Monday, January 11, 2010

Sai Baba’s brick

Sai_Baba_original_stone

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. 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

SaiBabaThe 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)

Sai_SatCharitra_English When Sai Baba heard 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 Baba through his kirtans and Naamsmaran (chanting of God’s or Saint’s name). He also have written few books about Shri Sai and saints. He composed many bhajans dedicated to his Sadguru Shri Sai Baba.

Bhakti SarAmrit written in 1925 A.D., a book written on Sai Baba’s life stories. Das Ganu in an interview taken by Shri Narasimha Swamiji had told that, some facts i.e. autobiographical reminiscences came from Sai’s own mouth. These were few. He had made some inquires about Baba before writing this work and some facts were written from his personal knowledge, while he spent time with Baba.

Sai_Baba_ShirdiIn 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?

Baba_Samadhi_Mandir 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 in this holy land, 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 Shri Sai 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.

A 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.

14 comments:

S.V.Swamy said...

Sai Ram. A nice and informative article but could you kindly recheck the following statement?

"Bhakti SarAmrit written in 1925 A.D., a book written on Sai Baba’s life stories,before Sai Baba visited Shirdi."

I feel the sentence needs modification.

Sai Ram.

Jainesh said...

Excellent post Alpesh. One can almost feel the energy oozing out while reading. Nice.
Also the pictures do look great and well placed as one can see Sai Baba during every word one reads.
Om Sai Ram
:-)

Alpesh Patel said...

Om Sai Ram S.V.Swamyji,

Thanks for pointing it out. Have changed it.

Ms. Hetal Patil said...

Om Sai Ram,

This is indeed one of the best posts of this blog which touched me deeply.

Every time while reading Shri Sai Satcharitra, i was wondering about the importance of this brick which was loved by Baba dearly. Thanks for clarifying and bringing out its significance.

Through this inanimate brick Baba has indeed once again pointed out Guru's importance and also the importance of bowing to Guru's Holy Feet.

Thanks once again.

roger said...

Sai baba is the image of many follower so to follow his path people has to get rid of many aspect of life and deliver himself into spirutual admiration.

Alpesh Patel said...

Om Sai Ram ebizzpr,

Is Sai Baba just the image?

Does people on the path has to get rid of many aspects of life, Or they have to love Him, Invoke His grace and, the grace enables one to get rid of unnecessary?

Anonymous said...

I thank all of of u who time and again keep me informed about every detail of our dear sri sai.his photographs are really adorable. after the busy chores of our daily life when u have to just go through these beautiful pictures of our Sri Sai they give me so much mental peace.I would requet u to pls keep on sending me new articles and snaps of my Sri Sai and a prayer that can healme at this junction of my life. God belss.OM SRI SAI RAM

real dreams said...

om sai rammmmmmmmmm

Anonymous said...

I Love You Sai baba. I can't leave without see you in a day. You gave alot love,affection,kind, trust, patience and truth. These things very importantant in my life. which is I have uderstood now.
Once again I Love Youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!

ganesh said...

Sai ram,

Moreover Baba always used to have one bag with him .He had not allowed anyone to touch it . But after Baba left His physical body , people of shirdi were curious to know what was in that. The bag had nothing except "one green Kafni" which he had not worn. That was also buried in Sai's Samadhi. Jai sai Ram .. Sai ,We all love u lot :-)

Neeraja Nimmagadda said...

Jai Sairam Alpesh, indeed you are really blessed! Happy to know you and thanks to Sai for making this happen! I always thought of The Brick what Baba used...and now I too know because of U! Thanks a ton! and U know, what He said about if anyone listens to His Leelas or stories, He will be with them always....HE did more than that for me...what the doctors couldn't do, HE did for me!all because I listened to His Leelas with total faith!!! will share with U soon...if u don't mind. Stay blessed always, Alpesh. Jai Sairam

Anonymous said...

Jai Sairam.

I just heard abt this fact of Saibab's Brick & surprised a bit....after reading this article....i am totally amazed..

Thanks for this details.

Jai Sairam

B.V.Prakash, Srirampuram,Bangalore said...

Beautiful & informative article on Sai's BRICK. If any one has the photo of the sacred BRICK pls share it. Jai Sai Ram!!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for writing this in details. I just now today finished my Sai Sacchritra in seven days. I had a dream of Sai Baba last year in November 2016. He had flew from brick wall and came to my house and sat on the floor in my living room. He has given me some work . One of his temples is not taken care off and Baba wants me to do something about it. Baba will help me and show me the ways how to start and finish this assignment he has given me. I love Baba so much that whenever I visit any of his temples , tears start to flow automatically when I look at his picture. Baba bless all his devotees please ������
Om Sai Ram ������

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