Chanting Sai Baba Name – Naamsmaran

Aum Sai Ram,
Let us offer pranam (bow with reverence and surrender) to Sadguru Sai Baba with deep love and gratitude.

Those Sai Baba devotees, reading Sai SatCharitra and other stories of Sai Baba must be aware of the importance given to Naamsmaran (chanting and/or remembrance )of God's name and also Sai Baba's youthful love of art and music

Today i was reading the newly arrived Sai Leela magazine.

There is a very good short story related with Naamsmaran. Let's start with that short story of Sai Baba.

As advised by Nanasaheb Chandorkar (One of the  Contemporary devotees of Shirdi Sai Baba.), his wife used to do Naam-Jap regularly. Once when She was sitting near Sai Baba in Shirdi, He said, "My mother you grind a lot of grains, but the outcome is useless."

Sai Baba was referring to the chanting or remembrance of God's name in a mechanical way. When the name is chanted, sung or remembered, it should have the feeling of love, bhava, with it. When we call our near and dear ones, there is an element of love in that, when we call a complete stranger on the road it is different,than a mother calls her little child. So the name of God, chanted or remembered, without any love or feeling is useless.

When we chant the name of Sai Baba let it be a call for His divine love, Let us call Him from the very depth of our heart seeking His presence. The yearning for Him, should be there. 

Baba jokingly used to say to Nana, "Nana, amongst all these people, there is not even a single swan? There are just crows!"

Lets read a quote from Shri Sai SatCharitra, the gift to us, overflowing with divine love of Sai Baba.



In Shri Sai SatCharitra Chapter 3, Hemadpant sent a request to Sai Baba, through Shama for collecting and writing His divine stories.

Below is a quote from what Sai Baba said in reply to the request.

"Shri Hari (God) is the sport of His own devotees (i.e. He dances to their tunes), hungering to the simple and guileless (devotees), and enslaved, altogether, by love. But to Hypocrites He remains unattainable always. "

Sai Baba gives us the way to enslave God in our heart. The way is love.
When no cunning desires are left the love of God is captured. Our mind is basically cunning and we should always stay at guard watching it. It constantly seeks everything, in name of God. It poses itself I am loving God, when there is a horde of desires on attack, one after another. So honesty is with the self is most important.

Meher Baba says about Hypocrisy " Hypocrisy is the unforgivable sin, even God cannot forgive it. He is willing to, but He can't get through, because we wrap ourselves in these veils of hypocrisy and posing."

 

Few more quotes of Shri Sai Baba on NaamSmaran or chanting and remembrance of Sai Baba Name, from Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter 3.

“Moreover, one thing I tell you Shama (Madhavrao Despande), I grant all the wishes of him who chants my name with love and faith, which, in turn, enhances his devotion to me.”

 

“Repetition of the name “Sai, Sai” will burn down the sins, resulting from the evil desires of Kaliyug. A mere prostration prostration before me is enough to destroy the past sins of speech and hearing.”

So, love for God is most important, or seeking to get ourselves filled with love of God. We seek what we don't have. We seek for something to make us comfortable, a state of being overflowing with joy and bliss. Some state of being where insecurity and fear cannot attack, which makes us free from the burnings within us. A post on this subject as earlier come out on this blog Divine love - the answer against anguish 

So let the call for Sai Baba of His remembrance be always with love. The yearning for His love. When devotee calls for God's love He comes running to Him.

Was just reading an example by Ramakrishna Paramhamsha, which fits here well. He says that mother of 5 or 6 children does her work, when all children are busy with their games and toys. But as soon as a child cries for mother, she leaves all work and rush towards the child.

So, it's useless if child is busy playing with the toys and keep repeating mother's name. The mother will come running when the actual call or cry is made for her.

This yearning and love also applies to worship of Sai Baba. It would be as meaningless, if the rituals are done mechanically. Love, Love and Love is the right path.

Om SadchitAnand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai.
O' Baba let our minds always seek for your divine love alone.

Those who want to subscribe to Sai Leela magazine or download or read it online can get the details here on Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi website. Those interested in Sai Leela magazines published in older times December 1973 to Jan - Feb 1992 can visit Saileelas.org/magazines. Here you will just not find old Sai Leelas Magazines for online reading and download but also few other magazines like Sai Sudha, Sai Deep and Sai Padananda.

Sai Baba’s brick

Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki jai.

 The brick that was closely connected with Sai Baba

There is a mention of a brick in Shri Sai Satcharitra  . The brick was very dear to Sai Baba and He mourned and cried when the brick was broken. He said that his physical presence was associated with the brick, and as the brick was broken, He too will have to leave this physical.
The brick was His constant companion and was dear to Him since he first came to Shirdi. Sai Baba took care of the brick with great love, affection and respect. Sai Baba in His characteristic way referred the brick as “Her”. Although the brick was earthen she was baked well and was sturdy. The size of the brick was 1 foot in length, 9 inches wide and 3 inches in depth.
Sai Baba while sitting alone in Dwarkamai in noon, would support His hand on this holy brick. At night He would support his head on the brick, using her as pillow.
Mhalsapati and Kashiram Shimpy use to worship Her and perform Mangal snan (holy bath). After the mangal snan they would carefully place her against the pillar adjacent to Dhuni Maa to dry. At night they would wrap her with a clean cloth and gave her to Sai Baba to place his head on Her.

The mention of the brick in Holy script Shri Sai SatCharitra

The brick was dearer to Sai Baba as His life. Sai Baba’s physical presence was closely connected with the brick. So the mention of the brick is make in Shri Sai SatCharitra chapter number 44, Nirayan (leaving the physical body) of Shri SaiNath.
Some excerpts from the same are given below.
For years there used to be an old brick of Baba’s, on which he rested his head, while sitting in yogasan. Every night in Solitude, Baba used to take support of this brick and spend the time peacefully submerged in the divine self. This practice had continued unhindered for years.
One day while Baba was not in the mosque (Dwarkamai), a young boy was sweeping it. He lifted the brick just a little to sweep underneath it. As it was destined the brick slept from his hand and broke into two pieces.

What Sai Baba said about the brick (mentioned in Sai SatCharitra)

When Sai Baba herd about this, His eyes were full of tears, He was filled with regrets. His heart was torn apart with grief and His throat chocked with emotions.  He said, “It is not the brick but the fortune that has broken.”
“The brick, in the company of which, I go into state of Self-absorption, and which was dearer to me as life itself – that companion of mine is broken and I too, cannot remain without it.
“The brick, my companion of lifetime, has gone, leaving me behind.”

Mention of brick in Bhakti SarAmrit written by Das Ganu Maharaj

Das Ganu Maharaj was a Sai Baba devotee who was instrumental in spreading the grace of Sai Baba through his kirtans (singing of bhajans (devotional songs) and Naamsmaran (chanting of God’s or Saint’s name). He also had written few books about Sai Baba and saints. He composed many bhajans dedicated to his Sadguru Shri Sai Baba.
Bhakti SarAmrit, a book written in 1925 A.D.,  on Sai Baba’s life stories, before Sai Baba visited Shirdi. Das Ganu in an interview taken by Shri Narasimha Swamiji had told that, some facts i.e. autobiographical reminiscences came from Sai Baba’s own mouth. These were few. He had made some inquires about Sai Baba before writing this work and some facts were written from his personal knowledge, while he spent time with Baba.

In the book it is mentioned that Chandodkar was surprised at the Sai’s love for brick. He also felt that Baba should use a more comfortable pillow, and not the hard brick covered with cloth. So with folded hands, he told, “Baba do not place your head on this brick, I will furnish you with a pillow.”

What Sai Baba said about the brick (mentioned in Bhakti SantAmrit by Das Ganu).

Sainath Maharaj replied to this plea of Nana Chandodkar,
He said, “Nana, the worth of the brick cannot be measured, even if you make lakh of pillows. This brick is my Guru’s gift to me. My dear man, the value of her is greater than that of universe. This brick is the object of my meditation and also my meditation. This brick is my visible life. If it is broken, this body of mine will also die.
Then Baba relates the story behind the brick of how, it was hurled at Him with the intention of killing Him. His Guru suspended the brick in air for one and a half hour. Since the force of brick was destined to hit a head taking the life away from that body, the Sadguru offered His head to the force of the brick. To this Baba said, “This shows, that the saints always suffer, to relive others from their sufferings. They have powers within themselves, but will not manifest their powers.”
“My Sadguru gifted me with this brick.” said Sai Baba. “As my Guru’s feet (charan) touched this brick, i use her as a pillow.” He whose head is at Guru’s feet, His shadow or darkness is also precious. So i place my head at Guru’s feet.”
Sai Baba continued, “Every morning Nana, you and others come and fall at my feet. I dedicate those prostrations to my Guru’s grace. Therefore it is proper for me, to place my head on this brick.”

Where is the broken brick now?

The above question used to come to my mind while my frequent visits to sacred Shirdi, soon after my first experiences in Shirdi. As most of the places gave me good unknown experiences within. There was (and is) a deep love with Sai Baba, Shirdi and things associated with Baba. Today most of the things that Sai Baba used can be seen in the museum in Shirdi. I had searched for the sacred brick every time i visited Shirdi, until i found that the broken brick was placed as pillow of our dear Baba in the Samadhi. I deep sense of grief touches my heart as i wrote the above line, and tears are almost there in the eyes.
Baba i love you.Tears flows as i write this. I cannot imagine the grief of those who laughed and talked with him, at that moment. Om Shri Sai you are always with us.

Sai SatCharitra - the paanpoyi

Aum Shri Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai!

Most of the readers would be thinking, what is this paanpoyi. Paanpoyi is a word used in Shri Sai SatCharitra for the life story of Shirdi Sai Baba written in Shri Sai SatCharitra. It says, "This life story of Sai is, to the devotee, is a paanpoyi of His nectar-sweet stories. With Sai's grace, drink deeply and to your heart's content, to ward off the scorching heat of this conflagration that worldly life is.

Indeed this is so true. First the meaning of paanpoyi. Paanpoyi is a Marathi word which means " The stand or a shed erected for the purpose of supplying water to the travelers. This kind of sheds were and are used widely in India with the purpose of quenching the thirst of travelers traveling on feet. There are many devotees who visit Temples or a shrine or a pilgrimage on foot. It is heavy on the physical system, and the most required thing during that time is drinking water.

Truely Sai Satcharitra is a paanpoyi. Not a paanpoyi of drinking water but a paanpoyi of Sai Baba's love and grace. It is a shed where the devotee gets to rest in Baba's love. It is a place from where Sai Baba's grace flows constantly, the devotees just have to read the sacred stories of Sai with attention and putting aside all reservation.

The worldly life has it's own set of struggle, agony, striving. The mind and the soul sometimes get too tired in the scorching heat. The sacred stories of Shri Sai SatCharitra does give solace at these times. There are so many incidents recorded of the same.

Those looking for spiritual or worldly contentment. Shri Sai Satcharitra is a source of divine grace. Dig for the wealth and carry it away by cart-loads.   Yes a little digging (reading) is needed. Even if one is neat a well full with fresh ever flowing water, one need to do little and actually drink the water. One needs to drink that deep quenching grace. We are always in need of something. Something for fulfillment. We look for money, good relationships, good health. Even with all these the need of fulfillment still remains. What is this something which we are looking for? Many get the money they need, the relationships they had always dreamed for. Yet not the money nor the relationship bring about the total quench. Many just settles with life is this set of unfulfilled struggle and does not look for something that could possibly quench or bring about a fulfillment. Many just keep looking for more material wealth and more relationships. As these are also a goal for fulfillment Sai Baba grants these wishes to devotees. Sai Baba used to say, "I give them what they ask for, until they ask for what I want to give." Lucky ones finds soon that all they have been asking for is not enough. Even after attaining all they asked for something within is still empty. It needs to be filled. Then they ask for the God's or Guru's grace. To get merged in the God's grace, to experience the fullness of God's or Guru's grace within and without.

The paanpoyi is mentioned in Sai SatCharitra Chapter 25. Next is a sacred stories of Sai Baba, which tells why Sai Baba does not fulfill all desires of devotees? Which we will see in following post. 

Shri SadChitAnand SadGuru SaiNath Maharaj Ki Jai!

Related posts

Sai SatCharitra Parayan

Since Sai Baba fulfills our desires

Dig for the wealth and carry it away by cart-loads

Om Shri Sadchit Anand Sadguru SaiNath Maharaj Ki Jai.

Was just reading Sai SatCharitra. Sai Satcharitra seems to have a great deal of importance in my life. The grace that flows through Shri Sai SatCharitra is immense. Sai Baba's grace is present too much with this sacred pothi. One reason for the immense popularity of Sai SatCharitra parayan with so many Sai Baba devotees, whether they are aware of it or not.

My first experience with this sacred book Shri Sai SatCharitra has already been written in my first experiences with Shridi Sai Baba. That was an experience with which Sai Baba made his grace felt through this sacred book for the first time to me. Since then Sai SatCharitra has been a constant companion with me. I have been holding and carrying the book with me since so many years. Talking mentally with the book. Even sleeping with the book. The book lies near my pillow and i sleep with my hand on it. Going to sleep while feeling Sai Baba's grace is really a fortunate experience.

More the parayans are done, stronger the bond becomes. The force of grace gets stronger and stronger on this spiritual weakling. Since last Navratris to this Navratri, had completed two sets of 20 parayans each. The first 20 Sai SatCharitra were driven by fear. This is one of the chief specialty of our Sadguru Sai Baba. If you cannot love God enough, if you cannot spend enough time in love with God. Come to Me and ask for some security, ask for freedom from agony, ask for material or emotional comfort. I will give you that, so that I can give what is best for you. The love for God.

As i mentioned earlier, i used to carry Sai SatCharitra most of the time. Even while at work. It felt i was holding hand of Baba all the time. One thing i asked from the grace of the book always was freedom from work for monetary gains or survival. This was done at the times of satisfactory monetary gains or loses. I want to spend most of the time time feeling your grace in silence was the call of heart and mind. This prayer was listened to and granted. Since three to four years i can spend most of the time with Baba's grace, either meditating, worship, Sai SatCharitra parayan, aarti. Thank you Baba for the same.

Now may be i was not giving enough time to the parayan of Sai SatCharitra. So the necessary money that was flowing in every month reduced much. The reduction of the money meant to give the mind on any other work for the quest of survival. This brought about great disturbance. On doing some research on the work that gave me enough money, i found that there was no way it can be brought back. Immediately the mind went where it goes at the times of troubles, Sai Baba. It said, Baba looks like i am doomed. Will be forced for the quest of survival. Will have to leave the maximum time devotion to You, the surrender to Your grace. Baba if the money income gets as before i'll do 20 Sai SatCharitra parayans.

The mind and heart was still at awe. Next morning my hands clicked on computer screen to see if the impossible has been done. What have You in store for me Baba. Continue with this luxurious Bhakti or run around in the market place. i could not believe what my eyes saw. Everything had been restored as before. Well, not as it was before, in fact in far better position.

So Sai Baba You did your job, now the ball was in my court. I had to do what i promised. That's how first 20 parayans were done. And with each parayan You made your presence felt all the time. I bow 1001 times to Your love.

Was reading a very good book Sai Baba the Master by Acharya E. Bharadwaja. Readers can read online this good book on Sai Baba here. In the book was reading experiences of Kusha bhav . Sai Baba one one occasion advised him to complete 108 Guru Charitra parayans, each parayan to be completed in 3 days. This particular advice was a great attraction to me. So after praying for successful completion of 108 parayans of Sai SatCharita (each one in three days) have started it on 15th September 2009. So far three prarayans have been completed and the 4th one is on.

With each parayan the force of Sai Baba's grace is getting stronger. Was just thinking about the gold of Sai Baba. Sai Baba many a times refered to God's grace as moeny or gold. It was a symbol He used for God's grace and Fakir was symbol use for God. Quiet a miss match if we see it completely in material sense. A true Fakir does not even accumulate little material money with him, gold is to far a thing he would keep.

So was thinking of the gold that flows through Sai SatCharitra and reached at the end of Chapter 32 where Sai Baba said about His gold. Normally i do Sai SatCharitra parayans of the abridged version available at Sai Baba Sansthan Shirdi, which we also distribute for free. But while writing on this blog i also use verse by verse translation in English of original Marathi Sai SatCharitra. The English translation done by Indira Kher.

On opening the book randomly what i read is "My Master says, Take, O take away!". Exactly what my heart felt like writing on this blog. A small miracle in itself. Or Baba's presence with this post and the blog, as it is with Sai SatCharitra.

Before what Sai Baba said about the the gold (God or Guru's grace) there is a mysterious symbolic story which Sai Baba said.

Once when I was small, stinting on my own needs, I set out in search of job for my livelihood. As i walked along I came to Beedgaon, where i rested for a while. But my Fakir had a different plan for me, which brought me great happiness. There i secured a job of doing Jariwork. I worked untiringly and my work came to fruition. Such is the power of the Fakir!

There where four other boys, employed before me and much acclaimed for the their skills. They too were working there, and there work was assessed on completion. One had put in work worth Rs. 50/- ; another worth Rs. 100/- and the third one, worth Rs. 150/-. But my work was worth double their amount.

Seeing my skill, my employer was very pleased, and being fond of me, praised me highly. He presented me with a dress, consisting of a turban over the head and a 'shela', to take over the body. But the moment it was given, I just tied it in a bundle and put it away. How can that suffice which somebody gives you? However much it is, it is inadequate. But when God gives something, it has no end, even to end of time.

"What my master gives me is real 'giving'. How can someone else's compare with it, ever? How can the 'limited' lend distinction to the 'boundless'?

"My Master says, 'Take O take this away!' Everyone says, 'Give give only to me!' But no one heeds my words. No one listens to me attentively!

"His treasury is overflowing but no one cares to bring the carts. Nobody will dig, when asked to do so. No one bothers to make the effort.

" I say, 'Dig for that wealth and carry it away by the cart-loads. Only he will collect the treasure, who is truly mother's son.'

"And what, after all, is our fate? Dust will return to the dust, and the wind, to the wind. And this opportunity, once lost, will never come back again!

"However, the skill of my Fakir, the leela of my bhagavan, the harmonious consistency of my Master is something quite different, quite unique!

The above symbolic and story told by Sai Baba, like many other pointed to the real wealth, God's grace. But one has to listen attentively to what Baba says and work for the real gold. Fill one's cart with the real gold which is not limited. What God's grace gives none can give. How can the gifts from someone limited can be compared to limitless. We are always in serach for the gifts from fellow human beings, looking for love, emotions, things. Even if we get it, it is always inadequate.It can not be compared with the love of God, the grace of God, which has no end.

Shri Sadchit anand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj Ki Jai
Sai Baba ke Charano me pranam.
Jai Sai Nath.