Shirdi Sai Baba: The Wise Indian Saint
Sai Baba of Shirdi is believed to have been born between 1838 and 1842. This Indian saint is known to have practised both Hinduism and Islam, but he made his mark by refusing to be identified with any particular religion.
Shirdi Sai Baba dedicated his life to ascetic practice and to spreading the message of love, religious tolerance, and harmony. He did not hesitate to use his miraculous powers to benefit beings. His life was a perfect embodiment of his teachings, and his actions inspired faith among his devotees.
Today, Shirdi Sai Baba’s images have become the object of worship for millions of devotees around the world. His wisdom teachings continue to inspire many onto the path of spirituality.
Early Life
A young Shirdi Sai Baba meditating under a neem tree.
Not much is known about Shirdi Sai Baba’s birth, parentage, or childhood. He is said to have given contradictory and vague responses on these matters and regarded his early life as unimportant. Historical and genealogical research in Shirdi, a town in the state of Maharashtra in western India, indicated that he was born not far from the village and was given the name Haribhau Bhusari at birth.
Shirdi Sai Baba himself mentioned to Mhalsapati Nagre, one of his close disciples, that he was born in Pathri Village to a Hindu Brahmin (priestly caste) family. Not long after his birth, his parents entrusted him to the care of a fakir (Sufi Muslim) couple and he spent his childhood in a mosque. On another occasion, he mentioned that his foster mother entrusted him to the care of Venkusa of Selu, a Hindu teacher. He studied under the guidance of Venkusa for 12 years.
When he was 16 years old, Sai Baba went to Shirdi Village. Again, there is no exact information about the date of his arrival. However, most biographers agree that he stayed in Shirdi for three years before leaving and returning one year later in 1858 as a 20-year-old. Based on this information, it is widely believed that Shirdi Sai Baba’s year of birth was 1838.
Shirdi Sai Baba holding a Satka (meditation stick used to rest the arm while reciting mantras on a rosary) in his left hand and a Bhiksha Patra (a bowl for collecting alms) in his right hand.
During his first stay in Shirdi, he adopted an ascetic lifestyle and engaged in prayer and meditation under a neem tree in the Babul forest. His austere lifestyle drew various reactions from the villagers. The children often mocked and threw stones at him while those who sought out spirituality, such as Appa Jogle, Mhalsapati, and Kashinatha, visited and treated him with reverence. They also supplied him with food and other basic necessities.
After three years in Shirdi, Sai Baba left. No one knows for sure what happened to him during this period of absence. It is said that he worked as a weaver and met many fakirs and saints. He himself claimed that, during his absence from Shirdi in 1857, he fought in the Indian Rebellion with the army of Rani Lakshmibai.
Return to Shirdi
Shirdi Sai Baba and Chand Patil
Shirdi Sai Baba returned to Shirdi in 1858 with Chand Patil’s wedding procession. He went to Khandoba Mandir, a Hindu temple in Shirdi, and met Mhalsapati, a temple priest who would later become one of his closest disciples. Mhalsapati greeted him with the words “Aao, Sai!” or “Come, Sai!” “Sai” is a title that is usually given to a saint of the Sufi faith. From then on, he was known by the name of Sai Baba.
Mhalsapati greeted Shirdi Sai Baba with the words “Aao, Sai!”
Shirdi Sai Baba had long hair that flowed down to his hips. After his defeat in a wrestling match by Mohdin Tamboli, he adopted the Sufi style of clothing and began wearing a cloth cap and a knee-length kafni.
He resumed his ascetic lifestyle in the nearby forest where he meditated under a neem tree and wandered through the woods. After about five years, he took up residence at a local mosque which he named “Dwarkamai” after Dwarka, the abode of Lord Krishna. When he first moved in, the mosque was in a state of disrepair.
An old picture of Dwarkamai taken in 1905
Shirdi Sai Baba sitting next to a dhuni (a sacred fire) lit by him
Despite his new dwelling place, Shirdi Sai Baba still went out every morning to beg for alms. He also received pilgrims of the Islamic and Hindu faiths who came to seek his advice. Dwarkamai was open to all visitors regardless of their background, faith, and caste.
In Dwarkamai, Shirdi Sai Baba maintained a dhuni (a sacred fire). Udi, the ashes from the sacred fire, are said to have had the power of healing and the ability to avert evil influence. He used these sacred ashes to treat the sick and also gave them freely to whomever visited him. He also asked for donations from his visitors to distribute to the poor and other devotees, to help improve the karma of his disciples, and to teach them to let go of their attachments and greed.
Shirdi Sai Baba giving udi to devotees
Shirdi Sai Baba begging for alms
Shirdi Sai Baba also encouraged his disciples to do charity and share their possessions with others.
“Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away, but receive them well and treat them with due respect. Shri Hari (God) will be certainly pleased if you give water to the thirsty, bread to the hungry, clothes to the naked and your verandah to strangers for sitting and resting. If anybody wants any money from you and you are not inclined to give, do not give, but do not bark at him like a dog.”
Source: newworldencyclopedia.org
Shirdi Sai Baba grew and nurtured the garden he called Lendi Baug, named after a river that used to flow in that area. He would go to Lendi Baug every morning and rest under a neem tree. Under the neem tree, he dug a two-feet-deep pit and kept an earthen fire lit continuously.
Inside this garden, Shirdi Sai Baba and his disciples also dug a well (Lendi). Every day, he threw silver coins into the well; he liked to test his disciples to see if they were greedy for money and gold.
Shirdi Sai Baba grew and nurtured the garden he named Lendi Baug.
Original picture of Shirdi Sai Baba sitting in Lendi Baug
Shirdi Sai Baba’s Teachings
An old picture of Shirdi Sai Baba with his disciples.
Shirdi Sai Baba was familiar with both the Muslim and Hindu scriptures and advised his devotees to read them both. He was able to interpret and explain the texts of both faiths. He taught about the omnipresence of God and advised his disciples, “Why do you fear when I am always here. He has no beginning and no end.”
He also emphasised the “Oneness of God” – a concept that is common to both the Hindu doctrine of Advaita Vedanta and the Islamic Tauhid (Oneness of God).
Shirdi Sai Baba did not leave any notes or records of his teachings. However, he left behind many oral teachings and parables. He emphasised the importance of devotion and faith to one’s teacher and how the law of karma determines one’s faith. He also liked to dance with other fakirs and sing the songs of Kabir, a tradition that was prevalent in the Sufi faith.
Shirdi Sai Baba liked to dance and sing the songs of Kabir.
Shirdi Sai Baba and the dance troupe.
Throughout his life, it was apparent that Shirdi Sai Baba did not care about his reputation and fame, and he had developed compassion for those who sought him out for help, teachings, and advice. He also did not hesitate to show wrath to his disciples to shake their sense of ego.
While the number of his followers and disciples grew, he continued to live simply and became the embodiment of selflessness and compassion. He worked for the liberation of human beings and always encouraged his followers to practise humility. On one occasion, he advised them, “Even the learned are confused. Then what of us? Listen and be silent.” Due to his many selfless qualities, he was revered and admired by a great many people.
Sai Baba made eleven assurances to his devotees:
- Whosoever puts their feet on Shirdi soil, their sufferings will come to an end.
- The wretched and miserable will rise to joy and happiness as soon as they climb the steps of the mosque.
- I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body.
- My tomb shall bless and speak to the needs of my devotees.
- I shall be active and vigorous even from my tomb.
- My mortal remains will speak from my tomb.
- I am ever living to help and guide all who come to me, who surrender to me and who seek refuge in me.
- If you look to me, I look to you.
- If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it.
- If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once.
- There shall be no want in the house of my devotee.
Source: biographyonline.net
Save for a few exceptions, Shirdi Sai Baba did not like to perform regular rituals. He did encourage the chanting of the Al-Fatiha and the reading of the Quran during Muslim festivals. He also listened to qawwali and moulu, accompanied by the sarangi and the tabla, twice daily.
Shirdi Sai Baba during a teaching session with his disciples.
According to the stories of his life, Shirdi Sai Baba always advised his disciples and devotees to practise generosity, forgiveness, inner peace, contentment, and love towards others. He detested attachment to earthly possessions. He also encouraged his followers to undergo spiritual training and to surrender to their teacher who had “trod the path to divine consciousness,” and “will lead the disciple through the jungle of spiritual training.” [Source: wikipedia.org]
Shirdi Sai Baba’s other favourite quote was, “Allah rakhega vaiia rahena” or “Let us be content with what we have, and submit our will to Allah.” [Source: wikipedia.org] This verse was meant to encourage his disciples to practise contentment.
Shirdi Sai Baba cooking
Shirdi Sai Baba serving the sick.
Inter-Faith Tolerance and Harmony
Shirdi Sai Baba taught his disciples to practise tolerance and not discriminate against others based on their background, caste, or religion. He said that all faiths led to the same goals and that “God is the Owner of us All.” [Source: biographyonline.net] With his words and teachings, Shirdi Sai Baba encouraged harmony and unity among all religions, especially between the Hindu and Muslim faiths.
Shirdi Sai Baba with children
He also refused to be identified either as a Muslim or a Hindu. When asked, he often became irritated and on at least one occasion, he is known to have given the following response:
“You have been with me for eighteen years now. Does Sai mean for you only these three and a half cubits of height?”
Source: wikipedia.org
Due to his position and non-discriminatory stand, Shirdi Sai Baba was able to skillfully avoid entanglement in inter-faith clashes and make a substantial contribution towards general harmony. His position on religious tolerance is perfectly represented in the following verse that his devotees sing:
“In essence or basic principle, there is no difference whatever between Hindu and Muslim. You took birth in human body to point out this. You look with affection on both Hindus and Muslims. This, Sai, who pervades all, as the soul of all, shows.”
Source: wikipedia.org
Many visitors to Dwarkamai bore witness to the effects of Shirdi Sai Baba’s teachings. They were pleasantly surprised at how Muslims, Hindus, and followers of other faiths could live together in harmony and peace. This obvious display of religious tolerance in action served as a powerful lesson that inter-faith harmony is indeed possible. Due to Shirdi Sai Baba’s and his disciples’ display of religious harmony, Christians and Parsis also came to Shirdi to experience his wisdom.
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The Miracles of Shirdi Sai Baba
Shirdi Sai Baba is known to have performed miracles during his lifetime.
Shirdi Sai Baba was famous for his miracles. There are many tales of him displaying miraculous powers either to inspire faith or to help others, such as levitating, lighting lamps with water, healing the chronically ill, giving advice to his followers in their dreams, and removing and reattaching his limbs (Khandana Yoga). He often said that, “My Leela [miracle] is inscrutable.” [Source: shirdi.org.uk]
The following are selected accounts of Shirdi Sai Baba’s miracles:
Lighting Oil Lamps with Water
The lighting of oil lamps with water was one of the first miracles that Shirdi Sai Baba performed, which was made known to many people. He used to light oil lamps in the mosque where he lived and at other temples. The local merchants donated the oil that he used to light the lamps.
Shirdi Sai Baba sitting in front of Dwarkamai with oil lamps that he lit himself.
One day, the merchants decided that they would not give any more oil to Shirdi Sai Baba, telling him that they had no fresh stock. Shirdi Sai Baba did not say anything and returned to his mosque. That night, he lit the lamps using water instead of oil and the lights burnt deep into the night.
When they heard about the miracle, the merchants rushed to Shirdi Sai Baba with regret and apologies. Shirdi Sai Baba forgave them and advised them not to lie again. He said, “You could have refused to give me the oil, but did you have to say that you didn’t have fresh stocks?” [Source: shirdi.org.uk]
Fire in the Field
On one sweltering summer day, during the harvest season, Shirdi Sai Baba told one of his disciples, Kondaji Sutar, that his field was on fire. Sutar immediately rushed to his field but saw no fire there. When he informed his teacher about what he saw, Shirdi Sai Baba told him to return to his field and to look again carefully.
Sutar returned to his field and did what his teacher told him to do. Then, Sutar noticed that part of his corn was on fire. Smoke started to appear. The strong winds made it difficult to put the fire out. Sutar became very worried and anxiously appealed to Shirdi Sai Baba for help. Shirdi Sai Baba went to the field and sprinkled water on the fire. The fire was immediately extinguished.
Terminating the Rain
One day, a devotee named Rao Bahadur Moreshwar Pradhan and his wife visited Shirdi Sai Baba to behold the holy person (darshan). Just as the couple were about to leave, rain started to pour down heavily. Shirdi Sai Baba asked God to stop the rain. The rain immediately stopped, and the couple were able to leave and safely reach their destination.
Increasing the Water Level in a Well
In Shirdi, there was a well with no water because there was no natural spring nearby. The villagers had to walk a long distance to fetch water, which created difficulties for them.
On Ramnavami, the celebration of the god Rama’s birthday, the villagers experienced a water crisis. In an effort to help the villagers, Shirdi Sai Baba threw some leaves into the well, and the water level started to increase. Since then, the well has become a functioning source of water that fulfilled the basic needs of the villagers.
Saving a Girl from Drowning
There was a man named Babu Kirwandikar whose three-year-old daughter fell into a well. The villagers immediately rushed to the well to save the girl. To their astonishment, they saw the girl floating in the air as if invisible hands were holding her up. This miracle was attributed to Shirdi Sai Baba.
The Flow of the Godhavari River from Shirdi Sai Baba’s Feet
One day, Das Ganu, one of Shirdi Sai Baba’s disciples, requested his teacher’s permission to go to the Godhavari River to bathe in the holy water. Shirdi Sai Baba told Das Ganu that he did not need to go to Godhavari because the river was under his feet.
Das Ganu approached and held Shirdi Sai Baba’s feet with the hollow of his palm. Water then flowed and filled up the hollow of Das Ganu’s palm. With a deep sense of joy and devotion, Das Ganu immediately sprinkled the water on his head and his body, and shared it with the other devotees present.
A scene of Shirdi Sai Baba’s life from Sri Sai Satcharitra.
The Birth of the Sai Baba Movement
At first, Shirdi Sai Baba discouraged any worship of his being. However, the stories of his wisdom, compassion, and miracles reached far and wide, and people came flocking to him. The Hindu priest, Mhalsapati, is regarded as his first disciple.
In the 19th Century, Shirdi Sai Baba’s devotees comprised of only a small group of disciples. However, by 1910, he had become a well-known figure in Mumbai and his devotees grew exponentially, especially among those from the Muslim and Hindu faiths. They regarded him as a saint. In February 1910, his devotees began the practise of Sai Baba night worship (shej arati). Their numbers continued to grow as Das Ganu worked tirelessly to spread his teacher’s name throughout India.
In 1911, Shirdi Sai Baba’s devotees completed the construction of Dikshitwada, a rest-house for devotees in Shirdi. His temple in Kudal, Sindhudurg, was established in 1922. According to legend, Shirdi Sai Baba gave Dada Madye Ji, one of his disciples, one rupee to build this temple. In the later part of Shirdi Sai Baba’s life, people of the Zoroastrian and Christian faiths started to join the Sai Baba movement.
His devotees also established a religious organisation named Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi. Today, approximately 20,000 pilgrims visit his temple in Shirdi on an average day. The number of visitors can reach up to 100,000 a day during religious festivals.
According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Religion, “there is at least one Sai Baba mandir [or temple] in nearly every Indian city.” [Source: newworldencyclopedia.org] The worship of Shirdi Sai Baba has also reached other countries including the United States, Malaysia, France, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
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Notable Disciples
Some of Shirdi Sai Baba’s disciples grew to become famous spiritual figures and saints in their own right.
Mhalsapati Nagre
Mhalsapati Nagre is often regarded as Shirdi Sai Baba’s first disciple and a saint. He was the priest of Khandoba Temple and Upasni Maharaj Temple in Shirdi.
Mhalsapati (left), Abdul Baba (middle), and Bayajabai Kote Patil (right)
Abdul Baba
In 1890, Abdul Baba came to Shirdi on the advice of a fakir. It is said that Shirdi Sai Baba appeared to the fakir in a dream and told him to bring Abdul Baba to Shirdi. When Abdul Baba arrived, Shirdi Sai Baba greeted him by saying, “My crow has come.”
Abdul Baba took care of Shirdi Sai Baba’s residence and lit the lamps in Lendi. In return, Shirdi Sai Baba took care of his welfare and treated him with affection. Shirdi Sai Baba often asked Abdul Baba to read passages from the Quran out loud.
Bayajabai Kote Patil
To Shirdi Sai Baba, Bayajabai Kote Patil was his sister. She took a vow not to eat until her teacher had eaten. She was known to carry a basket of food with her as she looked for Shirdi Sai Baba so that she could feed him.
Bayajabai Kote Patil was known to carry a basket of food with her as she looked for Shirdi Sai Baba so that she could feed him.
Das Ganu Maharaj
Das Ganu was a police officer in India. Another devotee named Chandorkar introduced Das Ganu to Shirdi Sai Baba. Later in life, Das Ganu composed devotional songs (kirtans) and wrote about the lives of saints.
Annasaheb Dabholkar
Shirdi Sai Baba often referred to Annasaheb Dabholkar as Hemadpant, a 13th Century writer and politician. Dabholkar wrote a book, titled “Sri Sai Satcharitra”, that provided insights into the philosophy and life of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Das Ganu Maharaj (left) and Annasaheb Dabholkar or Hemadpant (right)
Hari Sitaram Dixit
Hari Sitaram Dixit, also known as Kakasaheb Dixit, was one of Shirdi Sai Baba’s most devoted disciples. A solicitor by profession, Shirdi Sai Baba helped him to eliminate fear from his mind.
Laxmibai Shinde
Laxmibai Shinde was a wealthy woman who spent her free time working day and night at the mosque where Shirdi Sai Baba lived. Only a few students were given permission to enter the mosque by night. Her access gave her extraordinary privilege and distinction.
Hari Sitaram Dixit (left) and Laxmibai Shinde (right)
Later Life and Death
On 15th October 1918, Sai Baba entered mahasamadhi, where his consciousness departed his earthly form, while lying on his disciple’s lap in Dwarkamai. Before he passed away, he is known to have said the following to his disciples:
“Do not think I am dead and gone. You will hear me from my Samadhi and I shall guide you.”
Source: thoughtco.com
Sai Baba just before his passing
Shirdi Sai Baba’s remains were buried in Buty Wadha, Shirdi, which is now known as Shree Samadhi Mandir. The temple at the site is a testament of the devotion of his disciples. Inside, there is a statue of Shirdi Sai Baba made from Italian marble and covered in royal cloth. Carved by the famous sculptor Balaji Vasant Talim, this image of Shirdi Sai Baba is adorned with a gold crown and a garland of flowers. The interior and exterior of the temple are gilded with gold. Four aarti (Hindu rituals of devotion) are performed every day in this temple:
- 4:30 am: The Morning Aarti (Kakad Aarti)
- 12:00 pm: The Afternoon Aarti (Madhyan Aarti)
- 6:30 pm: The Evening Aarti (Dhup Aarti)
- 10:30 pm: The Night Aarti (Shej Aarti)
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Every Thursday, the Sai Baba Palanquin Procession travels from Shree Samadhi Mandir through Dwarkamai and Chavdi before returning to Shree Samadhi Mandir. Following Shirdi Sai Baba’s principles of non-discrimination, devotees from various backgrounds, castes, and faiths are welcome to pay homage in the temple and are given free meals in the Prasadalaya.
Many of Shirdi Sai Baba’s devotees have testified that, although their teacher has passed, he continues to advise them either in their dreams, visions, or in bodily form.
Shirdi Sai Baba statue in Shree Samadhi Mandir.
The interior of Shree Samadhi Mandir is gilded with gold.
Legacy
Shirdi Sai Baba did not appoint a spiritual heir or give any sort of initiation. Because he had lived, given teachings, and performed miracles in Shirdi, it is regarded as an important Hindu place of pilgrimage.
Today, Shirdi Sai Baba is still considered one of the most popular spiritual figures in India. His images are worshipped both in India and across the world by both Sufi and Hindu religious leaders. Some devotees of the Hindu faith believe that Shirdi Sai Baba was the incarnation of Dattatreya or Shiva. He is also regarded as the reincarnation of Kabir.
Today, Shirdi Sai Baba’s life story continues to inspire many. The monuments to commemorate his life grace many places around the world. He is also the subject of many movies and television series in India. In 2008, the India Postal Service issued a postage stamp in honor of Shirdi Sai Baba. In Shirdi, there is a Sai Museum in the Dwarkamai complex that holds many items closely associated with him such as his grinding mill, footwear, and utensils.
Shirdi Sai Baba in Various Religions
Hinduism
Shirdi Sai Baba leaning against Dwarkamai’s wall
Many Hindu masters and saints revere Shirdi Sai Baba and refer to him as a “spiritual diamond”, a “jewel”, a “Jagad guru”, and a saint. He is also regarded as an emanation of Hindu gods such as Shiva and Dattatreya.
Zoroastrianism
Well-known Zoroastrians such as Homi Bhabha, Farhaad Panthaky, and Nanabhoy held Shirdi Sai Baba in high regard. Meher Baba, who came from a Zoroastrian family, met Shirdi Sai Baba in December 1915. The meeting left such a deep impression on him that his own biography contained many references to Shirdi Sai Baba. Shirdi Sai Baba is also regarded as the “most popular non-Zoroastrian religious figure attracting the attention of Zoroastrians.” [Source: newworldencyclopedia.org]
Sufism
In Sufism, Shirdi Sai Baba is regarded as a “Pir of a very high order.”
Shirdi Sai Baba’s Personal Items
Shirdi Sai Baba’s Chillum (a small pipe used for smoking)
Shirdi Sai Baba’s gramophone
Shirdi Sai Baba’s ornaments
Shirdi Sai Baba’s idols
Shirdi Sai Baba’s tumblers
Recommended Reading (Free Download)
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- ‘Life Story of Sai Baba of Shirdi’, AwakeningTimes, [website], http://awakeningtimes.com/life-story-of-sai-baba-of-shirdi/ (accessed 22 June 2018)
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Sai Baba of Shirdi was an Indian spiritual master who is regarded by his devotees as a saint and a fakir. He is revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees during, as well as after his lifetime. He preached the importance of realization of the self and criticized love towards perishable things. His teachings concentrate on a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace and devotion to the God and guru.
Sai Baba encouraged his devotees to pray, chant God’s name, and read holy scriptures. He told Muslims to study the Qur’an and Hindus to study texts such as the Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Vasistha.
Sai Baba was completely opponent to orthodoxy, Hinduism, Christianity and muslim. He asked his followers to chant holy words ,god’s name and asked his devotees to read their respective holy books. He followed all hindu rituals and permitted muslims to follow Namaz, reading of Quran at festival times.He advised his devotees and followers to lead a moral life, help others, love every living being without any discrimination, and develop two important features of character: faith and patience. He criticised atheism.
Sai baba of shirdi reported many miracles. He performed many miracles such as levitation, bilocation, materialization, reading of peoples mind, entering tomb at his own will,removal of body parts and affixing them again including intestines. Took rebirth after 3 days, cured the ill, and saved the people by stopping the falling mosque.
Thank you for sharing the inspiring story of the great master.
Thank you for sharing the inspiring story of the great master
Thank you very much for nice article.Shirdi Sai Baba was an Indian spiritual master who regarded by his devotees as a saint .From this article we can know that he had performed many miracles ,granting of wishes and healing of sick.
Shirdi Sai Baba dedicated his life to ascetic practice and to spreading the message of love ,religious tolerance and harmony.His wisdom teachings continue to inspire many onto the path of spirituality .
It is quite a rare thing that someone can be equally famous amongst the Hindus and Muslims. In India which has big population of Hindus and Moslems, it is essential there are people who can bring or link these two communities together.
“IT IS THE SINGER NOT THE SONG” is how I would adeptly term the doctrine which was universally taught by this great and wise Indian Saint. Schooled both in the Sufi Islam tradition and Hinduism, Shirdi Sai Baba taught about generosity, forgiveness, inner peace, contentment and love towards others. The best elements in any religions.
Shirdi Sai Baba also taught and encouraged harmony and unity among all religions. As such many other religious traditions were also his followers and supported his great work of peace and love in the world.
In Malaysia, there is also the Sai Baba movement, but to read of the origins of this tradition is an eye-opener how religions respected and well practised can create world peace as always also taught by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche.
Am truly inspired by Shirdi Sai Baba compassionate dharma nature that teaches generosity, forgiveness, inner peace, contentment, and love towards others. Really a wise indian siant. Love the miracles part of this story and his profound words “He emphasised the importance of devotion and faith to one’s teacher and how the law of karma determines one’s faith.” Thank you very much Rinpoche and blog team for this wonderful write up ???
The Many Beautiful Aspects of Shirdi Sai Baba
Spreading the Message and Teachings on Love, Religious Tolerance,Guru Devotion, and the Law of Karma.
Shirdi Sai Baba dedicated his life to ascetic practice and to spreading the message of love, religious tolerance, and harmony. He emphasised the importance of devotion and faith to one’s teacher and how the law of karma determines one’s faith.
Powerful Renunciate, Great Teacher Bent On Ego-Cutting
Shirdi Sai Baba did not care about his reputation and fame, and he had developed compassion for those who sought him out for help, teachings, and advice. He also did not hesitate to show wrath to his disciples to shake their sense of ego.
Humble Practicing Selflessness and Compassion With Focus on Liberating All From Suffering
While the number of his followers and disciples grew, he continued to live simply and became the embodiment of selflessness and compassion. He worked for the liberation of human beings and always encouraged his followers to practise humility.
On the Practice of Generosity, Forgiveness, Inner Peace, Contentment & Non-attachment
Shirdi Sai Baba always advised his disciples and devotees to practise generosity, forgiveness, inner peace, contentment, and love towards others. He detested attachment to earthly possessions. He also encouraged his followers to undergo spiritual training.
On the Practice of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination Against all Religions, Caste or Background
Shirdi Sai Baba taught his disciples to practise tolerance and not discriminate against others based on their background, caste, or religion. He said that all faiths led to the same goals. With his words and teachings, Shirdi Sai Baba encouraged harmony and unity among all religions, especially between the Hindu and Muslim faiths.
Shirdi Sai Baba was famous for his miracles. There are many tales of him displaying miraculous powers either to inspire faith or to help others.
This great and compassionate being performed many astounding miracles. There is little wonder then that Shirdi Sai Baba contiunes to be greatly revered as a saint.
Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known as Shirdi Sai Baba was an Indian spiritual master who is regarded by his devotees as a saint. He was a spiritual leader to both Hindu and Muslim devotees throughout India and many across the globe. It seem that he had performed many unbelievable miracles, granting of wishes and the healing of the sick. In his teachings ,he taught his followers to practise generosity, forgiveness, inner peace, contentment, and love towards others. And always remind them of inter-faith tolerance and harmony among all religions.
Even till today Shirdi Sai Baba’s beautiful life story continues to inspire many.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.
Nice short video of a new LED signage reminding us of who we can go to for blessings in case of need: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBwrkaKUoH0
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful narration of Shirdi Sai Baba and his compassion in imparting the right way of life to everyone. His ability and teaching not to discriminate a person based on his / her religious preference probably sparked off the call for mutual respect and tolerance of one another in India.
I had the personal experience to meeting Shirdi Sai Baba’s next incarnation – i.e., Satya Sai Baba when I was 14 / 15 years old in India. My parents and I travelled to Bangalore, India to a little village called Puttaparthi (about 4 to 5 hours by bus from Bangalore) back in the late 70’s early 80’s.
There was a sizeable followers of Satya Sai Baba in Malaysia back then. Most of the followers consulted Sai Baba because it was believed that he can cure illnesses/ afflictions just through his blessings, looking at the person or by consuming the “bibuthi” or holy ash that he just produce through a few waves on his hands.
The reason we went to India is to seek a “cure” to correct my physical condition at that time (I was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis) and we wanted to try our “luck” through this supposed faith healer. Somehow, we connected to the Sai Baba followers group in KL and this KL center family organized a special group to seek an audience with Sai Baba. The only caution issued to us before we departed was that Sai Baba may not see us and we could end up coming back to KL “empty handed”.
We took our chances and off we went for 2 weeks. The day we entered the village (Puttaparthi), we checked into our hostel and we had to be segregated according to gender. So we ended with my dad, myself and another 2 guys (father and his paralysed son) into a hostel room.
The environment within the entire ashram (or temple) is very serene. The ashram have all the facilities for a big community living – from houses to a full hospital. Everything that one need to survive is available. On a typical day, all devotees or followers will need to participate in the many religious ceremonies. The main ceremony is what they call the “bhajan” or puja which happens twice daily – early morning at about 500am and the other one is in the evening about 7pm. Each session lasts about 2 hours. The prayers are all in the Indian language (couldn’t recall whether it was Hindi or Tamil).
Normally, all of us (locals and foreigners) would gather within the large compound of Sai Baba’s residence after the bhajan and await for Sai Baba to appear. He would normally walk around all the devotees/ followers and will indicate to his assistants on whom he would grant an audience with. We were “lucky” to have the audience about the 3rd or 4th day after we arrived in Puttaparthi.
Once we were inside the audience room, we were made to wait and each of us who have medical problems would have a personal audience with Sai Baba inside his private room. When my turn came, Sai Baba knew my problem without me mentioning anything. He performed his hand waving ritual and out came the “hold ashes” which they called as vibuthi and I was told to consume it and spread the powder on my back. And that’s it. I was then ushered out and y personal audience with Sai Baba was like perhaps 3 to 5 minutes. Then the rest of the Malaysian entourage had their audience with him.
Was I impressed by him? Honestly, no – because he struck to me as just an ordinary being (except for his “explosive” and curly hair style). Does he have an aura? Probably because he has the height. And the most critical point is – was I cured of my scoliosis condition? Definitely not. Maybe because at my age, I was naïve enough to think that my spine will be miraculously and instantly straightened just by his consultation and faith healing. Anyway, prior to my arrival to India, I did not have high hopes and therefore, my expectations were managed.
Finally, we came back to Malaysia and my orthopedic surgeon performed the corrective surgery a few years later.
The main thing that I wanted to share is this – Satya Sai Baba have a huge following in India and all over the world. Even in Malaysia, there were many followers who are of different faiths – Christians, Buddhists, Taoists and even atheists.
However, when one is in the ashram, we can truly see that Sai Baba embraces people of all faiths. There are many structures within the compounds that have inscriptions of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, etc. There is a deep sense of peace, tranquility and real community living in harmony and peace with the compounds.
The next question that popped in my mind is – is this Satya Sai Baba the incarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba? Everybody claims that he is. So – I just believed it to be.
I though I just share my personal experience with the later “reincarnation” of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Humbly yours,
Lum Kok Luen
Thank you for the extended story!?
Listening to the chanting of sacred words, melodies, mantras, sutras and prayers has a very powerful healing effect on our outer and inner environments. It clears the chakras, spiritual toxins, the paths where our ‘chi’ travels within our bodies for health as well as for clearing the mind. It is soothing and relaxing but at the same time invigorates us with positive energy. The sacred sounds invite positive beings to inhabit our environment, expels negative beings and brings the sound of growth to the land, animals, water and plants. Sacred chants bless all living beings on our land as well as inanimate objects. Do download and play while in traffic to relax, when you are about to sleep, during meditation, during stress or just anytime. Great to play for animals and children. Share with friends the blessing of a full Dorje Shugden puja performed at Kechara Forest Retreat by our puja department for the benefit of others. Tsem Rinpoche
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbzgskLKxT8&t=5821s