Friday, September 19, 2008

SHIRDI SAIBABA ……I HEAR YOU’RE FOOTSTEPS ALL THE WHILE…..


“The Divine glory of Shirdi Saibaba” a book by Chakor Ajgoankar (edited by P.S.Ruhela.) is quite poetic, devotional, emotional as well a very powerful book on Shirdi SaiBaba …some more to ponder…..

Baba’s devotee Radhakrishna Ayi was a stream of devotion. A widowed charming lady dedicated her life and soul to serve and spread the glory of SaiBaba and settled down in shirdi. Daily she cleaned Shirdi streets, looked after the Mosque and organized devotees for constructive service of Baba. The splendor and glory of Baba and Shirdi rose to a unique height through the loyalty, resourcefulness and practical insight of Radha Krishna Ayi. Though Baba never allowed her to climb the steps of Dwarakmai Yet the tacit silent devotion of the lady made her an arta bhakta, a stream of devotion curling round the Master’s feet. She often sang, robbed and laughed in devotion.

“I hear your footsteps my sai. I hear your footstep. I listen to your steps with intent ear. I have lost birth after birth in the expectation that ultimately your feet will approach me. I listen to your footsteps.

O Shri hari, you walk on that ceaseless path with your footstep echoing in my ears. The ages come and pass away. I thirst for your sight. I cherish sweet dreams of your union. I hear your footsteps I hope in vain that you will grace my doorsteps and observe nightlong vigil in expectancy.

I hear the sound of your steps. I am sure in my heart that I belong to you. From birth to birth, I am only yours Even though I have not seen you; I recognize your footsteps sounding nearer and nearer.

One day the long separation will at last end and the golden morning will dawn. The sound of your feet assures me that you will finally unite with me.”

---- Chakor Ajgaonkar

SEE, THE LORD BEGS ALMS IN SHIRDI!


At times certain writings are so powerful that makes one to read as well to experience god himself, and one among such is “The Divine glory of Shirdi Saibaba” a book by Chakor Ajgoankar (edited by P.S.Ruhela.) Very poetic, devotional, emotional as well a very powerful writing on Shirdi SaiBaba Some of theessences are shared here ……

In the hot hours of midday Lord Sai used to move from door to door begging for alms. Why was he begging for a loaf of bread, when he was Kalpataru himself? Did he want Bhikksa really? No. He was begging for love devotion dedication and surrender. Blessed where the householders who greeted him at their doors and donated food to him fully, willingly and magnificently their entire mind, intellect ego and self.

“Behold, the wonderful paradox occurs in the mundane life. The lord is setting

Out to beg!

The lord of wealth guards his treasure the goddess Lakshmi herself is with him. Yet the divine majesty spreads his hand to receive alms.

The wonderful thing is taking place in Shirdi soil. The lord is out to beg!

The Master holds a jholi in his hands and moves from door to door. All quarters are dusky with the dust blowing with the wind

The wonderful occurs on the earth’s soil. The Lord goes out to beg. He is the master who etches the lines of fate on the forehead and at the same time suspends the working of destiny by his own volition, for he is the supreme lord of the world of creation.

Yet he is begging at each door. See the wonder! The master is out to beg! This Idol of Compassion represents the distress of the hungry world! Only the wise know that this Brahman itself set out to beg!

His majesty is kalpatharu himself it is our great fortune that He is standing at our door Does he care for a loaf of bread? He is only searching the hearts of his devotees. The wonder unfolds the master is out to beg!

He is the Lord of the three worlds. What can the donors donate to Him? Light the lamp of devotion and donate to Him your lovelorn heart.

This moment would never return. This opportunity will not come back again. Part with everything you have. Part with your mind, Buddhi, Ego. Be at the feet of the great Master, at the feet of this compassion Incarnate.”

- Chakor Ajgoankar