Sai Sat Charitra-Chapter 12 - Part III

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Kaka Mahajani
Once, Kaka Mahajani went to Shirdi from Bombay. He wanted to stay there for one week, and enjoy the Gokul-Ashtami festival. As soon as he took Baba's darshan, Baba asked him - "When are you returning home?" He was rather surprised at this question, but he had to given an answer. He said that he would go home when Baba ordered him to do so. Then Baba said - "Go tomorrow". Baba's word was law and had to be obeyed. Kaka Mahajani, therefore, left Shirdi, immediately. When he went to his office in Bombay, he found that his employer was anxiously waiting for him. His munim, i.e., the manager, suddenly fell ill, hence Kaka's presence was absolutely necessary. He had sent a letter to Kaka at Shirdi, which was redirected to him at Bombay.

Sai Ram. We have already seen in Chapter 9 how those who did not obey Baba's suggestions about leaving Shirdi met with a lot of difficulties. It is not as if Baba was angry with them and caused them problems. He loved one and all equally, but He also knew the future and gave them the right advice. At the same time, He didn't interfere in their karma and free-will.

Sai the indweller of all of us, knew what was needed. He knew that Kaka Mahajani's presence in his employer's office was essential and so ordered him to go immediately, much as He would have liked to allow Mahajani to stay for a few more days. Faith and devotion also demands self-sacrifice. Sacrifice of the ego at the altar of social welfare. Sai knew how Kaka Mahajani started to Shirdi and how his employer was quite obliging in that matter. Now the time to help the employer has come and Sai never believed in taking any service free.

Bhausaheb Dhumal
Now listen to an opposite story. Once Bhausaheb Dhumal, a pleader, was going to Niphad for a case. On the way he came to Shirdi, took Baba's darshan and wanted to proceed to Niphad immediately. But, Baba did not premit him to do so. He made him stay at shirdi, for a week or more. In the meanwhile, the magistrate at Niphad suffered intensely from pain in his abdomen, and the case was adjourned. Mr. Dhumal was then allowed to go and attend to his case. It went on for some months and was tried by four magistrates. Ultimately Mr. Dhumal won the case, and his client was acquitted.

Sai Ram. Sai is the unifying force for all opposites and dualities. We see this in the whole of Sai Satcharitra. In this case, Sai knew that the right time for Dhumal's client has not come and also that the magistrates were not destined to try that case. It is very difficult for our ego to accept Sai fully and surrender fully. But it is essential. Even an imperfect surrender is better than nothing. Slowly but steadily Sai will transform the imperfect and unripe ego and when the ego is ripe, it falls off. Remember the Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra, "Tryambakam yaja mahe sugandhim ...." which conveys a similar meaning and the victory over mrityu comes only when the ego vanishes leaving us one with the 'one'. Sai Ram.

Mrs. Nimonkar
Mr. Nanasaheb Nimonkar, Watandar of Nomon and Honorary Magistrate, was staying at Shirdi with his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Nimonkar were spending most of their time in the Masjid with Baba and serving Him. It so happened, that their son fell ill at Belapur and the mother decided, with Baba's consent, to go to Belapur, and see her son and other relatives; and stay there for a few days, but Mr. Nanasaheb asked her to return the next day.

Mrs. Nimonkar was in a fix and did not know what to do; but her God Sai came to her help. While leaving Shirdi she went to Baba, who was standing in front of Sathe's wada with Mr. Nanasaheb and others, and prostrated at His feet and asked His permission to go. Baba said to her, "Go, go quickly, be calm and unperturbed. Stay comfortably at Belapur for four days. See all your relatives and then return to Shirdi." How opportune were Baba's words! Mr. Nanasaheb's proposal was overruled by Baba's decree.

Sai Ram. We have so far seen how devotees could not stay or leave without Baba's permission. We have also seen that Baba was giving His permission and directions, keeping in view the devotee's welfare and knowing the future. The above incident clearly shows how Sai knew His devotee's innermost desires and how He fulfilled the same. Thus Baba fulfilled the mother's wish without her having to state it openly which she could not have done without incurring her husband's displeasure. Mr.Nimonkar also abided by Baba's dictum and thus Mrs.Nimonkar's heartfelt wish was fulfilled.