Life History of
Shirdi Sai Baba
By Ammula Sambasiva
Rao
English
Translation by Thota Bhaskara Rao
FIRST DAY'S PARAYAN - THURSDAY
Chapter I
The earth is only a small planet in this great
Universe which is beyond the grasp of human intelligence. On this planet
earth, there are numerous rivers, mountains, forests and oceans. Out of
84 million kinds of insects, birds and animals and other living
creatures on this planet, great sages have concluded that the humans are
the best living forms who can lead a very high form of divine life. But
they, without realising their higher form among the living beings, fell
prey to arrogance, egoism, and agnana (ignorance) with the result there
is no peace for them, putting the entire creation to chaos and
confusion. What is the cause for all this ? We must know the answer for
this in the first instance. Going further to know the evolution of life
forms on this earth, we came to learn that life first started under the
water. Later on, the creatures living under water learnt to live outside
the water, i.e. on the earth also. Further evolution took place and
creatures that can live on earth alone developed. Out of these creatures
and animals developed the human form and finally man came into
existence.
According to the above mentioned theory of evolution
only, the order of Dashavatharas is determined in the Puranas. Firstly,
Matsyavatara (in the form of fish) - Fish can live under water only.
Then Kurmavatara (in the form of tortoise) which can live inside water
as well as outside water, i.e. earth. Then Varahavatara,
Narasimhavatara, Vamanavatara, etc. The Ramavatara and Krishnavatara
have shown to what divine heights man can reach.
If we examine carefully the order of Dashavatharas,
you find that there is no difference between this order , and the theory
of evolution of man. This theory of evaluation establishes that life at
first started under water, then slowly spread to the earth adopting
itself to the climatic conditions of the earth. These creatures slowly
developed into animal forms and man has also developed from animal.
Man is superior from other forms of animals, in as
much as he is endowed with thinking power He has established a social
order in the society where everyone can live happily. Toward this end,
certain social orders and regulations have started to come into being.
People living in different parts of the earth have formulated their own
set of social orders depending on the local conditions. Over a period,
these social orders and regulations have strengthened and become the
"religion" of those people.
People started strengthening their religions. The
powerful among them became leaders and rulers. Religions started bowing
before the powerful and a situation came when the religions had to toe
the line of the powerful. Under religious banners, powerful rulers
started invading other countries as well as attacking other religions
also. This is the naked truth which is revealed by World History.
Thus, many religions started coming into our country
'Bharat'. Several foreign countries invaded our motherland and started
spreading their religions here. Thus Christianity and Islam entered and
established themselves. Religion is meant for leading an orderly and
disciplined way of life in the the society and nothing else. But towards
the end of the twentieth century in our country also, several attrocities are being committed in the name of religion by certain
religious fanatics or fundamentalists, considering today the country's
political scenario - this should be carefully noted by all Sai Bhaktas.
Though religion is good for the spiritual advancement, only peaceful
methods should be followed as per Hindu dharma. In the present day
conditions, though it is desirable to have one religion for one country,
the 'means' adopted to achieve this should be through 'Love' or prema
marga only. We will try to know more about this as we proceed further.
India has been described by our ancestors as Punya
Bhoomi , Karma Bhoomi, Dharma Bhoomi, and so on. We will now make an
attempt to know how these names were given. Our country's history of the
mid-18th century reveals how during the British rule, our ancient civilisation gradually adopted the modern ways of British Civilisation.
Under such circumstances, the Adi Devtas (celestial beings), Ashta
Dikpalakas who guard our Punya Bhoomi, along with Bhoodevi (goddess of
earth) went to Vishnu and narrated their woes to him as follows.
"All through the ages, we have been happily
discharging the duties allotted by you in Bharata Desha. But under the
changed circumstances, the people are preferring happiness to dharma,
wealth to justice, strength to love, bodily happiness to sacrifice,
materialism to Godliness. Unless these undesirable qualities are nipped
in the bud, it will lead to utter chaos in the near future. So you must
take Avatar again in this world to set things right as you have done
during your Krishna Avatar in Dwaparayuga and established peace after
the Maha Kurukshetra war. After hearing their appeal, Lord Vishnu
replied as follows:
"All of you have discharged your duties properly and
established peace, prosperity and happiness in Bharata Desha all these
ages. But as soon as I finished my Krishna Avatar, Kali entered the
earth. Adishakti has created this Kali with a purpose and therefore it
is not proper to stop him from doing his work. The changes that you are
noticing in the people of Bharata Desha are only due to this Kali."
Then they asked Lord Vishnu as to how to save the
people from the actions of Kali and Lord Vishnu answered them as
follows:
"You all know why Bharata Desha is called Punya
Bhoomi. There are a number of places on earth, with heavy snowfalls and
cold waves. There are several places where you cannot get water for
drinking or proper food. There are other places which are very hot. But
only in places like Bharata Desha, there are different seasons. There
are also a number of life giving rivers. Therefore, the people are able
to raise good crops and are happy. They are able to take bath regularly
and conduct divine activities. The Wind-God gives good air. Only those
who are lucky and did good in previous births are born in this Punya
Bhoomi and enjoy their natural happiness. This is briefly the history of
this Punya Bhoomi." Lord Vishnu continued. "Kali came later to our
country after showing his effects in other parts of this planet. His
effects will be intensified in the near future and then the people of
this country also will be subject to a lot of changes.
"Importance to one's duties will take a back seat
while importance to wealth will increase. Everyone desires that others
should work for him. But the fruits will be enjoyed by him only. This
leads to class conflicts. In the name of religion, caste, regions and
also sex, people will form into groups and will shed blood. Morals will
disappear. People belonging to different religions will pray to their
respective gods but none will follow the teachings of gods. Worship will
be mechanical and devotion and worship will be separated. Opportunists
will steal God's welath also. It is difficult to save mankind from such
effects of Kali. This is Yuga Dharma. Slowly pious and sincere actions
will disappear and there will not be any connection between thoughts and
words; deeds will also be entirely different.
"It is impossible to save such a situation
completely from the influence of Kali. But to a certain extent, it can
be checked and brought to a balance with dharma. I am the preserver of
this world. My work increases with the selfishness of man. Therefore, I
advise you to approach 'Lord Shiva' and put forth your prayers. Then he
will come down to this world in the form of Datta Avatar and will impart
'Jnana' for mankind and will establish peace by his teachings."
Thereupon the Adi Devatas, Ashta Dikpalakas and Bhoodevi approached Lord
Shiva and putforth their woes. Accepting their pleas, he promised that
he would very shortly come to Bharata Desha as Datta Avatar. But since
it is Kaliyug, where people are more materialistic, he will show more
miracles after leaving the physical body than when he is with the body.
Thus assured, by Lord Shiva, they came back to their respective places
in this world and await eagerly for the birth of Lord Shiva.
As per his promise, Lord Shiva was waiting for an
opportune time for pious parents to whom he would be borne on this
planet earth.
"Jnana Swarupa Sai Saranam"
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