Unwavering Faith and Unconditional Love
Following account demonstrates two key attributes of an exceptional devotee: Unwavering Faith and Unconditional Love. Justice M B Rege’s experiences with Shri Sai Baba confirms that if one transcends his senses and concentrate with love on Sai Baba, He would surely reach him and obtain his help, to achieve all that he is fit to receive.
Justice Rege states: ” I had gone to Shirdi and was staying as usual at Ayi’s (RadhaKrishna Mai) place. In the afternoon, when Baba was alone, he sent some one to fetch me and after dismissing the messenger from his presence, he was very kind to me, made me sit close to him, embraced me, and said,e “The key of my treasury is now placed in your hands. Ask anything you want e.g., Rs.5 or Rs. 100 a month-or what you like and I will give it to you“. I felt at once that this was a temptation and declined to ask for anything. Baba knew what was necessary, good or useful for me and it was for him to decide and give or withhold. It was not for me to ask. Seeing my disinclination to ask, he held me by the chin and coaxed me into asking him for something. Then I asked, “Is it agreed Baba, that you will grant anything I ask for ?” “Yes” was his answer. Then Baba,” I replied, “I want this. In this and in any future birth that may befall on me you should never part from me. You should always be with me.” And he patted me joyously and said, “Yes I shall be with you, inside you, and outside you, whatever you may be or do.” I was supremely happy. I feel that he is always with me. At times, he visibly shows his form to reassure me or guide me.
Many years later, I lost a child in a building which had numerous occupants. My wife was greatly depressed and started weeping. I assured her that Baba did only what was good for us and had taken away that child and so we should not weep and attract a crowd. I asked her to sleep till morning when the funeral would take place. She could not bear the sight of the corpse, and so I took it on myself and she went to lie down. Then when I had the corpse on my lap, Baba appeared to me, took me out and said “Do you want me or the dead child? Choose. You cannot have both. If you want me to revive the child, I will; but then you will have me no more with you. If you do not want revival you will have many children in due course.” I had no hesitation in telling him that I wanted him. “Then do not grieve” he said and vanished. It is thus he encourages me when the occasion needs it, even by his presence. All my needs are met by Baba’s grace. I do not trouble him with prayers for my worldly gains or support. I have my income, property and insurance and I am content with the provision for the present and future. If any need arises, I find that somehow I receive the required resources. I have nothing to complain of. Finally if I am asked what I would suggest to one who wished to find out how he (not having met Sai Baba in the flesh) could make himself a devotee of Sai Baba and get his help, my answer will be that one should try to pour his heart in love to Sai Baba.”
Source: Devotee’s Experiences of Sai Baba Vol. 2 by Shri B V Narasimha Swamy