Abstract by K. GOPALAKRISHNAN (nickname Bonzy)
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[email protected] We all want to lead a successful and happy life in this world. There is an ever present need to direct our efforts towards pursuit of riches to satisfy the needs of our family, relatives, and friends so that we are respected in society.
When we fail in our efforts, when our plans fail to yield the desired results, when our future remains uncertain, who can reassure us that we are protected, we will yet overcome our hurdles, there is still a way out of our difficulties?
The gods we worship, the churches and temples we visit, do they give us courage in our faltering faith? Is there a Living Spirit, which talks to us in our hour of need and holds us by the hand to lead us out of the pit into which we have fallen?
SUCH A LIVING SPIRIT IS SRI SHIRDI SAI BABA! affirms his devotees.
Dr. S. P. Ruhela, an ardent devotee of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba describes the birth of a Brahmin boy abandoned by his sanyasin parents(who have renounced material lives) He was brought up by a Muslim family, and he was tutored by a Brahmin Guru.(Spiritual Teacher) At the age of 14, he ventured out to the world with a brick given by his guru to teach the simple poor folks of India the way to God. He settled down at Shirdi and performed many miracles to cure the sick. He taught that there is only one god called by different names by different religions .He emphasized universal values, love, truth, humility, service, and so on.
Like Kabir before him he worked to remove superstitions of Hindus and Muslims alike. He showed a path of simple prayer to God of one's faith to get material benefits and spiritual bliss among Hindus and Muslims alike.
He assured his devotees he will be with them for a thousand years and will rush to their call for help even after his Samadhi(death). He advised them to have shraddha (faith) and saburi (patience).
Also read:
1. Menen,Aubrey,The NewMystics and the True Indian Tradition, London Thames & Hudson,1974,pp192
2. Osboourne Arthur, The Incredible Sai, New Delhi., Orient Longman Ltd.
3. Rigopolous, Antonio The Life and Teachings of Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi
First published by New State University Press of New York in 1992. This is a Ph.D. work, Degree awarded by the University of Venice, Italy, in 1987.
Also visit website on Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi
1. www.shirdi-sai-baba.com
2. www.shirdibaba.org.
3.
www.shirdi-saibaba.com 