Ashburn, Virginia, USA
by Sai Kumar
In the scorching summer of 2000, I found myself standing at the threshold of a humble abode in the quaint village of Shirdi. The air was heavy with anticipation and the promise of an encounter that would forever change my life. I had brought along with me a Hindi translation of the revered ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’, a book whose origins were as humble as its subject, yet held within its pages tales of divine grace and miraculous events.
As I stepped into the sacred precincts of Shirdi, I could feel an inexplicable energy enveloping me. The air was charged with a sense of peace that seemed to permeate every corner of this tiny village. It was as if time had stood still here, and one could almost hear the whispers of Baba’s blessings echoing through the years.
I settled into my modest lodgings, eagerly awaiting each daybreak, for it was during these early hours that I would immerse myself in the pages of ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’. As I read about the life and teachings of Baba, a beautiful yet powerful feeling began to stir within me – a feeling that was unfamiliar but strangely comforting.
The tales of Baba’s miracles left me spellbound. A bag of wheat flour from a hand-mill, sprinkled on the village boundary, checking the incidence of cholera in that very village? It seemed impossible, yet here it was – a testament to the divine power and benevolence of Sai Baba.
As I delved deeper into the book, I found myself revisiting certain events again and again, my mind grappling with the enormity of what I was reading. Was all this possible? Could a simple weaver-saint hold such immense power over life and death? The more I read, the more I began to believe that these were not mere stories but accounts of real experiences shared by Baba’s devotees.
The ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’, as I came to understand, was not just a book about the life of Shri Sai Baba; it was a discourse on the experiences his devotees had with him and the teachings he imparted. It was said that Baba himself inspired its writing through Shri Dabholkar, guiding him from within to pen down His own life story.
As I continued my journey in Shirdi, I found myself drawn towards the samadhi of Sai Baba. The tranquility and peace emanating from this sacred spot were palpable. It was here that I experienced a profound connection with Baba – a connection that transcended words and left me speechless.
One evening, as I sat by the samadhi, lost in thought, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. Turning around, I found myself face to face with an old man dressed in simple white clothes. His eyes held a wisdom that belied his age, and there was an air of humility about him that was both captivating and comforting.
“Are you seeking Baba’s blessings?” he asked softly. I nodded, feeling the tears well up in my eyes. The old man smiled gently and handed me a small packet of vibhuti (holy ash). “Take this to your home,” he said. “It is a token of Sai Baba’s love for you.”
As I left Shirdi, carrying with me the vibhuti and the memories of my encounter with Baba, I knew that my life had been forever changed. The grace and blessings of Sai Baba had touched me in ways words could never express. In the years that followed, I found myself drawn back to Shirdi time and again, seeking solace and guidance from the divine presence that resided there.
Today, as I look back on my journey with Sai Baba, I am filled with gratitude for the grace He bestowed upon me. The ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’ remains a constant companion, reminding me of His teachings and guiding me through life’s trials and tribulations.
In the words of Shri Dabholkar, who penned down Baba’s life story: “Hearing My stories and teachings will create faith in devotees’ hearts and they will easily get self-realisation and bliss…” Indeed, my encounter with Sai Baba has been a journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth – a journey that continues to unfold even today.