Comprehending the life of Saints is an herculean task. Since the beginning of time, there were and are Saints in every century and in every nation of the world. Their life, stories and teachings are interwoven with the history of their times. The records of these lives are sometimes fragmentary, sometimes mere hints to be culled out of secular history. Some of the authentic records have suffered interpolation, and some records are forgeries. The hagiographic accounts of the life of these Saints mixed up with history is often hard to read.

Through centuries, Saints have contributed to the evolution of Human race. They often have a common theme of serving the sick and downtrodden, helping one endure hardships, alleviate suffering and enriching lives. Their general purpose seems to be to help their disciples find the path towards divinity. Saints are an embodiment of the epitome of unconditional love as displayed by a mother towards her children.

Saints differ in effectiveness based on their own spiritual growth, type and capacity. Their roles are often misunderstood today. Notwithstanding ridicule or criticism, they stand steadfast in their mission. At times, they become rebels of their times, initiating societal reforms.

According to Dr. C. B. Satpathy, “The Sadhguru (सद्गुरु or सत्गुरु) or Perfect Master or Qutab or Adept as referred to differentially, is the pivotal point in the administration of the perceptible and the imperceptible universe around us. In fact the word Qutab (قطب ), itself means pivot. Many visible and invisible activities stretching to aeons are conducted by these Sadhguru’s or Masters, working in unison with each other for the evolution of the living and non-living aspects of the universe. … Modern historical research does not have the mechanism to delve into the vital role of these Sadhguru’s in changing the history of human society in all its aspects.” [1]

Such a sage or spiritual master is our beloved ,Saint of Shirdi; Shree Sai Baba of Shirdi. According to the author of Shri Sai Satcharitra [2], “Though He acted as a Fakir (mendicant), He was always engrossed in the Self. He always loved all beings in whom He saw God or Divinity. By pleasures He was not elated. He was not depressed by misfortunes. A king and a pauper were the same to Him. He, whose glance would turn a beggar into a king, used to beg His food from door to door in Shirdi.”

Such Perfect Master(s) impart wisdom and knowledge by example and not sermons. Attaining divinity which is supposed to be the ultimate goal of Human life is a difficult endeavor for the average person. It may be achieved by a super exceptional person in one life or span across many lives.

Yet, in this life by constantly reflecting on the life stories of perfect masters, one can assimilate the principles of their teachings. When these principles take root in one’s life, such a person gets guidance from the Spiritual Master(s) towards the divine path.

@inbook{masters1,
title = "Shirdi Sai Baba and other Perfect Masters",
author = "C. B. Satpathy",
pages = "3",
chapter = "1",
publisher = "Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd.",
note = "Some Revelations on the Sadhguru's",
year = 2001,
isbn = "978-8120723848"
}

@inbook{SatcGunajiChap8,
title = "Shri Sai Satcharitra English Translation by Gunaji",
author = "Govind Rao Dhabolar",
pages = "37",
chapter = "8",
publisher = "Shree Sai Baba Sansthan",
note = "Refers to Shri Sai Baba",
year = 1926,
isbn = "978-0000000000"
}