SAI BABA & FOOD . . . . Please guide me with proper understanding!!!

[Guest guest]

Is taking non-vegetarian food wrong or sinful?No, because "jeevah jeevah khadati" – one creature feeds on another creature. But there are certain foods, which are natural, like the child who is nourished by his mother on her breast-feed. Human being eats vegetables and after his death his disintegratedbody returns to the soil and becomes a part of the whole vegetable world. But, killing an animal means we have finished the consciousness which had reached a higher level, and eating the flesh of a human means finishing the consciousness which had reached yethigher level than animals. Saints who have reached a highly evolved state of consciousness, do not eat anything. Upasani Maharaj did not eat anything for one year. Some saints bring about such changes in their organic system that they can nourish themselves on the direct

energy from sun.Baba Said...."I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me, and ever remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvationBaba is every where just feel him and keep on saying `Om Sai Ram' to whom so ever you meet.OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI!!! Let us pray at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards himJai Sai RamSwamy MahadevanBow to Shri Sai-Peace be to allBaba Bless you ever!!!

[Guest guest]

Is taking non-vegetarian food wrong or sinful?

 

No, because " jeevah jeevah khadati " †" one creature feeds on another creature.

But there are certain foods, which are natural, like the child who is nourished

by his mother on her breast-feed. Human being eats vegetables and after his

death his disintegrated

body returns to the soil and becomes a part of the whole vegetable world. But,

killing an animal means we have finished the consciousness which had reached a

higher level, and eating the flesh of a human means finishing the consciousness

which had reached yet

higher level than animals. Saints who have reached a highly evolved state of

consciousness, do not eat anything. Upasani Maharaj did not eat anything for one

year. Some saints bring about such changes in their organic system that they can

nourish themselves on the direct energy from sun.

 

Baba Said....

 

" I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me, and ever

remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvation

 

Baba is every where just feel him and keep on saying `Om Sai Ram' to whom so

ever you meet.

 

OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI!!! Let us pray at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Baba who

is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and

increase our devotion towards him

 

Jai Sai Ram

Swamy Mahadevan

Bow to Shri Sai-Peace be to all

Baba Bless you ever!!!

 

, swamy mahadevan

<mahadevanvnswamy wrote:

>

>

>

> --- On Wed, 5/27/09, vbdholakia <vbdholakia wrote:

>

>

> vbdholakia <vbdholakia

> SAI BABA & FOOD . . . . Please guide me with proper understanding!!!

> To:

> Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 12:15 PM

>

>

Dear All Sai Devotees,

> Jay Sai Ram.....

>  

> I'm in confusion now days...

> I'll be grateful to you, if you will guide/help me...

> I'm staunch devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba since last so many years...

> I'm just mad for my beloved Lord Sainath.

> I’m not offering anything to any other god except My SaiDeva.

>  

> Yesterday, I had completed 38th to 41st Chapters (Adhyay) of Shri. Sai

Satcharit. Those who had gone through 38th chapter might be knowing that baba

was used to cook non-veg items in his earlier days. He was sending HIS devotees

to collect the meat (Shri Dada Kelkar). He was taking His food after prayers

only. Babaji was born for distribution of Love, Faith, Trust, Kindness,

mercy, compassions etc... His Avtaar is also called " Karuna_Avtaar " .    

>  

> Baba Himself was telling… “Be kind on each animal. Don’t give pain &

troubles to anybody!! I’m living in every living & non_living things of the

world… Try to see my form in each animal.† 

>  

> This is the confusion for me!!

>  

> So, How He had accepted non-veg food (it is said as Taamsi-Ignorant & hot

tempered in nature), while it is only made after violence? What may be the

reasons?? What will be the massage behind his food practice? What may be the

leelas of Shri Sai Baba behind this? His Divinities & Leelas are Limitless &

innumerable. Hey Deva, Kindly Bless us with total understanding of YOUR divine

Leelas & massages.....

>  

> I had attached this matter with beautiful article/mail of Shri Rohit Behalji

for more detail ideas. Kindly guide me about these leela of Shri Sainath

Maharaj.

>  

> Important Note: - My intention is not to criticize any food or any food

habits. So please don’t mind. PLEASE…. I'm just trying to understand HIS

divine thoughts & leelas...

>      

> I’m waiting for your views & guidance.

> Your answers will make me more staunch devotee of SaiGod.

>  

> May SaiBaba Bless U-n-Ur family.

>  

> “ANANTKOTI BRAHMAND NAYAK RAJADHIRAJ YOGIRAJ PARABHRAHM SACHCHIDANAND

 SADGURU  SHRI  SAINATH  MAHARAJ  KI  JAYâ€

>  

> Jay Sai Nath.....

>

> With Best Regards,

> BHUSHAN DHOLAKIA

>  

>

>

> --- On Thu, 10/16/08, rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33 wrote:

>

>

> rOhit beHaL <omgurudev33

> [ExperienceswithShirdiSaiBaba] SAI BABA AND FOOD

> " 1 " <experienceswithshirdisaibaba

> Thursday, October 16, 2008, 12:03 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

SAI BABA AND FOOD

> (SHRI SAI LEELA SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 1993)

> By Lt. Col. M. B. Nimbalkar (Retd.)

>  

> Sai Baba in His teachings had given great shocks to then current customs and

beliefs. His teachings, especially those about food, were quite revolutionary

and reformatory; but of course very correct and truly beneficial.

> NON-VEG FOOD

> In our Hindu and Jain, Buddha religions especially, there is a belief that

unless one gives up eating non-vegetarian food, one cannot attain emancipation

or knowledge of the Supreme Spirit. Sai Baba Himself was an emancipated soul and

had full knowledge of the Supreme Spirit and was capable of giving such

experiences to others. However, He not only had no objection to non-veg food;

but never insisted that His devotees, used to non-veg food, should give it up.

Actually, in His early days, He used to cook non-veg food Himself in a big pot

and after consecrating it through a Moulvi by reciting fatia, used to send as

prasad to Mhalsapati and Tatya Kote Patil before distributing to others. (Ch.

38, Shri Sai Satcharita).

> There might be two reasons for this. One could be that Sai Baba for His

mission of achieving unity amongst Hindus and Muslims, had adorned Muslim Fakir

type of dress and style of living. Hence, accepting non-veg food was quite

appropriate. Secondly, if we carefully consider the teachings of our scriptures,

it will be clear that not to eat non-veg food is only one of the means to attain

emancipation or knowledge of the Supreme Spirit and not a goal in itself. Most

of the famous suktas in Vedas have been authored by kshatriya or warrior caste.

Sages such as Vishwamitra, kings like Janaka, who were famous as Brahma-jnani or

knowcr of the Supreme Spirit, were also of warrior caste and non-veg food was

not taboo for them. To give up non-veg food, to avoid killing of innocent

animals for the sake of one's enjoyment of tasty food or because non-veg food

becomes hindrance in achieving .concentration of mind during meditation by

increasing attributes of passion

> (Rajo-guna) and ignorance (Tamo-guna), is of course commendable.

> But, to say that without avoiding non-veg food one cannot achieve emancipation

or knowledge of the Supreme Spirit is not correct. Otherwise great seers, like

Mohammed Paigamber and Jesus Christ in other religions, where non-veg food is

normally consumed, would not have been born at all. Moreover in India, do those

castes and communities do not take non-vcg food, do so because they believe in

the principle of .non-injury or not to allow the attributes of passions and

ignorance to increase? They are vegetarians; because it is customary in their

castes for generations, not to eat non-veg food. These persons have never tasted

non-veg food; and hence they have disgust or aversion to such food. However,

now-a-days, young men and women of these castes, having tasted it, have started

enjoying it in restaurants and hotels. Similarly, amongst those having

vegetarian food also, fried items, full of pepper and condiments and difficult

to digest sweets, although

> adhering to the principle of non-injury, do tend to increase attributes of

passion and ignorance, which arc obstacles for concentration in meditation.

> In fact, as a person progresses in his sadhana, his attraction for non-veg and

rich food automatically gets dwindled and is ultimately lost permanently. Just

because one gives up eating meat, fish and eggs as a result of attending

bhajun-melas or visiting temples in old age, he does not attend eminence amongst

the sadhakas. On one side to give up non-veg food and on the other side to get

upset and get tempted looking at such food or to eat heavy and rich veg food or

in business dealings not to hesitate to rob or cheat a person or to drive away

even by hitting cows and buffalos or birds! Isn't such vegetarianism useless?

> Sai Baba's ideas must be on the same lines probably. That is why He never

advised His devotees to give up non-veg food. Sometimes jokingly as in Ch. 38,

He used to ask an orthodox Brahmin, like Dada Kelkar to go and buy mutton from

the market or as in Ch. 23, His order to His great Brahmin devotee Kakasaheb

Dixit to kill a goat with a knife.

> But, this was only to test their readiness to execute, whatever order given by

Him, their Guru; and, therefore, before the person started acting, He used to

stop them. Similarly, to the devotees, in whose religion or caste only veg-food,

was in vogue, He never tempted or encouraged to eat non-veg food. Baba's method

of resisting His devotees from eating non-veg food was quite different and

unique. He oft and on used to tell His devotees that He was present in every

creature, moving about. In Ch. 9 to Mrs. Tarkhad He said,

> " The dog, which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread,

is one with Me; so, also the other creatures (cats, pigs, flies, cows etc.) are

one with Me. I am roaming in their forms. He, who sees Me in all these

creatures, is my beloved. So, abandon the sense of duality and distinction and

serve Me as you did today. "

> Once, one is thoroughly convinced of this idea, who will dare to eat non-veg

food? Will it not be given up automatically? Thus, Sai Baba also preached

'non­violence' in food, but in a very realistic, practical and tactful manner.

> ONION

> What applies to non-veg food also applies to onion. Sai Baba, Himself, used to

eat onion with bread daily and did not like anybody expressing disgust towards

it or not eating it; because of its bad smell. His incidents of teasing and

ridiculing Dada Kelkar, Das Ganu and Kusha Bhau are well-known. He also once

surprised a student of yoga by eating bread and onion in front of him and later

gave a proof to him of His Super Yogic Powers. As if Sai Baba wanted to tell

people that.because of baseless customs and beliefs, you are depriving yourself

of onion and garlic, which are greatly praised by the ayurveda (Indian medical

science) and are excellent health-giving foods. Isn't the poor and hard-working

farmer able to perform labourous task of ploughing his field by eating bread and

onion only? If a person faints, a crushed onion is the quickest and simplest

first-aid in the far off villages. Recently, the western countries, after

research, have declared

> garlic as excellent cure for heart disease and high blood pressure and since

then we Indians have started buying costly tablets (Lasona) containing essence

of garlic.

> FASTING

> Other important advice of Sai Baba concerning food was that of fasting. Sai

Baba never kept a fast Himself, nor did He allow others to do so. In Ch. 32,

Mrs. Gokhale wanted to keep a fast for 3 days at Shirdi; but Baba asked her to

go to Dada Kelkar's house to cook, as Kaka's wife was in menses and not

permitted by custom to cook. Further, He not only ordered her to feed Kaka and

his family members with sumptuous and delicious 'puran polies' (sweet-stuffed

breads) but asked her to feed herself also to heart's content by giving up the

fast. Baba used to say :

> " The mind of the person fasting is never at ease, then how could attain the

Paramartha (goal of life)? God is not attained on an empty stomach; first the

soul has to be appeased. In short, when all organs get their proper nutrition

and are sound, we can practise devotion and other sadhanas to attain God.

> Therefore, neither fasting nor over-eating is good. Moderation in diet is

really wholesome both to the body and mind. " (Ch. 32, P. 177-178, Shri Sai

Satcharita)

> Also in Ch. 19, Baba persuaded Mrs. Radhabai Deshmukh, who had determined to

remain without food and water unto death so long as Baba did not give her

Upadesh Mantra, to give it up and narrating His own experience with His Guru,

explained to her a simplest method of achieving oneness in the God - " You,look at

Me and I look at you. "

> The Sanskrit word for fasting is 'Up + vaas', which means seat near. Since the

fasting is done for religious purposes, it means seating near God. In other

words on that day one has to think and act with pure mind and meditate on God's

form. But, we hardly do this. On the contrary, on that day since we continue to

attend to our normal secular business and other duties, we also continue to

indulge in immoral activities such as telling lies, cheating others etc. There

are many methods of observing fast, narrated in our religious books. But, at

present the following methods are in vogue:

> (i) To accept only fruits and milk avoiding meals both by day and night.

> (ii) To accept only fruits and milk by day and eat the meal after sunset.

> iii) To eat the meal once by day and accept only fruits and milk at night.

> But, do we observe these also correctly? Whatever you eat during fasting days

must be in small quantities. The idea is to give rest to our digestive system.

But, instead, what do we do? Fruits we hardly eat. But, other so called

permitted items we eat in full and a number of times. One meal also, which we

eat, is not only over-eaten; but is also extra rich, The result is indigestion.

Thus there is neither any religious nor health benefit. Sai Baba probably had

realised this and that is why He stopped His devotees from observing such fasts

in the name of religion.

> NOT TO DISREGARD OFFERS OF FOOD

> Sai Baba advised that while going out for some job, if it is meal time, do not

go out on empty stomach, disregarding any offer of food. On the contrary it

should be regarded as auspicious sign of success. Moreover there is also a

strong reason for this. To do any job perfectly, one requires energy, which can

only be acquired by eating food. Secondly, refusing something offered by

somebody lovingly, means hurting that person's feelings, which is certainly not

a proper mood, while going out for an important task. In Ch. 32, Sai Baba has

narrated His own experience as to how He and His companions lost their way in

the woods because they disregarded the Vanjari's offer of food and guidance.

However, later, when Sai Baba accepted the Vanjari's food and guidance, He was

able to carry out the quest successfully. Similarly, in Ch. 33, Appasaheb

Kulkarni was not able to find the Fakir, when he rushed out of home in hurry

without his meals. However, later when

> after taking his meals, he strolled out with his friend, the Fakir Himself

was seen approaching him and demanding dakshina.

> NEVER EAT ANYTHING WITHOUT SHARING IT WITH OTHERS

> In Ch. 24, Sai Baba has conveyed this principle very effectively by making fun

of Annasaheb Dabholkar, the author of Shri Sai Satcharita, when some grains of

gram were seen stuck in the folds of his coat's sleeve. Sai Baba further

explained that, when no person or animal is present nearly, one should offer it

to Baba by remembering Him. This will result in the devotee avoiding food, which

is impure and not fit to be enjoyed. He further explained that this method

should be employed not in case of the sense of taste only but in case of all

senses viz. sight, " touch etc. also.

> To illustrate this, Hemadpant in the same Chapter, has narrated the story of

Sudama - a co-student of Shri Krishna and Balaram in the ashram of their Guru

Sandipani. Once when these students were collecting firewood in the forest,

Krishna was thirsty and asked for some water. Sudama advised him not to drink

water without eating something. Shri Krishna, therefore, rested his head on

Sudama's lap and slept. After sometime Shri Krishna woke up and heard Sudama

chewing something. Shri Krishna asked Sudama as to what he was eating. But,

Sudama, although he was eating grams, told Shri Krishna a lie that he was not

eating anything; but his teeth were chattering because of cold. Later, as a

result of this, Sudama, although a churn of Lord Krishna, had to pass his life

in utter poverty.

> However, when he later offered Shri Krishna a handful of parched rice, earned

by his wife with her own labour, Shri Krishna was pleased and gave him a golden

mansion to live and enjoy.

> Baba Himself never ate anything without sharing it with others. Everyday He

used to go out begging and whatever food was collected. He used to place it in

the earthen bowl in the Masjid. Some beggars used to pinch 3-4 breads and dogs

and birds used to eat out of it; but Baba never drove them away. Whenever any

devotee offered Him fruits and richly cooked food, He hardly tasted it and

distributed amongst the devotees present. Every afternoon, when in the

Dwarkamai, the meal was served and ready to cat, Baba used to call out for Bade

Baba (a Fakir from Malegaon) and used to make him seat next to Him on His left

respectfully as an honoured guest. Not only this, but after the meal, Baba used

to pay him Rs. 50 as dakshina and walk with him upto 100 paces to see him off.

> In the Taittiriya Upanishad, Anuvak 11, it is slated 'Atithi Devo Bhava1 (May

the guest be, to thee, a God). In Bhagvat Geeta also Shri Krishna in Ch. 3,

says, Yadnyashishtashinah a santo muchyante sarvakilbishaih | Bhujjate te

twagham papa ye pachantyatmakaranaa t ||13|| (The virtuous, who partake of what

is left after sacrifice, are absolved of all sins. The sinful ones, who only

cook and eat for themselves eat only sin.) Thus Sai Baba taught this principle

of not partaking any food without sharing with others both by precept and

example very effectively.

> 'Atithi' (guest) literally means'without date'. Hence a guest in the above

context should mean, one, who appears unexpectedly and stays not more than one

day or date. In the present days of towering prices and food rationing,

therefore, this meaning would have to be borne in mind to ensure that an

unwanted and persisting person docs not take advantage of our generous nature.

> CHARITY OF FOOD

> Last, but an important advice about food, given by Baba, is about charity :

> " Different sadhanas (means of accomplishments) are prescribed in our

scriptures for different Ages. Tapa (penance) is recommended for Krita Age,

Jnana (knowledge) for Treta Age, Yajna (sacrifice) for Dwapara Age and Dana

(charity) for Kali (present) Age. Of all the kinds of charities, giving food is

the best one. We are much perturbed, when we get no food at noon. Other beings

feel similarly under similar circumstances. Knowing this, he, who gives food to

the poor and hungry, is the best donar or charitable person. The Taittiriya

Upanishad says that " Food is Brahma, from food all the creatures are born and

having been born by food they live and having departed into food they again

enter. " Other kinds of charities viz. giving away wealth, property, clothes etc.

require some discrimination; but in the matter of food, no such consideration is

necessary. Let anybody come to our door at noon, he should be served forthwith;

and if lame, crippled, blind and

> diseased paupers come, they should be fed first and the able-bodied persons

and our relations afterwards. " (Ch. 38, P. 208-209)

> We remember, how in Ch. 9, Sai Baba expressed His great pleasure, when Mrs.

Tarkhad fed a hungry dog during her meal lime. He further said,

> " Ever act like this and this will stand you in good stead. First give bread to

the hungry and then eat yourself! " (P. 55, Shri Sai Saicharila). Similarly, we

know, what Baba said to Laxmibai Shinde, who was annoyed because Baba gave the

bread and vegetable, cooked urgently for Baba, to a nearby dog,

> " Why do you grieve for nothing? The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the

same as Mine. Though some speak and others are dumb, the hunger of all creatures

is the same. Know for certain that he who feeds the hungry, really serves Me

with food. " (Ch. 42, P. 233)

> In this regard also, Baba Himself had set an example. In early days, He on and

oft used to feed the poor and helpless by cooking food Himself in big pots

(Handi). He used to buy the grains and spices from bazaar and do the grinding

also Himself, Later, devotees started thronging to Shirdi in large numbers and

cooked food in the form of naivedya started coming in large quantities, so there

was no need for cooking the food by Baba. However, He never stopped distributing

this naivedya food to all and sundry. He Himself hardly tasted it.

> Conclusion

> Sai Baba was always practical and realistic in His advice. While eulogizing

charity, He also warned not to do it in excess and become a debtor (Bhakti

Leclamrit, Ch. 32, by Das Ganu Maharaj). The crux of His advice regarding food

was to learn to control one's tongue and be satisfied with whatever food is

served. This will not only ensure good health but also help one in one's efforts

for attaining emancipation.

>

>

>  

> " Knowledge Stored & Not Shared,

> Is Like A Donkey Carrying Books On His Head "

> Contribute & Distribute - Rohit Behal

>

>

> Connect with friends all over the world. Get India Messenger.

>

[Guest guest]

Is taking non-vegetarian food wrong or sinful?No, because "jeevah jeevah khadati" – one creature feeds on another creature. But there are certain foods, which are natural, like the child who is nourished by his mother on her breast-feed. Human being eats vegetables and after his death his disintegratedbody returns to the soil and becomes a part of the whole vegetable world. But, killing an animal means we have finished the consciousness which had reached a higher level, and eating the flesh of a human means finishing the consciousness which had reached yethigher level than animals. Saints who have reached a highly evolved state of consciousness, do not eat anything. Upasani Maharaj did not eat anything for one year. Some saints bring about such

changes in their organic system that they can nourish themselves on the direct energy from sun.Baba Said...."I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me, and ever remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvationBaba is every where just feel him and keep on saying `Om Sai Ram' to whom so ever you meet.OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI!!! Let us pray at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards himJai Sai RamSwamy MahadevanBow to Shri Sai-Peace be to allBaba Bless you ever!!!

[Guest guest]

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Mahadevan Sir....

 

I'm very greatful to you & Rohit sir... as my vision / thoughts are very transparent now with your advice, examples and guidance. Got everything very nicely with perfect understanding. Thank you very much.

 

You all are highly blessed people.... to guide / support people like me .... Really !!! No word to express my feelings & happiness. It's so nice / kind of you all, who take care of my confusion properly. Thanks for your excellent mails too... Getting so many informations, themes & thoughts and much more about beloved Babaji.

 

Thanks a lot for everything Mahadevanji !!! May SaiBaba Bless us All. Jay Sai Nath.

 

With Best Regards,

BHUSHAN DHOLAKIA

--- On Wed, 5/27/09, swamy mahadevan <mahadevanvnswamy wrote:

swamy mahadevan <mahadevanvnswamy Re: SAI BABA & FOOD . . . . Please guide me with proper understanding!!!vbdholakiaCc: "Manisha" , "Priyanka" <Allahamalik, "Hetal Patil" <experienceswithshirdisaibaba, "Nimmi Hira" , "" Wednesday, May 27, 2009, 3:45 PM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is taking non-vegetarian food wrong or sinful?No, because "jeevah jeevah khadati" – one creature feeds on another creature. But there are certain foods, which are natural, like the child who is nourished by his mother on her breast-feed. Human being eats vegetables and after his death his disintegratedbody returns to the soil and becomes a part of the whole vegetable world. But, killing an animal means we have finished the consciousness which had reached a higher level, and eating the flesh of a human means finishing the consciousness which had reached yethigher level than animals. Saints who have reached a highly evolved state of consciousness, do not eat anything. Upasani Maharaj did not eat anything for one year. Some saints bring about such changes in their organic system that they can nourish themselves on the direct

energy from sun.Baba Said...."I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me, and ever remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvationBaba is every where just feel him and keep on saying `Om Sai Ram' to whom so ever you meet.OM SAI SRI SAI JAI JAI SAI!!! Let us pray at the lotus feet of Bhagwan Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards himJai Sai RamSwamy MahadevanBow to Shri Sai-Peace be to allBaba Bless you ever!!!