Guru words bhakthi

 

When he had taken Sai Samarthas darshan, Patankars eyes

were rewarded. After bowing down at his feet he worshipped

him with ritualistic accuracy.

78. Afterwards, with folded hands, he sat in front of Baba, very

close to him. Anantrao who looked very lovingly, asked him

with extreme humility:

79.  I have read many books, including the Vedas, the Vedangas

and the Upanishads. I have listened to the holy Shastras and

Puranas. Yet, why is my mind so despondent?

80. I now feel that whatever I have read has been wasted. I

think that even the illiterate devout devotee is better off

than me.

81. All my study of books, learning of Shastras is a waste. All

this bookish knowledge is futile as long as my mind remains

unsteady.

82. Oh how empty is the effort I have made over the study of

etymology; to what purpose is the japa and mantra which does

not give peace of mind! How will I then ever acquire the

knowledge of Brahman?

83.  I have heard that by Sais darshan all worries are removed 

 you show the right direction even in your humorous talk, very easily.

84. Therefore, Maharaj, treasure trove of austerities, I have

reached your feet. Give me your blessings, by which I may

have peace of mind. 

85. Upon which, Maharaj told him a humorous parable by which

Anantrao was satisfied and enjoyed the fulfilment of his learning.

87. Baba said, in reply: Once a merchant came along and at that

time a horse passed nine balls of stool in front of him.

88. The merchant was very efficient. He immediately took off his

wrap, and spread it out, collected all the balls and tied a

knot and was able to achieve concentration of mind. 

 

  94. The horse is Gods Grace. This is how the puzzle of the

nine-fold devotion could be explained. Without devotion one

cannot have a union with God and knowledge will not be

acquired.

95. 1) Listening 2) Singing the Lords praises aloud 3)

Remembering Lord Vishnu 4) Serving at His Feet 5) Offering

prayers 6) Bowing down before Him 7) Being humble 8)

Developing affection and 9) Surrendering the atma  these

are the nine ways of devotion.

96. With full faith, even if one of these ways of devotion is

practised, Sree Hari who longs for devotion will appear in

the home of the devotee.

97. Chanting of the Lords Name, practise of austerities,

keeping of vows, practising yoga, learning of Vedas and

Upanishads, abundance of metaphysical knowledge and its

various explanations  all this is a sham without faith.

98. There is no need to be well-versed in the Vedas nor any need

to be famous as a scholar. It is neither necessary to sing

the praises of God without feeling. Only the loving

sentiment of devotion is essential.

101. Only that will give stability to the mind, develop affection

for every being, for which seriousness of mind is necessary.

Otherwise waywardness is inevitable. This is what Gururaya

said, with love .