Shri Sai Satcharitra - Chapter 10 - Part III

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Saint Ramadas (1608-1681) flourished in the 17th century, and fulfilled to a great extent his mission of protecting cows and Brahmins against the Yavanas (Mahomedans). But within two centuries after him, the split between the two communities -- Hindus and Mahomedans widened again, and Sai Baba came to bridge the gulf.

Sai Ram. He used different methods at different times. For example as Sri Datta, He preached the unity of the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara, thus uniting to a large extent the different sects who were quarrelling among themselves. In Kali Yug, the same task was admirably carried out by Sri Sankara, and later by Sri Vidyaranya. Sri Vidyranya not only wrote scholarly commentaries on Vedanta (His Panchadasi is considered as a monumental treatise on Vedanta and is referred to in Sri Sai Satcharitra), but also helped in establishment of the Vijayanagar Empire to protect the Arsha Dharma from aggression of Mohammedans. Sri Datta Himself took birth as Sripada Srivallabha and in that Avatar, came to Kurupuram. When a washerman served Him well but was momentarily attracted to the worldly pleasures being enjoyed by a Yavana King, He gave a boon to that washerman that he will be born in his next birth as a Mohammedan King, but on his plea, assured him that he will continue to receive His grace then too.

In another wonderful book that I had the good fortune to read a few months ago, it was mentioned that Sripada Vallabha (who is one with Datta and thus with Sri Rama etc.) wished that Sri Anjaneya should take birth as Sri Sai and help both the communities come together. Pl. read Sripada Srivallabha Charitamrutam, which is right now available only in Telugu but is shortly expected to be published in English too. That may be the reason for Sri Sai to always repeat Allah Malik (God is the real owner), referring to His Lord, Sri Ram. Sai Ram.

His constant advice to all was to this effect. "Rama (the God of the Hindus) and Rahim (the God of the Mahomedans) were one and the same; there was not the slightest difference between them; then why should their devotees fight and quarrel among themselves? You ignorant folk, children, join hands and bring both the communities together, act sanely and thus you will gain your object of national unity. It is not good to dispute and argue. So don't argue, don't emulate others. Always consider your interest and welfare. The Lord will protect you. Yoga, sacrifice, penance, and knowledge are the means to attain God. If you do not succeed in this by any means, vain is your birth. If any one does any evil unto you, to do not retaliate. If you can do anything, do some good unto other." This in short was Sai Baba's advice to all; and this will stand in good stead both in material and spiritual matters.

Sai Ram.Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah. When someone does good, we do good. That is nothing great, though good. When someone does some harm to us, we tend to retaliate. Though we get momentary satisfaction, we continue to be trapped by the action-reaction cycle. It is like the tree, seed and a new tree... If we need to get out of the cycle of birth and death, we need to cut the tree down to the roots and burn the seeds so that fresh trees don't sprout. So, it is in our real self-interest to stop this retaliation, and to stop it not only in action, but also in thought and speech. Yes, if we remember Sai's advice and follow it, we will do well in spiritual matters. In material matters too it will hold good if we leave all the perceived injustices to Him, who is seated in the hearts of all, including our enemy. By not retaliating, we raise the conscience in the other person. He will realize his mistake. Sai Ram.

We will continue with this great chapter next week too. Sai Ram.