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Baba’s Feet Can Save us from All Calamities

By The Editor, Sai Sandesh

Once, Baba called a young boy and said: “Tomorrow afternoon, come and hold my feet. No matter what you see, don’t leave them.”

The boy came to Baba the following day and started massaging His feet. While he was doing so, a demonic lady appeared there and made an attempt to come close to him. The boy remembered Baba’s warning and held on to His feet despite the presence of the ferocious form.

As she tried to come closer to the boy, Baba warned her to back off. She told Baba, “Sainath, I want Him.” Baba replied, “I will not give him to you.” The two continued and she made a feeble attempt to snatch the boy. As soon as she neared Baba, the Lord gave her a hard kick. She flew away from the place and fell on the other side of the wall, only to disappear from the scene.

Baba then explained that the demonic lady was actual the deity of a dangerous disease. She wanted to kill the boy on that particular day, but because he was holding on to Baba’s feet she could not do anything.

Always hold on to Baba’s feet. Only His feet can save us from EVERY calamity.

Do not be Afraid — I am With you

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By The Editor, Sai Sandesh

Swami has a strange way of communicating with His children. At times, he grants visions while at other times he communicates via thoughts, books, or any other form He may deem appropriate. One thing that is sure about these communications, though, is that the devotee will always recognize these communications as direct hints from Swami. The heart just knows when that happens.

During a recent visit to India, I had the opportunity to experience Swami’s omnipresence. A strange characteristic of this journey was that every time I would worry about some impending danger, I would some how come across a picture of Akkalkot Maharaj (an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya) with the following words written underneath: “Do not be afraid. I am with you.” Almost immediately after seeing any such picture, the trouble would just vanish in thin air. I experienced this concurrence numerous times and was convinced that it was Swami who was communicating with me in that manner.

Just one day before my return to US, my father suddenly developed a heart ailment. Most tests run the previous night were not conclusive and were indicative of something abnormal. I was not sure if I could leave him in that condition. My return was necessary, however, and I was in a dilemma. We decided to rush him to the hospital for a final test and while we were on our way I kept hoping that if I could somehow see that picture of Akkalkot Maharaj, it would be a sure sign that everything will be well. It was very early in the morning and since all shops were closed, the chances of that happening appeared to negligible, if not impossible.

God does not need to depend on human instruments, however. Just as I was thinking in this manner, a taxi overtook us, rather unexpectedly. At first, we were shocked at the way the cab driver maneuvered his vehicle ahead of ours-it was very, very abnormal. But my initial shock was soon transformed into relief because the back window of the car had a painting of the very picture I was looking for and the very words I wanted to hear: “Do not be afraid. I am with you.” It was almost as if Swami had made the driver act in the rash manner only so that He could fulfill my heartfelt desire and reassure me.

Needless to say, all the tests suddenly changed from the results that had come out the previous night and my father was given a clean bill of health.

I Want you to Live for Me

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By The Editor, Sai Sandesh

In times of trials and tribulations, it is natural for us feel dejected and weak. Baba, however, teaches His devotees to be brave despite the worst of odds and battle even the most trying circumstances all the way through.

A devotee of Shirdi Baba, Gopal Narayan Ambedkar, Poona, was suffering from unbearable circumstances. His life had become extremely painful and no matter what he tried, extreme sorrow just did not appear to leave his life. He tried many remedies and would visit Baba every year to seek His divine intervention. Every time he would plead his tale, The Lord would urge him to have faith and to be patient.

In 1916, however, his cup of sorrow was overflowing and unable to bear the pangs of suffering, he decided to end his life in Baba’s holy presence. With this intention he visited Shirdi and just when he was about to throw himself into a local well, Sagun Meru Naik, a devotee of Baba, came to the scene and asked him, “Did you ever read this Akkalkotkar Maharaj’s life?” Ambedkar casually took the book and as soon as he opened it there was the story of a devotee of Akkalkotkar Maharaj who suffered from an incurable ailment. With the intention of ending his misery, he decided to end his life and just as he was about to do so, the Holy Maharaj rescued him and said, “You must enjoy the fruit (good or bad) of your past actions; if the enjoyment be incomplete, suicide won’t help you. You have to take another birth and suffer again. So, instead of killing yourself, why not suffer for some more time and finish the store of your past deeds and be done with them once and for all?” Why suffer repeatedly?

Ambedkar was moved by this timely warning and decided to cancel his cowardly act. He had understood Baba’s hint through this story and his faith in Baba was confirmed. This time, Ambedkar decided to be brave and with re-doubled faith he started worshipping God and concentrated on improving his prospects. He gained fair renown as an astrologer and was soon able to improve his financial circumstances and lead a happy existence thereafter.

Had Ambedkar followed through with his plan, he would have never been able to enjoy the happy moments that were in store for him.

Swami has a unique way of handling circumstances and teaching life-changing lessons through the most unexpected of circumstances. Once, Swami called one of his young students and said, “What can you do for my sake?” This little child was very innocent and said, “Swami, anything. I will even sacrifice my life for your sake.”

The young lad never expected Swami to capitalize on this comment, though. Swami, however, looked at him and said, “Can you go to the top floor of this tall building and jump down for my sake?” The student was shocked. He loved Swami more than anything in this world and had just given his word that he would unhesitatingly sacrifice his life for the Lord. Now that the Lord had requested that sacrifice what could he do? He mustered all the courage he could and said, “Yes Swami!” No sooner had he said that, he started walking toward the stairs.

Would our sweet Lord ever allow His innocent children to fall in this manner? Nay! Never! Swami immediately ran to His beloved child, hugged him and said, “My sweet child, I don’t want you to die for Me. I want you to live for Me!”

“I want you to live for Me!”-what a profound message Swami gave that day, not just to that student, but to all of us. He wants us to live selfless lives and do good to one and all.

The Power of Thoughts

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Do you offer prayers before you eat your food?

Baba once narrated a beautiful story:

There was a guru and disciple who visited a fellow-devotee’s house. They were served a sumptuous meal. While leaving, though, the disciple quietly whisked away a vessel from the host’s house.

On reaching their destination, the disciple could no longer bear the guilt and confessed everything to his guru. He also begged the guru to explain why he had behaved in this manner as he was not generally prone to stealing. The guru knew the disciple well and went into meditation to seek an answer to their dilemma.

On awakening from his trance, the guru explained that the host’s cook was a professional thief before taking up the profession of a cook. Although he had given up his bad ways, his thoughts still centered around stealing. The cook was holding on to his stealing tendencies mentally and that was the reason why the disciple, who was still spiritually unripe, was affected by his thoughts.

Apart from expressing gratitude to God, there is a very sound reason for offering food to God before eating. As soon as we do so, the food becomes purified and all subtle impurities (not visible to us) are purified immediately.

In fact, in Puttaparthi, a Kirlian photographer who was an expert in capturing auras took pictures of food before and after it was offered to God (by reciting the Brahmaarpanam mantra). The before picture did not depict any particular aura but once the food was consecrated by offering to God, a distinct blue aura appeared around the food.

When the Kirlian photographer, Dr. Baranowski, asked Baba for an explanation, He said:

“The Brahmaarpanam mantra is a very powerful mantra and that after recitation, the food is converted to prasadam, since it has been offered to God. It further purifies the food and all items around it. That is why the blue aura was found around the plates of food after the mantra was recited.”

Fifteen Lessons we can Learn from the Life of Lord Krishna

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Lord Krishna, the full incarnation of God on earth, led an impeccable life. His divine deeds were ever-mysterious and yet fully saturated with the fullest power of God. Only the highest of saints could catch small glimpses of His Divinity, that too with His grace alone. A vast majority of the people in those days could not recognize Krishna for who He was.

During His avataric career, He taught many lessons to mankind. Most of His teachings were through His own actions. While His teachings are as infinite and innumerable as His names and forms, we are biased toward the following teachings (listed in random order), which we humbly find applicable to our modern lives.

#1. Kartavya Parayana (He diligently performed His duties)

People think that the Lord had everything at His beck and call and His life must be one of opulence and luxury. In fact, if you look at His life, it was full of untold difficulties. His birth was in a jail and no sooner was He born, He was whisked away to an adjoining village in the middle of the night and in the midst of torrential rains.

Difficulties were His constant companion. Yet, Krishna would diligently perform all His duties without the slightest neglect. As a king, He took care of His subjects’ needs with extreme diligence. Though an incarnation, as a son, He got His parents released from jail and provided for all their basic necessities.

One notable fact about Lord Krishna was that He could assume multiple forms simultaneously. Once, all the gopikas wanted to be with the Lord at the same time. Using His infinite potencies, Krishna multiple Himself into many forms and graced all His eager devotees at the same time.

He would be administering justice in the royal court at one time and at the same time, He would be caring for His many consorts and their children. Yet, at the same time, He would appear to countless devotees and offer them solace, benediction, and protection.

The truth is that no matter how many difficulties came His way, Krishna did not swerve from His duties, even slightly. He performed all His duties with utmost diligence.

Lesson #1: We must perform our daily duties in life with utmost dedication and devotion, all while offering the results of our actions to God Himself.

#2. Keshava was generous beyond measure

Once, Sudama, a childhood friend of Krishna, offered a handful of rice to the Lord. This Sudama was so impoverished, He did not even have money to buy this gift. In fact, his wife had to beg for this gift as well. Yet, Krishna received this gift with the greatest joy, almost as if it was the universe’s most precious treasure.

In return, the Lord gave Sudama immeasurable wealth. As soon as Sudama reached home from his visit, his house had miraculously transformed into gold and there were precious stones, gold coins, and various other forms of wealth freely flowing into his house.

Lesson #2: We should be generous in our daily lives. We come empty-handed and leave in the same manner. Our hearts should be as magnanimous as humanly possible.

# 3. He practiced supreme equanimity in all conditions

Kanhaiya was born in a small village with hardly any amenities. During His very childhood, He moved to Mathura and was offered princely luxuries. Yet, Krishna maintained His equanimity in both the states and did not get afflicted by either joy or sorrow.

Supreme equanimity was His true ornament.

Lesson 3: Life brings both joys and sorrows. Neither is permanent. Practice even-mindedness during both conditions.

#4. He did not differentiate between other beings

At Gokula, Krishna was in the constant company of cowherd folks and the gopikas. While at Mathura, learned men like Uddhava and Akrura were His companions. Krishna did not ever differentiate between the rich and poor. He treated all alike and was loving toward everyone.

In fact, Lord Krishna’s love was so powerful and enamoring that even animals (such as cows), birds, and all beings across the universe would lovingly respond to His call. The call of His flute was irresistible and all beings would be drawn to His magnetic love.

Lesson 4: Love all beings! Baba’s teaching “Love All, Serve All” was amply demonstrated by Krishna as well. When you love unconditionally, you will receive love in return. This is the law of nature.

#5. He remained a true friend, a true lover, a true Lord, and a truly Divine teacher all the way to the end

Krishna accepted Arjuna as His friend, Radha as His loving self, and Arjuna and Uddhava as fellow-pupils. As a friend, Krishna protected Arjuna during his entire life. Had it not been for Krishna, Arjuna could have never won the Mahabharata war.

Krishna was Mother Radha’s devotional goal. Her love was so powerful, Krishna would melt in her mere presence and would often showcase His oneness with Her. Is there a difference between Purusha (Supreme Being) and Prakriti (Mother Nature)? They are both one and the same.

After Krishna moved to Mathura, He continued playing the flute. Despite the distance, His divine tune would give solace to the pining heart of Mother Radha. When Mother Radha gave up her form and merged into God, Krishna stopped playing His flute. Such was their bond — the bond between a true devotee and God. When devotion is true, there is no difference — God and devotee become one.

As a Jagadguru (World Teacher), Madhava continued imparting immortal teachings till the very end. Even before taking Samadhi, He spoke about the cosmic knowledge to Uddhava and directed Him to his divine teacher.

Lesson 5. Fulfill your kinship till the very end. As Baba says, we meet each other on earth due to rinanubandhan (ties from previous birth). Fulfill the duties called for by these ties ungrudgingly, and till the very end.

6. He identified Himself with the universe and all beings

The Divine Krishna considered the universe (and all the beings) as a part of Himself. Never did He differentiate between the two.

Once, Duryodhana sent the Divine Sage Durvasa, who was known for his choleric temper, to his Pandava brothers. The Pandavas were in exile and did not have the resources to feed the army of disciples who were accompanying the sage. Krishna had given the Pandavas a divine pot (Akshayapatra) that would provide food and other necessities to the brothers and their wife, Draupadi. Yet, there was a condition. Once Draupadi would have her meals, the pot would cease providing materials for that day.

When Durvasa arrived at the Pandavas’ dwelling in the forest, Draupadi had just finished her meals. They were helplessly anxious as to how they could feed the entire retinue that was accompanying the sage. As they fervently prayed to Krishna, He appeared on the scene to protect them. There was but one grain remaining in the pot. Krishna ate this grain and felt satisfied.

No sooner did Krishna feel satisfied, all beings in the universe (who are but a part of Krishna) felt extremely satiated as well. The sage and his disciples, too, felt very full and fearing that they would be overfed after this feeling of satiety, fled from the place. In this way, Krishna saved them and also proved His identity with all beings.

Lesson 6. We, too, are one with everyone. There is no difference between us and others (at the atmic level). Feel others’ pain and do the best you can to alleviate everyone’s suffering.

7. He lived only for the sake of service to other beings

Nothing in His life was selfish. All that he did was for the benefit of other beings. From start to finish, his life was one of selfless service. At times, He helped His village folk, while at other times, He kept demonic forces in check. He was constantly helping His devotees and did everything possible to help every being in the universe.

In fact, we have a lot to be thankful for. Had it not been for this incarnation, evil forces with various potent weapons (available with the mere power of thought) would still be extant on earth.

Lesson 7. Always live a life of service. There are plenty of opportunities to serve beings around us. No act is too small, no task is too menial. We don’t have to build big hospitals. Small acts of loving service count just as much as big tasks. It is the intention that counts.

8. He always protected His devotees

At the end of the Mahabharata War, Ashwatthama, a guru-brother and warrior from the Kaurava army, decided to vanquish the very last seed in the Pandava line. For this reason, He dispatched the infallible and nuclear-like Bhramasthra weapon in the direction of Uttara’s womb. Uttara was the wife of the fallen hero Abhimanyu and was expecting a child from their marriage.

Lord Krishna was disgusted by the animalistic behavior of Ashwatthama. It was unbecoming of a mighty warrior to dispatch such a potent weapon in the direction of a helpless fetus who was not even born in this world. Apparently, there was no antidote to this weapon and the recipient would face sure death. But that was not to be the case.

Krishna used His supernatural powers to enter the womb of Uttara in a microscopic form. As the weapon attempted to penetrate the womb, the Lord Himself neutralized the effect of the weapon and saved both the mother and the child.

Lesson #8. Do your best to protect all around you, especially when it is in your power to do so.

9. Krishna was always smiling, forever immersed in bliss

From the Lord’s very birth, the wicked king Kamsa would send evil emissaries to harm Baby Krishna. From monstrous birds and reptiles to ginormous rakshasas (demonic beings endowed with great powers) — all would attack the infant Lord. Yet, Krishna would smile and vanquish them in a trice. In fact, this hostility was a constant throughout the Lord’s life. Despite all the tirade, Krishna was forever smiling and in perpetual bliss.

Can we compare our difficulties to His? Nay! Yet, why do we worry?

Lesson 9. Always smile in life. This one is so simple, you can start at this very second.

10. He never identified with the body

Even in the battlefield of Mahabharata, the mother of all battles, Krishna was always smiling. There was not a trace of adverse emotion (fear, anger, and the like).

Krishna identified Himself with not the body, but His eternal paratmaswaroopam (formless divinity). It is for this reason that He was ever-smiling.

Lesson 10. Never identify yourself with the body. The body is but a mere vessel encasing your real self.

11. Selfless unconditional love was His very nature

Baba has described Krishna as Premavatara (divine embodiment of love). He loved all beings from the bottom of His earth. He even gave liberation to those who offended Him. Although, He put forth a drama on the earthly plane, on the spiritual plane he gave mukti (freedom from birth and death) to his devotees and benefited them very kindly.

Lesson 11. Practice unconditional love, no matter what others do to you. Forgive your enemies and move forward with life. In the material world, we may call ourselves friends, enemies, or relatives, but in the spiritual realm we are all one: Love and Light!

12. He knew all about time, but He lived one day at a time

Kanha was omniscient and had full knowledge of past, present, and the future. He knew fully well what was to come and yet He lived one day at a time — never thinking about the past, nor worrying about the future.

Lesson 12. Live in the present. As Baba says “Past is history; future is mystery.”

13. The Lord considered the Divine Name to be very dear

Once, there was a challenge wherein Lord Krishna was to be put on a scale and an amount of wealth equal to His weight was to be given away in charity. Mother Rukmini put forward all the wealth in the kingdom but the scale did not tilt even by a small amount.

Finally, on Narada’s advice one Tulsi leaf with the name of Lord Krishna inscribed on it was put on the other scale (minus all the material wealth). As soon as this was done, the scale balanced evenly with the Lord’s weight.

Lesson 13. The Lord’s name equals the Lord. The Divine Name is not an ordinary word. It encompasses all the divine potencies of the Lord Himself. Always chant the Divine Name. Even God cannot defeat a devotee who chants His name.

14. He never lost an opportunity to help others transform

When Gopala asked the village folk to stop praying to Lord Indra and offer worship to Govardhana Mountain (which afforded them with life’s daily necessities), Indra was offended and sent forth a torrent of rain and floods to Gokula village. The innocent village folk ran to Lord Krishna, who was their only succor in this hour of need.

Krishna had His own plans. He wanted to humble the king of deities, Indra. With just a tiny tip of his last finger, Krishna raised the entire mountain and held it uplifted for several days and nights. The villagers rushed under the mountain and were untouched by the rain or floods. Such was the power of Krishna.

Seeing this miracle, Indra rushed to the site and fell at Krishna’s feet. He was completely transformed.

Lesson 14. Share your knowledge about God with others. Don’t force them, but do your best to help them transform.

15. Humility incarnate

Although the Lord of the entire creation, Krishna was most humble. He always respected His parents, guru, and elders, and was always anxious to please them. All deities, powers, and beings in the universe were eager to serve the Lord, but He always carried on His daily work on His own, without anyone’s assistance. Much to the contrary, he made attempts to assist others.

Lesson 15. Trees bearing heavy fruits, bend down. Even if you have accomplished great things, always remain humble and serve your fellow-beings with utmost humility.

On Raksha Bandhan Day We Reminisce Lord Krishna and Draupadi’s Bond

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During the Krishna Avatar, The Divine Lord raised His Holy Sudarshana Chakra to destroy an evil King, Shishupala. The Lord held the lightning fast Sudarshana on His finger and sent it the king’s way. Within a miniscule fraction of a second, the king was beheaded.

Unfortunately, the Lord’s finger started bleeding and Draupadi, an ardent devotee of the Lord and the Pandavas’ wife, rushed to bandage the bleeding finger of her beloved Lord. She tore a small piece from her sari and tied it to the Lord’s hand.

Krishna was touched by this selfless token of affection and pledged to rush to Draupadi’s protection whenever needed. Draupadi used to tie a raakhi to the Lord’s hand every year and Krishna always showered His protection on her.

Once, the wicked Kauravas were attempting to disrobe Draupadi and thereby tarnish her honor. She stood helplessly as the Kauravas began to disrobe her. Fortunately, she had full faith in the Lord, and not on human beings. At that critical juncture when none came to her rescue, she surrendered her mind to Krishna and sought His divine protection.

At that very second, Krishna appeared in the court of the Kaurvas and made her clothes eternally long. No matter how hard the Kauravas tried, a never-ending flow of clothes miraculously began to emanate from the sari of Draupadi. After a very long attempt, the Kauravas failed and Draupadi’s honor remained intact. It was the Kauravas who were put to shame.

Draupadi tied a small rag to Krishna’s hand, but the Lord reciprocated with an ever-flowing stream of clothes. Apparently, for every thread that was tied on His finger, Krishna multiplied the count many times over.

The festival of Rakhi honors many such brothers and sisters. In fact the festival of Raakhi is not confined to just India. From Alexander to Mughal emperors and Rajputs, the pure and selfless love of brothers and sisters is a time-honored tradition that has crossed geographic boundaries.

Sweet-Tasting Water Miraculously Manifests At Om Sai Mandir On New Year’s Day 2014

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Today, January 01, 2014, New Year’s Day, we witnessed a strange manifestation at Om Sai Mandir. After finishing the morning Rudra/Sai Abhishekam, we saw streams of water emanating from a picture of Baba’s feet. The water was unmistakably sweet. Devotees were present when the water manifested from Swami’s feet.

On previous occasions, devotees have felt the appearance of vibhuti from the same picture. For the benefit of devotees, we are providing pictures from the miracle:

The arrow points to streams of water flowing while a bigger drop is circled

This is a close-up of Baba’s feet. The manifestation of holy water can be clearly seen within the circle.

Another view of the water stream flowing through Baba’s feet.

Baba Appears At Tirupathi

The Archakas of Tirupati have the habit of looking at the feet of Balaji Bhagwan and taking Padanamaskar before Suprabhatam (where God is woken up). They open their eyes only after this procedure.

One of the senior most archakas suddenly had a feeling one day that even after having served the Lord for 40 years, he was not fortunate enough to have his darshan. He prayed emotionally that if he had been sincere in his duty towards the lord, then the Lord must some day grant His darshan.

The next day, as usual when the archakas went into the sanctum sanctorum for padanamaskar, the senior most archaka went in first. As he reached for the feet of the idol, his hands could feel the moist feet of a human body. As he reached for the feet again and again, the same thing happened. He called out to the other Archakas and told them his experience. The other archakas too experienced the same warmth. For a moment the archakas got agitated and felt that some miscreant would be standing there but who could be so insolent to stand on the lord’s idol and that too when the sanctorum was thoroughly checked before being locked. Who could it be? Was it an illusion?.. Just that moment the archaka remembered the prayer that came out of him the day before. A thought flashed through his mind…..Was it the Lord himself?

He hurriedly removed the covering and opened his eyes. What he saw shocked him. He gave out a shriek, hearing which the other archakas also removed their coverings and opened their eyes. A sense of disbelief went through them on what they saw. The idol was gone and Sri Satya Sai Baba was standing in its place. Baba was standing in Chatur Bhuja form (with four arms). Baba was smiling. He looked at the senior most archaka and said–”You wanted to see me. I am here. What do you want?” The archaka was stunned and asked –”When did I ask to see you? In fact, I asked for darshan of my Lord Sri Balaji.” Baba replied –”I am your Lord Sri Balaji.” Taken aback by this reply the archakas asked again–”How can you be Lord Balaji? You have always said You are Shiva-Shakti Swarupa. How then can you say you are Vaikunthathi-pathi Balaji?” Baba softly replied–”All are one, my dear children. God is one. He manifests in different forms and man worships the form to which he is most attached. All faiths are paths leading to the same goal. Why then do you see the difference?” Baba spoke again–”I have come not to disturb any faith but to confirm everyone in his own faith. I respond to everyone with whatever name you call me. You wanted to see the Lord in form of Balaji and so here I am to fulfill your wish.” So saying Bhagwan Sri Satya Sai Baba dissappeared and the idol of Bhagwan Balaji was back in its place. Silence prevailed for some time. Later the archakas handed over the administration of the temple temporarily to their juniors and rushed to Puttaparthy.

The next day the they were made to sit in front and as Bhagwan Baba came out for darshan, they sat with eyes glued at Him. As Baba came nearer, their hearts leapt in excitement. Baba maintained a little distance from them, looked sharply in their eyes, and asked –”Today how have you broken the tradition. Every day morning, you look first at my feet and then at my physical frame. Today you are looking at my face first without even taking padnamaskar.” As the archakas heard this, they fell at Baba’s feet. Baba took them to the interview room and spoke for a long time.

Baba Appeared In The Middle Of The Sea To Save A Sinking Ship

The book Sri Sai The Superman narrates a wonderful story about how Baba rescued a devotee in dire distress. It so happened that during the Russo-Japanese war, a devotee of Baba was commissioned as the captain of a ship. When the war reached its peak, all his steamers (baring a few) were sunk by the enemy lines and the opposing forces were keen on sinking his ship as well.

Just when his ship was about to sink, he took out a picture of Baba and with tear-filled eyes pleaded to Baba to come and save him. No sooner did he complete his prayers, Baba appeared on the scene and pulled the ships away to safety. The devotee was so grateful for this act of grace.

What’s more? Baba corroborated this miracle for devotees who were seated in His presence. Just when this incidence happened, Baba muttered an incorrigible “Oh!” out of the blue. Immediately, His entire dress was soaked with water and the space around Him (in Dwarakamai) was filled with a small pool of water. Devotees around Baba were confused by this incidence but knew there must be some explanation for the sudden manifestation of water.

After three days, a telegram arrived in Shirdi from Jahangiri Framji Daruwala, who wrote in to express his gratitude for Baba’s grace. It was then that all the devotees understood the meaning of the marvelous deed that Baba had performed.

Can a human appear in the middle of the ocean and pull giant ships to safety?

Through this incidence, Baba has given us an assurance that whenever we feel the ship of our life sinking in the ocean of samsara (worldliness), we can boldly call out to Him. He will surely come and rescue us. Sai is always with us.

Baba Can Change Destiny Itself

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The warmth of sincere devotion can melt God’s butter-soft heart in an instant, and in response to a devotee’s plea the Lord becomes like a servitor, willing to extend any service possible.

When the call is sincere, He will alter even destiny and rescue devotees from sorrow. This has been the experience of innumerable devotees.

Once, a mother-in-law was fortunate enough to experience this grace. She was a pious lady who had a big family with many sons and daughter-in-laws. Despite experiencing all forms of happiness, she was not at peace, for none of her children were able to become parents. She visited Puttaparthi with utmost reverence and placed her sorrow at the feet of the Lord of Parthi. He heard her request with compassion but explained that none of her family members were destined to become parents–that was their fate.

She was disheartened but she firmly held Sai’s feet and with tear-filled eyes begged Him to intercede. Swami was moved and asked if she believed in Him. She calmly said that His will was supreme and that He could alter destiny itself, if He so willed. Swami was touched by her faith and blessed her. The following year, she came with beautiful grand children.

Obedience to God’s teachings is a sure way to draw His response and when a devotee adapts his lifestyle to match Baba’s teachings, Baba is sure to save such a devotee from even the most unalterable writ of destiny.

In the Sai Satcharita, there are numerous instances where a devotee was to meet death or a terrible accident, but Baba intervened and saved the devotee.

Once a devotee was intent on visiting Chitali on business purpose. Just before the visit, Baba warned the devotee of upcoming danger. Shirdi Baba posed his hand in the form of a snake and said: “The lamba buva (snake) is dangerous but what can he do to the children of Dwarakamai. The presiding deity (Baba) is merciful; He will always protect.”

In compliance with Baba’s warning and instructions, the devotee took Shama on the trip. True to his word, just when the devotee was reading a newspaper a snake was found unnoticed, but Shama noticed the snake and quickly called for help. Needless to say, the devotee’s life was saved. There are many such instances where Baba saved devotees from accidents and even predictions of sure death.

God is so merciful, He cannot but run for His devotees. He is like the hard-working mother who is always busy performing routine household chores–in His case, cosmic-duties. Despite her burdens, the mother always provides for the children’s needs and keeps a watchful eye on them. The children may not know or realize this.

When they are safe or at play, she continues performing her chores, but if a child starts crying inconsolably, she will leave everything and run to console her darling. Similarly, God, who bears the love of a thousand mothers, rushes to respond to His children’s calls. His simple words will allay all fears and fulfill devotees’ wishes.