How to be in closer relationship with Baba ?
Devotees of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba often ask me a question – “How to be in closer relationship with Baba?” Basically, the devotees want to develop an emotional rapport with Baba. The various methods they adopt, according to their stages of consciousness, strength of will, inborn and acquired qualities and faith in Baba, greatly vary. It is true that the relationship of each disciple with Baba i.e., God, will be unique, and there cannot be an exact second relationship. However, certain common denominators and qualities are the prerequisite in all such relationships. If the devotees understand these qualitative prerequisites, then the treading of the path would be simpler.
The foremost quality as I feel is faith in Him. Mere intellectual faith acquired over a period of time by reading books, discussions etc., may develop certain amount of conviction in Him but this level of faith is not enough, even though at the earlier stages it may be necessary.
People are often seen saying, even publicly, that “I can sacrifice my life for Baba” or that “In this world I can depend on nobody except Him fully”. However, if we closely observe their lifestyle, the way they interact with people, their reaction to adversities of others, their reaction to individuals and groups around them in the society, one would find that their proclaimed convictions are a mere exercise in substance‐less assertiveness.
If faith in Baba is genuine, the devotees would not be indulging in the manipulations they do in relation to other people, being fully aware that Baba many times forbade people, and reprimanded devotees for committing such acts to satisfy their smallest of interest.
We have to watch whether we are acting truthfully, howsoever difficult it may be, according to the advice of Baba. Faith reflects in everyday reality. It is not a mental luxury or a philosophical dream. Therefore, Let us seriously think about this strength of our faith in Baba.
Source: Excerpts from GURU PURNIMA MESSAGE (1997) by Dr. C B Satpathy