“Beacon-Light” in the darkened Ocean
The greatest contribution of Sri Sai Nath Maharaj is that he stands like a beacon‐light in the tempestuous and darkened ocean of this Kaliyuga, singing to his devotees a soothing melody of loving assurance and keeping His compassionate hands on them.
He is saying “When I am with you why do you fear”. To those who are lost in the whirlpool of the worldly sufferings, Sri Sai Baba is assuring that “You can have spiritual progress even in this evil world full of trials and tribulations. You can realize God and emancipate”. Baba further tells us that, “For this you do not have to strenuously practice Yoga, Tapa, Dhyana, Hatta Yoga etc. Only take my name, meditate on me with or without my form, follow my advice and make me the very basis of your existence with faith and patience, believing that I am always with you”.
Baba proved what he said through his own examples. What he means to tell all his devotees can be summarized as below:
“You see me in this world in the poor you help; you see me in the kindness you extend to the distressed; you see me when getting rid of debts; you see me when getting rid of hate and anger; you see me when caring for your children; you see me in loving your neighbours; you see me in fulfilling the promises you have made; you see me in getting rid of greed and you see me in every religion, every guru and every pure thing around you”.
The gist of all things He said in Shri Sai Satcharita is that, while staying in the society one should look at Him and should test the level of his faith and purity with reference to the ideals set by Baba. In today’s world, it is not easy to follow and practice all that has been mentioned above. Baba knew that his devotees would fail many a times and, therefore, will feel hopeless and restless. To encourage them what he said can be written thus:
“Do not desperate my child. If you take one step towards me I shall take ten steps towards you. It does not matter how many times you fail but try to proceed step by step towards your goal. As I am your mother, I shall, therefore, accept both your virtues and sins, your purities and impurities equally. Therefore, till the last moment of life depend only on me. It may take a few lives but do not be desperate because whatever good act you do, will never go unrewarded”.
Source: Guru Purnima Message (2002) by Dr. C B Satpathy