Biography of a Living Legend

Sai not only has full knowledge of Shastras, but also, He always practices what He preaches! For instance it is mentioned in Niti Shastra that a Saint, a King and a Lady must always keep their grace and behave accordingly. Whenever Sai visits different places whether within or outside the country, He never stays in anyone’s house, He always prefers to stay in a hotel. He asks all the devotees residing there to meet Him at that common place.
When Sai visited USA in 1996, the devotees staying there conceded to Him that the number of places He covered in those few days, they had not visited in so many years of their stay! Sai smilingly said that had I visited or stayed at your places, I would not have been able to achieve this!

When Sai makes a full day outing program with His devotees, He never gives any tips or suggestions. When someone asks why, He says, “Let them organize, everyone has paid his share. If I try to interfere in little little issues, it will be wrong. Yes, if there is a big mistake, I will say.”
This way, by Himself following such principles, He actually teaches us so many things! While working or at home, we must learn to ignore such minor issues, and not try to create a mountain out of a molehill. It may sound trivial, but if followed in real life, it can make our lives much much happier!

Sai often travels national and internationally. Each trip with Him is like an ocean of knowledge, a treasure of pearls, where the one who tries, gets the fortune!
Whenever Sai travels with His devotees, He bears the full expense of the trip Himself and is the first always to handover His share to the one who handles the kitty! Wherever He goes, He spends with a large heart, whether it is on food, accommodation or travel, etc. thereby making everyone feel comfortable.
Once on one such trip, Sai had to wait for some devotee, as generally the whole group always travels together. Some devotees expressed a little displeasure, but Sai said, “If we have to wait for someone, we must do it happily. If I order now, all will come running, but it will not be right. On such a trip, all have shared equally and all are equal with same rights.” Inspite of being very punctual, He always mixes and becomes one with all on such trips.
He treats His devotees like His children. For example suppose all are going for a boat ride, He ensures that all the devotees go in first, then He boards in the end. It has happened once or twice, that due to time restriction, He sent all His devotees but could not go Himself, yet He would feel happy that His children had a great time! Sai would say what more can a father ask for!

Many years back, when Sai had visited Dubai for the first time with His devotees, one devotee asked Sai whether to purchase T.V., tape recorder from there and bring to India? There was a senior customs officer posted here, who also was a devotee and could have been approached for easy clearance. During those days, these electronics were not available in India and the customs duty was also quite high. Sai said, “When that officer has any problem, he requests me to help him out of it and now you want me to ask him to help me out with these goods? This is not right!”
Sai always follows the policy of – PAY AND SMILE!

Once a new person came to Darbar Sahib, when Sai were sitting on the bench, alongwith many devotees sitting around. He came and said, “I want to meet the Mahant of this Darbar.” Sai said, “Yes, say what is it.” He replied, “I think you did not understand, I want to meet the Mahant!” Sai said, “Yes, please say, I am only the Mahant!”
That person was shocked, he never imagined that the Mahant could be sitting with so much ease with His devotees, interacting, conversing freely! Normally one would think that he would be a serious looking person sitting in a corner, away from people, dressed in orange robes may be with garlands around His neck, etc. But seeing how all the devotees, young and old, were conversing with Him with so much ease, but never crossing the line of devotion and respect, he was literally amazed! He could not believe and was rather confused and astounded as to how Sai were talking to them with so much love and oneness!
Seeing his reaction, Sai said, “A Saint should always be an easily mixing and cheerful person, such that the devotees never experience any hesitation in approaching Him for any issues and they should not feel fearful to confide in Him. Yes, but they should always remain within the borders of respect, politeness and consideration!”

Continue reading “Sai the epitome of love”

SATNAM was published and released on 20 March, 2011. These are excerpts from this book which we are currently translating and it was then written that as time is passing, Sai has reduced going out and even Path Sahibs are only kept in Darbar Sahib. Bhog Sahib for Path Sahibs kept in Darbar are done by 8 am. For other Path Sahibs to be kept at devotees’ residences, etc, Sai sends Sardar, who does Kirtan in Darbar Sahib, telling him that you have a family, you only go and earn. Sai smilingly adds, if I want to earn, even I can do the same!
As always evident, our Sai is much above all these materialistic and commercial things and are always keen to help others in every way!

One devotee once asked Sai as to how much he has to pay for keeping Path Sahib. Sai replied, “Nothing is fixed as such. Even if someone gives a rupee with love, it is accepted!”
Surprised, the devotee again asked, “How is that possible?” Sai smilingly answered, “I never talk about money with anyone and if one gives a lakh with devotion, as if I am going to return it to him!”
These are the kind of enchanting answers with which our Sai captivates our hearts!

Sai lays a lot of stress on punctuality. He says that time is very precious, give importance to it and do not waste it, once it passes it will never come back. Every moment is valuable, use it wisely!
Even during significant events like marriage or Bhog Sahib of Akhand Path, Sai always concludes it on time, even if the concerned devotees have not yet reached!
Sai himself also are very punctual and during meeting with other Saints, He always stresses on the importance of time and asks them to follow the same strictly, how else will the devotees learn the same, He asks?

Jap-ji-Sahib, Sukhmani Sahib, Asa-di-vaar, Rahraas and Kirtan Sohila are our five Granths, which should be read daily. He asks that unless we Saints memorise and recite the Bani thoroughly and daily, how else will the devotees learn and form these habits?

Sai is very strict about these principles and in following them, He would never forgive Himself and not others too!

Once Sai had visited a devotee’s house in Jaipur, where Path Sahib had been kept and Sai were to perform Bhog Sahib. When towards the end, Nai Mehle’s Slokas were being recited, Sai happened to see one tall well dressed man entering with a flair. He bowed a bit and threw some money towards Guru Sahib. When the Bhog Sahib ended, Sai called for that person and explained to him that Guru is not a beggar, He does not ask or want anything from us. You cannot throw money towards Him this way. In fact, we are beggars who ask and want something from Him, He is that glorious and magnificent giver from whom we seek blessings and accordingly we should bow to Him with devotion, respect and humility!