Let the name of Shri Sai resonate in all corners of the globe

[Guest guest]

The greater miracles of Baba are instances of control of natural forces like

fire, air and water (rain). The Satcharitra narrates of an evening when

torrential rain accompanied by lightning and thunderstorm hit Shirdi flooding it

entirely. This terrified all the disciples, animals and birds who took refuge at

Dwarakamai Masjid and prayed for help.

 

At their request Baba commanded the cloud in a thunderous voice to stop its fury

and to allow his children to go their houses. Within minutes the rain stopped

and the storm settled down. Another instance documented was on an afternoon when

flames from Babas dhuni rose up to the roof of Dwarakamai Masjid threatening to

burn it. Baba took his satka (stick) and hit a pillar commanding the fire to

calm down. At each stroke of the satka the flames gradually settled to normalcy.

 

Baba gave numerous other types of experiences to his devotees but it would not

be possible to codify or cite such examples due to lack of space. The more

surprising and interesting fact to note is that even after departure from his

bodily abode in 1918 and till the present day, devotees continue to report

similar experiences. Truly speaking, even on the day Baba left his body and

thereafter, devotees have been experiencing such unexplainable events. Such

experiences of Baba are not limited to the gullible and uneducated rural youth

as is commonly believed to be, but cuts across the “intelligentsia†of the

society including lawyers, professors, officials, doctors, scientists and

others.

 

It is interesting to observe that even in this era of esoteric, atomic

individualism, with population (the number of devotees) having increased

manifold, where rationality and objectivity rules the minds of the people, such

spiritual experiences continue to affect millions. Cutting across the man made

differentiations of caste, races, religions, socio-economic diversities, all are

making a beeline to Babas Samadhi at Shirdi as Baba had once uttered in a state

of spiritual ecstasy.

 

Despite the modern day youths affinity to western culture, Babas message remains

ever relevant and appealing. That is why so many temples have come up across the

globe. Sai Baba not only crossed the boundaries of humanism but gave shelter to

all living creatures. The Sai Satcharitra narrates numerous instances of his

compassion towards dogs, snakes, horses, tigers and even birds.

 

Today on an average 135,000 people visit Shirdi every day and on weekends the

numbers go upto more than two lakh or more. There has been a phenomenal growth

in the Sai faith as can be seen in the astronomical growth in the number of

temples, literary publications, devotional music etc. The number of devotees

dedicated to spread the name and message of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba is

mind-boggling.

 

Today the Sai movement is not limited only to Maharashtra as was during the time

of Baba, but within decades of his departure has crossed the national boundaries

to become a global movement. This new era of Saiism does not touch the religious

aspect of the devotees life only but affects and permeates all aspects of an

individuals life (family, culture, social behavior etc). For the devotees Shri

Sai Baba is not a part of their life but their life itself in all its aspects.

 

The spirit of Sai is more active and alive today than perhaps it ever was. This

raises in our mind a fundamental question - Who is Sai Baba? Some address him as

a Sadguru, some as a fakir, some as a Yogiraj, some as a saint and to most of

the devotees he is " God the Almighty " Himself.

 

He has been accepted as an incarnation (Saguna Sakara avatara), which means, God

who in human form walked on earth. History has shown that the expansion of

religions and/or faiths started by the incarnations expanded phenomenally after

they left their human embodiment. This was the case with Jesus Christ, Buddha,

Mohammed and Shri Krishna.

 

The Sai movement is ever on the increase in a similar manner, which goes to

reinforce the faith that Sai Baba was an incarnation of God (Paramatma). This

goes to prove Babas promise that after leaving his body he will be ever active

from his tomb to protect and guide his devotees. As Baba had once promised, He

continues to exist in a subtle form (Mahakarana sheath) as a unifying force, to

spread and re-establish compassion, love, truth and tolerance amongst human

beings and among all living entities on earth.

 

Let us welcome and embrace this age of Sai, who is the panacea for all the evils

of the present world, torn asunder by forces of regionalism, racialism, economic

and social differences, religious bigotry, fanaticism and lack of faith in God.

Let us look forward to a happier tomorrow; let the name of Shri Sai resonate in

all corners of the globe...............