In the Sai Satcharitra, Shirdi Sai Baba's appearances in dreams are considered a profound blessing and a direct means of communication, divine guidance, instruction, healing, and drawing devotees onto the spiritual path.
Significance of Dream Visions in the Sai Satcharitra
Divine Communication and Guidance: Baba often appeared in dreams to give specific instructions or answers to a devotee's doubts or worries. For instance, he appeared in Bapu Saheb Buti's vision to instruct him to build a wada (residence) with a temple inside, which is where Baba's samadhi shrine is now located.
Healing Ailments: In Chapter 13 of the Sai Satcharitra, Baba cured a devotee of pain through two intense dreams, where the physical suffering in the dream translated to a complete cure in reality.
Reformation and Improvement: Dream visions were one of the methods Baba used to reform and improve the mental attitude of his devotees, helping them overcome doubts and worldly attachments.
Removing Obstacles and Calamities: Reading the Sai Satcharitra itself, especially within a week with love and faith, is said to help ward off dangers and make calamities disappear. The stories within the book describe how Baba's intervention, sometimes through dreams, resolves complex life problems.
Bringing Devotees to Shirdi: Even when in physical form, Baba had a unique way of appearing in dreams to people in distant places, thereby "pulling" them to Shirdi to meet him in person.
Symbolic Messages: The dreams often contain deep symbolic meaning. Devotees may not understand the message immediately, but the significance becomes clear later in their lives. The Satcharitra emphasizes that these visions are not mere imagination but a deliberate act of grace by Baba.
Assurance of Presence: Baba's appearance in a dream serves as a reminder of his constant presence and eleven promises, particularly "I shall be ever active and vigorous even after leaving this earthly body". It provides reassurance, joy, and hope to devotees during times of stress and difficulty.
In essence, the Sai Satcharitra treats Baba's dream visions as tangible proof of his omniscience, compassion, and divine power to actively guide, protect, and interact with his devotees even after his physical passing.