Greatness of the feet of Shri Guru

Securing shelter near the feet of Shri Guru is superior than reaching salvation,which is the highest goal of life. Only if the Guru is compassionate, one can experience true happiness in life. Complete surrender at the feet of Shri Guru brings peace, contentment by removing fear of worldly existence, frees the devotee from illusion and greed, by awakening righteous behavior and inspires him to tread in the spiritual path, . By listening to Shri Sai’s leelas, one becomes focused and achieve his goals in life.

Like a doctor who prescribes medication after careful analysis of a patient’s condition and diagnosis, Guru’s instructions are always suitable and beneficial for the devotee as he knows the devotee’s needs and inclinations. As quoted in chapter 45 of Shri Sai Satcharita,

Love your Guru whole-heartedly and surrender to him. Listen to whatever others say, but, do not let it divert your attention. Don’t forget the words of your own Guru.

There is a wonderful story in Shri Sai Satcharita which signifies that it is enough to have devotion in the feet of Shri Guru. Once Anandrao Pakhade had a dream where he saw himself standing in an ocean in waist-deep water and Shri Sai Baba appeared gracing a throne studded with gems while his feet were immersed in water. Anandrao was overjoyed seeing Baba. The vision was very realistic and his heart filled with happiness. The wonderful coincidence was that Shama was also standing there. “Anandrao, bow down at the feet”. Shama told him. Aanandrao replied,”How can I place my head on Baba’s feet when they are in the water?” Shama then requested Baba with folded hands, “Lord, draw out your feet, which are concealed under water. ” As soon as he spoke, Baba drew out his feet. Anandrao held them and bowed without any delay. Baba blessed him: “Go, you will attain your welfare. There is no cause for fear.” Baba also added, “Give a silk-bordered dhoti to my Shama. You will profit thereby.”

When we meditate on the above story it becomes clear that, once there is surrender to the Guru, then one must follow Guru’s instructions.

As quoted in Shri Guru Bhagavat, volume 2:

Guru pada je mahaa teertha || Shakti peetha aau pabitra
Gurunka charane pranaama || Jagaae poorna samarpana

The feet of the Guru are like a holy place of importance. These are centers of divine energy and are sacred. Obeisance at the feet of the Guru awakens a feeling of complete surrender to him.