Gurukripa Hi Kevalam
“Experiences (with Baba) develop attraction“: It is an universal phenomena and can be observed all over the world. A ‘hidden force’ has been inspiring the plethora of activities related to Shri Sai all over the world, such as temples, communities, congregations, books, music, art, etc. It is the supreme force. When such energy manifests in the world, in the form of an incarnation, or individual, myriad of events take place in the society. Some of those events are right and few are wrong from the point of view of the society. Right and wrong are both attributes of divinity. Lord Krishna wouldn’t have incarnated during the epic war of ‘Mahabharat’, without the existence of the opposite ‘Karmas’ of truth and deceit. Both need to exist since, “Dwandwaatmaka Viswah Itih“.
There are two methods to comprehend Baba’s ways of working. One is “external”, through the study of texts, by listening from others about Baba’s ‘leelas’, watching documentaries, TV serials, information on internet etc. Most of the devotees who visit Shirdi fall into this category. They get attracted to Baba through the outer medium. This is an easy, natural and simple way of gravitation towards the avenue of “Guru Bhakti”. During the visit to Shirdi many devotees get small or big experiences through some unseen force. Few of those turn out as life-changing experiences.
Always, It is the experience which gives birth to attraction. Whether the attraction is towards wealth, knowledge, people, devotion, or opposite sex. In Sanskrit, the root “Krus” (which is embedded in the word Krishna) means “to attract”.
After visiting Shirdi, many devotees start to do “Aarti” at home in front of Baba’s picture, invite family and friends to join them, and slowly install Baba’s statue and in the process create a “Sai Family”, where the number of devotees gets multiplied with time.
All perfect masters including Shri Sai Baba had similar attributes. The first sign of a saint or sadguru is their love for devotees, provided the devotee is free from ego and is ready to serve the master and fellow human beings without seeking any return. Often people don’t understand that their devotion is a manifestation of ‘ego’ and ‘fear’. Many a times, to outweigh our subconscious mind, we cover ourselves with a “capillary wave”, unaware of the fact that it is created by the “tsunami” of emotions inside us. Many a times, people get inspired to write poetry, create music, or paint pictures of Baba.
When ‘Guru Shakti’ or divine power helps a person, he acquires adorable qualities, becomes sensitive to others, be artistic and creative. This is “Guru Kripa” or divine grace. “Mukam Karoti Vachalam, Panggum Langghayate Girim“, means with divine grace, dumb can speak with eloquence and the lame can cross high mountains.
Secret of Baba’s Grace
Baba had an enchanting personality, which attracted people from every religion, cult, and sect. His demeanor was same towards everyone. Baba was dearest to all. He used to conduct ‘Ram Navami’ festival, and ‘Chandan Utsav’ with equal vigor and enthusiasm. He used to recite “Allha Malik” and at the same time explain the essence of Bhagavad Gita. He gave shelter to the poor and destitute of the society, people whom no one cared. Those who were deserted by everyone found a place near him.
Who were the characters which revolved around him ? From where did they come ? What was their significance that they got a chance to server the master for 40-50 years ? If we consider the “Karmic Theory”, the proximity one gained with Baba during his lifetime was directly proportional to the merit stored from his previous births. We receive divine power and association with a saint due to the inventory of virtues of past births. Otherwise, how devotees like Bala Shimpi, Bhagoji Sindhe, and Megha received Baba’s association and blessings, without any social significance.
“Kripa” or divine grace is of two types: one is time-bound and the other is unforeseen. Time-bound grace has an associated “Karma”, cause, and doer. The second one is sudden and is not related to one’s “Karma”. Sometimes people get blessings without any effort. We may not be able to ascertain it’s cause. Often as a result of such unexpected grace, many devotees developed divine qualities, enhanced their sensitivity, served the society, and became workers of the Guru. Dasganu Maharaj, Megha, Shriman Buti, Bhagoji Sindhe are few examples.
[Translated sections from the keynote speech by Dr. C B Satpathy in Odia language during “Sai Chetana Mela”, Balasore, Odisha]