shri Sai Satcharitra and other published materials should work as

the best reference points of guidance for their ethical conduct and spiritual

progress. This is why I always prescribe reading of Shri Sai Satcharitra in

particular and other related materials to the devotees and others following any

path or religion. Whenever in doubt about his thoughts and actions a devotee

should try to relate with the information on similar situations provided in Shri

Sai Satcharitra. He should always judge to find out as to how far he is able to

progress with reference to

these parameters as the permanent principles of an ethical existence.

 

Baba has spoken about these greatest principles in the simplest way, when

exemplifying these principles through his own conduct as well. For example let

us take the case of a man who spoke ill of another devotee to Baba. Baba told

him that pigs will only eat dirt even when given the best of food. The meaning

of this sentence is too obvious to be explained. Or when, while giving two

rupees to a person who had helped Baba with a step ladder in going up and coming

down the home of Radhakrishnamayi, announced that one must pay for the labour of

another. In fact the entire gamut of all his advice reiterates the principles of

ethical conduct reflected in Shrimad Bhagavata Gita.

 

The problem with some of the devotees is that they read Shri Sai Satcharitra

more intensely for its miracle stories rather than for understanding the applied

principles of an ethical living. Further while carrying on their mundane deeds

or misdeeds they often forget Baba’s advice at that moment. Therefore, they

are prone to ask the same questions on various issues again and again over the

years when ever in trouble. What Baba wanted the followers to do is more to

practice these principles than to read. As Baba’s intentions reveal, the

question is not as to how many times one has failed while trying but as to

whether he is determined and remembers these principles while doing any act,

good or bad. Each devotee needs to ask this question to himself and find the

answer. Shri Sai Satcharitra can only guide them.â€â€¦â€¦.