Shri Sai Sat Charitra-Chapter XXI-Part III... Contd.

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He replied - "I too do not know all that Baba says and means, but at His inspiration I say, what I come to know. The mare is God's grace and the nine balls excreted are the nine forms or types of Bhakti, viz., (1) Shravana (Hearing); (2) Kirtana (Praying); (3) Smarana (Remembering); (4) Padasevana (resorting to the feet); (5) Archana (Worship); (6) Namaskara (Bowing); (7) Dasya (Service); (8) Sakhyatva (Friendship); (9) Atmanivedana (surrender of the self). These are the nine types of Bhakti. If any of these is faithfully followed, Lord Hari will be pleased, and manifest Himself in the home of the devotee. All the sadhanas, viz. Japa (vocal worship), Tapa (penance), Yoga practice and studying the scriptures and expounding them are quite useless unless they are accompanied by Bhakti, i.e., devotion.

Knowledge of the Vedas, or fame as a great Jnani, and mere formal Bhajan (worship) are of no avail. What is wanted is loving devotion. Consider yourself as the merchant or seeker after the truth and be anxious and eager like him to collect or cultivate the nine types of devotion. Then you will attain stability and peace of mind".

Sai Ram. "Shravanam Kirtanam Vishnoh Smaranam Padasevanam, Archanam, Vandanam Daasyam, Sakhyam Atmanivedanam" goes the Sanskrit text. The same were explained by Dada Kelkar indeed at the inspiration of Sadguru Sai. Sai Ram

Next day, when Patankar went to Baba for saluation, he was asked whether he had collected the 'nine balls of stool'. Then he said that he, being a poor fellow, should first be graced by Baba, and then they will be easily collected. Then Baba blessed and comforted him, saying that he would attain peace and welfare. After hearing this, Patankar became overjoyed and happy.

Sai Ram. Grace of God is needed to get Guru's grace and Guru's grace is needed to get a firm bhakti for God. God and Guru are same. That realisation will come only when the mind is clear and calm. Bhakti and Jnana are the two legs on which a sadhaka can walk and complete his spiritual quest. Real Bhakti annhilates the ego and helps the seeds of jnana to sprout. Jnana leads to further elimination of ego and helps bhakti to grow. Thus duality leads to non-duality if directed properly towards a Sadguru. Sai Sadguru helped many such devotees and is even now accessible to those who seek His help. SaiRam