Hold on steadily to Baba and Continue your Endeavors
Following incidents from Shri Sai Satcharita confirm that Shirdi Sai Baba never encouraged his devotees to get influenced by the prediction of astrologers and palmists. Instead he advised them to remain focussed on their goal and carry out their duties, while having an unwavering faith on the almighty.
An orthodox Agnihotri Brahmin of Nasik named Moolay Shastri, who had studied the six shastras and was well versed in astrology and palmistry, once came to Shirdi to see Mr. Bapusaheb Booty, the famous millionaire of Nagpur. After seeing him, Shastri and others went to see Baba in the masjid. Moolay Shastri wanted to read Baba’s palm and requested Him to extend His hand, but Baba ignored his request and gave him four plantains. (Chapter 12)
One day a great astrologer named Nanasaheb Dengale told Bapusaheb Booty, who was then in Shirdi, “Today is an inauspicious day for you. There is danger to your life.” This made Bapusaheb restless. When they, as usual, came to the masjid, Baba said to Bapusaheb, “What does this Nana say? He foretells death for you. Well, you need not be afraid. Tell him boldly, “Let us see how death kills.” (Chapter 22)
Damu Anna had two wives, but had no child. He consulted many astrologers and had also studied astrology to some extent. It was found that there was an inauspicious planet in his horoscope and he therefore had no prospect of having children in this life. Nevertheless, Damu Anna had great faith in Sai Baba. When he arrived in Shirdi, Baba gave him four mangoes and told him: “Do not eat them yourself, but rather, give them to your junior wife. This amra-leela (mango miracle of 4 mangoes) will give her four sons and four daughters.” Thus, the mangoes were given to Damu’s junior wife and ultimately, in due course, it was found Baba’s words turned out to be true, and not those of the astrologer. (Chapter 25)
The Tendulkar family lived in Bandra, a suburb of Bombay, and all its members were devoted to Baba. Their son, Baba Tendulkar, was studying hard and wanted to appear for the medical examination. He consulted some astrologers. Examining his horoscope, they told him that his stars were not favorable that year and he should appear for the examination next year. This cast a gloom over him and made him restless. A few days later, his mother went to Shirdi and saw Baba. Amongst other things, she mentioned the condition of her son, who was to appear for the examination in a few days. Hearing this, Baba said, “Tell your son to believe in Me, to throw aside horoscopes and predictions of astrologers and palmists, and go on with his studies. Let him appear for the examination with a calm mind. He is sure to pass this year. Ask him to trust in Me and not get disappointed.” (Chapter 29)
It is to be noted here that doubts and difficulties surround us just to confirm our faith. If we hold on steadily to Baba with full faith and continue our endeavors, our efforts will ultimately be crowned with success.
As quoted in Shri Guru Bhagavat:
Andhabishwaasa Kaachapari || Alpa aaghaate jaae jhari
Durbalataara se prateeka || Mana je sadaa daka daka
Andhabishwaasa dharma nuhen || Satyare pratishthita nuhen
Kubishwaasa baadhai jukti || Hele tahun milenaa mukti
[Blind faith is like glass, which shatters into splinters with a slight knock. It symbolizes weakness and always creates mental apprehension. Blind faith cannot be deemed as religion and it is not based on truth. Although, it generates a lot of argument, yet one is not able to extricate oneself from its clutches.]
Andhabishwaasee andha pari || Jeebana kaate dari mari
Shuddhabishwaasee dharaatale || Bulai singha shishu tule
[A believer in blind faith is like a blind man who lives in fear. On the other hand, a man with genuine faith roams around fearlessly (in life) just like a lion cub]
Sources:
1. Shri Sai Satcharita
2. Shri Guru Bhagavat Vol.5 by Dr. C B Satpathy