Shri Sai Satcharitra can only guide

[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.”…….