Features
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Experience of the Divinity of Bhagavan by Devotees
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II | Prof. Abdul Razak Korbu
Prof. Abdul Razak Korbu
Formerly Principal, New Law College
Bharatiya Vidya Peeth, Erandwane,
Pune - 38
Prof. Abdul Razak Korbu was an illustrious self-realized individual, and a spiritualist.
He was a great devotee of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai. He passed away on May 27, 2000
at Jaisingpur in Maharashtra, his native place. The following are the extracts of
chapters 4 & 5, and a part of chapter 8 of the book Sai Sathya Sakha (Sathya Sai
My True Friend), an English translation of Prof. Korbu's book in Marathi.
4 Experiencing the Miracle
After becoming the Principal of the College in Kolhapur, I went to Puttaprthi in
the third week of July 1982 to teach. I thought I should inform Baba of my principal-ship
at the College in Kolhapur. Baba did not even look at me during the past one year.
I was familiar with Baba's dearest devotees - Dr. V.K.Gokak, Dr. Bhagavantam, Sri
Kasturi, Lt. Col. Joga Rao - and met well known writers on Baba such as Sri P. Balu,
Sri. R. Ganapathi, Howard Murphet, Dr. Hislop and Dr. Samuel Sand Weiss. I could
not get Baba's grace yet, although it would have been better if I sat with the crowds
than being close and neglected.
But something new was to happen. At the evening Darshan, Baba came straight to me.
With tears in my eyes, I took padanamaskar. Then Baba asked me 'How are you sir?'
'I am alright Baba, but now…' and before I could complete the sentence Baba said,
'I know, I shall see you later' and went away. This made me happy.
Next day I met Dr. V.K.Gokak in the college. He told me 'Swami loves you very much.
Your students have been saying that you teach very well and that they are happy
about you. I wish to attend your class one day.' I humbly replied 'please do not
do it sir. I will not be able to utter a single word in your presence.' Dr. Gokak
laughed heartily at this.
My normal routine was to return to Kolhapur on Sunday. But this time I missed the
bus and therefore stayed back and went for the evening Darshan. There were no interviews.
After Darshan was over, Baba came straight to me and the following conversation
took place on the verandah between Baba and me.
Baba: 'What is your first name, sir?
(Why Baba calls me by 'Sir' I understood
later on.)
I: 'Abdul Razak.'
Baba: 'What is the meaning of Abdul?'
I: A devotee.'
Baba: 'What is the meaning of Razak?'
I fumbled and could not answer
immediately. Then Baba Himself said.
Baba: 'Razak means Allah. What is the meaning of Allah?'
I: 'God.'
Baba: 'That is not quite correct. Allah means all high - above all, that is the
meaning of Parameshwar - Param Ishwar. No difference - Allah and Parameshwar are
one - this whole existence - this vishwa!'
For the first time Baba talked so much with me in the verandah. Everyone in the
verandah was listening to Baba. Sri Gokak, Kasturi, Bhagvantam etc. I became blank,
almost hypnotized.
Then Baba said, 'come!' and started walking.
I could not understand and got confused.
Sri. Kasturi was standing nearby. He could realize my condition and came to my rescue
saying, 'Swami has decided to give you a solo interview. Very fortunate, go into
His room.'
I got up and started walking towards Baba's room. He was standing near the door.
I went near him and stood bending forward with folded hands. (It is my opinion that
no one, even Baba's critics cannot stand straight in His close proximity.)
Sri Gokak was also there, and he was watching us smilingly. Baba looked at Sri Gokak
and pointing towards me said to him, 'poor man, I love him.'
Then facing towards me Baba said in Hindi, 'Andar jao Abdul. (Go inside the room,
Abdul)'
I went inside, and then Baba came in, switched on the fan and sat on his special
chair.
I sat at his feet and started weeping profusely.
Baba: 'Sit properly and do not make noise by your weeping. Why fear when I am here.
You are Abdul - my Abdul, and I am your Razak - you know, is it not?'
My wet handkerchief was of no use then. I straightaway wiped my eyes and nose with
the hem of my Nehru shirt and tried to control myself. After a few minutes, Baba
said 'Abdul, look up,' and I raised my head slightly. Baba moved his right hand,
palm facing downward, around my head and I noticed white vibhuti appeared in the
centre of His palm. In the same flow of movement of hand, He held His palm upward
facing me - Abhay mudra - indicating not to fear. I saw a small white spot of vibhuti
at the centre of his palm.
Baba: 'Eat it all. You will feel relaxed.'
I ate the vibhuti as ordered by
Baba, and became calm.
Baba: 'How is your new principal-ship, Sir?'
I: (Oh! Baba knows it all) 'I am happy with my new position Baba.'
Baba: 'Do not be over happy. It brings sadness afterwards.'
I: (I could not say anything and kept looking at Baba)
Baba: 'I know that you teach law very well. What is law?
I: (As a professor of law, I was first puzzled at this unexpected question) 'Law
means rules of behavioral discipline enacted by the Government for the betterment
of society in general.'
Baba: (Gave big smile and I became a little relaxed.) Bookish answer! Tell me Abdul,
why do you give notes to the students in the classroom by dictating from your notebook?
I: 'What is wrong with that Baba?'
Baba: 'Very wrong. Why not dictate notes from your memory rather than your note
books?'
I: 'Baba, it is very difficult to memorize law
subjects for dictation.'
Baba:'Nothing is difficult. Don't you give your clothes to the washerwoman here
every morning? Thousands of devotees give their soiled clothes to the washerwoman
every day. The cleansed and ironed clothes are correctly delivered to every family,
the next day morning. Do the illiterate washerwoman ever make notes of the clothes
and the owners? How does she remember correctly? Sincerity is natural. Seriousness
is unnatural. From now onwards be sincere always and I shall see that you give better
notes by dictating from memory. Nothing is difficult for a devout person. Devotion
is devoid of difficulty. Man makes law for man. How can it be difficult? Law is
sad but simple. Presence of law means absence of love. Breathe love and law dies.'
Oh! Such an easy and great thoughts! Why I could not think of them earlier all these
years? Because of 'I' the ego. And Baba is omniscient - knowledge himself! Thus,
I was wildly thinking. I was very quiet. Baba took out a handful of vibhuti packets,
gave them to me and said 'For your family members. I will see you again tomorrow
morning, and you will not miss the bus to Bangalore tomorrow.'
That night I could not sleep and felt elated. There was no point in trying to solve
the enigma of the bus - whether I missed it or I was made to miss it! I realized
the meaning of what Baba once said about the events and happenings in one's life,
which are not life normal events. I was also happy as Baba said 'I will see you
tomorrow morning'.
After the Monday morning Darshan, I saw a group of foreigners, five ladies and four
gentlemen, accompanying Baba for the interview and I became worried whether I will
be able to depart by the 10 o' clock bus. Baba instructed the group to proceed,
turned back and beckoned me. In the outer chamber, Baba asked a few of them some
questions, gave advice to all, created vibhuti and distributed it to everyone. Then
he called each one for individual interview in the inner room. (On some occasion
there could be about forty persons for personal interview. Only after the interviews
are over and Baba leaves, all others in the outer room go out.)
I went inside, and then Baba came in and sat in his chair. I fell at his feet. Bowing
down to Baba's feet is an insatiable desire of Baba's devotees.
Baba: 'I know that you have faith in me, but you do not believe in my power with
which I create articles. Is it not so?' >
By this question, Baba captured me fully. I could not think of anything to say.
In a way, I was happy that finally this topic has surfaced, as I was still not fully
satisfied on this account. I wanted to see and experience it myself. During the
past five years, I spoke of Baba and about Baba to scientists, doctors and other
learned persons. I could not answer their questions on creation of objects from
air. I felt it might be because I did not experience it or I had no adequate knowledge
about it because of my half-hearted efforts.
One should be aware of the well-known fact that in this universe creation is a mystery.
Right from the beginning of the world-of-science to today's modern science, no scientist
has been able to give true explanation of creation, that is, how and why? He is
able to describe it only. For example, a child is conceived by mating a make and
female. Perhaps this can be explained more with the help of science. But no one
is able to answer 'Why?' Let us consider another example. Water is formed by mixing
two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen - H2O. But this process needs a catalyst.
One cannot make water just by merely keeping two parts of hydrogen and one part
of oxygen in a bottle. In what manner the catalyst acts is a mystery of nature.
In breath, after inhaling we absorb oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide; in plants
and trees it is the reverse, thus maintaining a balance in the atmosphere. Who controls,
manages and maintains this balance?
Science says that knowledge can be divided into two parts - one the known and the
second the unknown. We assume that as science progresses, the unknown goes on decreasing.
Adhyatmic gyan (spiritual knowledge) affirms that there is profound knowledge beyond
the reach of science, which can be experienced from within one's Self and not in
the laboratories. My understanding on this is that instead of debating on this issue,
we should embrace both and progress. Mankind needs both spiritual discipline and
scientific discipline to live a meaningful and happy life. Without internal worship,
real external happiness cannot be experienced fully. Creation is experiences this
within one self, then both these systems are complementary to each other and not
otherwise.
I was not keen on knowing the methodology of creating material objects from nothing.
I wanted to witness it to know if it is a natural phenomenon or magic. Baba has
given me a opportunity today.
I: 'Forgive me Baba. It is so.'
Baba: 'Your absence of belief in my power of creation is genuine and inquisitive
also. I like your frankness and love you. It is very good that you do not take anything
for granted. Your faith in me is not blind. Very good. Now I am telling you to ask
me for anything and I shall give it to you here and now. Take your time and ask
for anything you desire.'
Now I had a break. I had seen a number of objects created by Baba and handled them
also. I was convinced about the genuineness of the articles, but I was not sure
whether Baba himself created them. After thinking for a while, knowing very well
that there were very few Muslims among Baba's devotees, I decided to ask for an
impossible article no one has seen so far!
I: Baba please give me such a thing which embodies in it the entire universe and
only my own religion is shown on it.'
Baba: With a sweet smile 'Abdul, do you really think that you have put an impossible
request before me.'
Without a reply, I only kept on staring at Baba.
Baba: 'Look at my palm. Do you see anything in it? Nothing is in my palm or behind
it. You can verify it.'
Baba turned his palm upside down; his cape was above the elbow. I could not dare
to hold his hand. Then Baba caught my wrist forcefully and moved my palm from around
his palm to his elbow.
Baba: 'Now go on looking at the center of my palm for some time.'
Within seven to eight seconds, the skin in the center of His palm opened up and
I saw a roundish large sized object coming out of it, soon the skin became normal
as before and there was a beautiful luminous ring there.
Baba: (In Hindi) 'You pick it up and give it in my hand. Before that have a careful
look at it.'
As ordered by Baba, I picked up the ring and inspected it very carefully. It had
a crescent moon and a star engraved in gold. I put it back in Baba's palm.
I: 'Baba I cannot understand anything about this ring. Please explain.'
Baba: 'You are only born as a Muslim. You do not understand anything about Islam.'
That was the truth. Earlier I mentioned my religion to Baba to take his test. I
am not a religious person in the true sense.
Baba: 'I have made this gold ring in Astakonas (octangular), embedded Navaratnas
(nine gems), both represent the universe, and in the middle of the Navaratnas I
have put the Islamic symbol of the star and crescent in emeralds (green gem stones.)'
I: 'Baba where is the Muslim religion on this ring?'
Baba: 'Look at these green stones. That is your religion. Now I will put this ring
on the fourth finger of your left hand as your right hand finger is disfigured.'
Baba turned his palm upside down; his cape was above the elbow. I could not dare
to hold his hand. Then Baba caught my wrist forcefully and moved my palm from around
his palm to his elbow.
Baba: 'Now go on looking at the center of my palm for some time.'
Within seven to eight seconds, the skin in the center of His palm opened up and
I saw a roundish large sized object coming out of it, soon the skin became normal
as before and there was a beautiful luminous ring there.
Baba: (In Hindi) 'You pick it up and give it in my hand. Before that have a careful
look at it.'
As ordered by Baba, I picked up the ring and inspected it very carefully. It had
a crescent moon and a star engraved in gold. I put it back in Baba's palm.
I: 'Baba I cannot understand anything about this ring. Please explain.'
Baba: 'You are only born as a Muslim. You do not understand anything about Islam.'
That was the truth. Earlier I mentioned my religion to Baba to take his test. I
am not a religious person in the true sense.
Baba: 'I have made this gold ring in Astakonas (octangular), embedded Navaratnas
(nine gems), both represent the universe, and in the middle of the Navaratnas I
have put the Islamic symbol of the star and crescent in emeralds (green gem stones.)'
I: 'Baba where is the Muslim religion on this ring?'
Baba: 'Look at these green stones. That is your religion. Now I will put this ring
on the fourth finger of your left hand as your right hand finger is disfigured.'
With this talk, Baba put the heavy ring on the said finger. Ah! It fitted perfectly.
I bowed down again at his feet, now with plenty of tears. After a few minutes, I
followed Baba to the outer chamber. Baba told the nine foreigners, who were waiting
in there, about the ring and me as 'My naughty (knotty) devotee?'
I came to the outer verandah. The fourth finger of my left hand became heavy with
the ring. The ring is a heavy sparkling beauty. Sri. Kasturi's attention was drawn
to it at first. He raised my palm, examined the ring minutely and exclaimed' I have
never seen such a beautiful creation by Swami so far! These are Navaratnas. But
what is this in the middle green portion of the ring? Is it Aum?' Dr. V.K.Gokak,
who also examined it, said, 'it is not Aum certainly. Whatever it may be, this ring
is an exquisite beauty. I am too witnessing such a creation by Swami for the first
time.' A few other devotees also saw this ring and touched it to their foreheads
and eyes.
I had almost lost my speech, finding it difficult to utter even a single word. As
I came into the Darshan hall, a very large number of devotees surrounded me, amongst
them many foreigners were also there.
One of them was a bearded American devotee. He came near me saw the ring closely,
took my hand with the ring, put it on his chest and said 'All Hum do Allah! (Oh
God! Your pastime is fathomless).'
I was astonished by this and asked him to tell me more. He answered, 'I am a Muslim.
The ring reveals that you too are a Muslim.' I asked him again 'How did you make
this out'. He said 'can you read Arabic?' When I answered in the negative, he clarified,
'it is inscribed in the middle all in green.' I further asked 'What is the meaning
of the inscription?' He answered 'it is Allah in Arabic'
Only at that time I came to know that Baba has inscribed the word 'Allah' in the
center of the green emerald stone. I had asked Baba for my religion, and Baba blessed
me in this wonderful manner! Then only to my surprise I realized that Baba spoke
of the disfigured fourth finger of the right hand without ever seeing or touching
it!
I returned to my quarters, and then remembered that I was to catch the 10 o' clock
bus and the time was 11:30 a.m. Without taking lunch, I left hurriedly to the bus
stand, where I was told that I can easily go to Kolhapur with a little discomfort
of changing buses on the Puttaparthi - Anantapur - Bellary - Hubli - Kolhapur route.
Immediately I boarded the bus for Anantapur and reached my place on the next day
early morning. On an empty stomach, and sleepless night. I did not feel any fatigue
or tiredness. Where was I? I was fully lost in the ring!
5. One More Miracle
(Before narrating the under-mentioned episodes, I have to state a related truth
in my personal life. I was married twice. We all have been happily living together.)
As per the routine, I went to Puttaparthi for delivering lectures in the second
week of December 1982. After Baba blessed me with the ring, I stopped dictating
to the students from notebooks. Being the month of December, the number of foreign
devotees was increasing. Almost all the foreign authors, who have written books
on Baba, are seen daily sitting on the verandah for Darshan. I do not know how Christmas
and New Year day are celebrated at Vatican City. By the manner in which these two
events are celebrated by Baba at Puttaparthi, we can understand why millions of
Christian devotees from world over believe that the holy soul of Jesus Christ has
ascended on this earth in the form of Baba. Lakhs of Christian devotees from almost
all countries in the world come to Puttaparthi during December - January every year
because of this. I must say here that almost all foreign devotees of Baba donate
liberally to Baba's projects and pray to Him to accept it as a token return of the
spiritual strength and wisdom they receive from Him. Many of the Indian devotees
are not so liberal always, and come only to gain something.
It was a Saturday evening, and my last day of Darshan of Baba in December. Baba
came out on the verandah, spoke to the foreigners, especially the authors of books
for quite some time. He then walked to the other end, came towards us again and
spoke to a devotee sitting next to me. I first took padanamaskar and resumed my
sitting position doing namaskar. In a way Indian devotees become foreigners in December!
Baba walked a few feet away, returned and looking at me said loudly 'Abdul bring
your wife next month.' After that he walked a few feet away and started talking
to someone. I was doubtful - which wife? Senior or junior or both? But how can I
clarify from Baba in this crowd? Does Baba know that I am the husband of two wives?
Would he approve of it if he comes to know? Baba came closer to me again, bent a
little forward and whispered 'Second wife.' I was relieved - it was clear that Baba
heard all the doubts arising in my mind!
While on my return journey, that Sunday afternoon, my circle of thoughts started
- what for Baba has asked me to bring my second wife? Why not the entire family?
Why not the first wife also? What will she feel? Will my second wife, Naseem, agree
to come? Impossible. She is a very orthodox Muslim woman, does Namaz five times
a day and has reverence for Quran only. She is uneducated as well. Would she consent
to come to Puttaparthi? Baba does not impose anything on anyone. Then why is he
insisting about my second wife? Is it not sufficient that I am a devotee? No, Baba
must be having a secret plan, etc, etc.
Thus I returned in a confused mind. My next lecture commitment at Baba's university
was at the end of the third week of January 1983. As travel reservations are to
be done a week in advance. I called my second wife, Naseem to my room a week in
advance of my departure. And told her that this time we both will go to Puttaparthi.
She said (in Hindi) 'Mai our tumhare saath udhar aau? Butparastike liye aur main?
Yeh gunah mujse kabhi nahi hoga. Mujhe dojak me nahi jana hai, etc' (Who me! To
accompany you for going there. For worshipping on idol? I can't commit such crime
and I do not want to go to hell, etc.) I had expected such an answer from her. Even
if Baba had told me, I never liked to impose it on anyone. I never spoke of Baba
or impose devotion to Baba on anyone who followed his religion, God or saint. Baba
has sternly warned on this point. In my twenty-three years of academic teaching
career, I never told my colleagues or students that I am a devotee of Baba. In spirituality,
rather than cause the final effect is important. All the causes originate from Him,
from that see only, 'Ekoham bahusyam.'
Naseem is a firm Muslim believer. I can also say a fanatic in her beliefs, who would
have preferred 'Talak' (divorce) rather than taking part in any unreligious activities.
I thought of giving one more try in this matter. Since I was teaching Muslim Law
for the past ten years, I know much more about Quran and Hadis than others. The
following conversation took place between us.
I: 'Dekho Naseem, meri batt jara dhyan se suno. Puttaprthi jakar vahake mandirme
jana, ya Satya Sai Baba ke samne hath jodna; unke pair chuna, adi kaunsibhi baat
ki jabardasti nahi hai. Tum sift mera sath nibhanke liye chalogi. Aakhir, shauhar
uski bibika majhabi khuda hi to hai na?' (Naseem you listen to me attentively. I
am not forcing you to go to the temple at Puttaparthi, or to do nakaskar to Sathya
Sai Baba or bow down at his feet. You will just accompany me. Is it not that a husband
is also said to be a religious God to his wife?)
Naseem: (sharply) 'Apne fayideke liye hadiski bate mat karo. Abhitak to aapne vaha
chalneke liye kabhi nahi kaha tha. Is barti aap mujhpar yeh jabardasti kyon kar
rahe ho? (Do not talk of hadis for your advantage. So far you have never asked me
to come there. Why are your forcing me now?)
I: 'Mai jabardasti nahi kar raha hu. Khud Sathya Sai Baba ne tumhe bulaya hai. '
(I am not forcing you. Sathya Sai Baba himself has called you.)
Even if it was against her will, the panacea of Sathya Sai Baba served the purpose
and she replied.
Naseem: 'Theek hai. Mai aungi. Lekin meri yeh shart rahegi. Mai vaha kisikebhi samne
mere hath jodungi nahi, Pair chuna to namumkin.' (All right, I will come on the
conditions that will not do namaskar in front of anyone and also bow down to anyone's
feet.)
In my mind, I prayed to Baba for forgivance and said
I: 'Munjur'. (I agree.)
I made advance reservation of two seats for our journey by bus, and started on a
Wednesday evening in the third week, January 1983. We reached Puttaparthi next day
afternoon, had bath and lunch, and went for Darshan. I instructed her to sit on
the ladies side and when I raise my hand she must get up and come in the direction,
which I point out. If Baba goes to her side and summons her, she should immediately
come to the verandah side. After hearing carefully to what I told her, she said
'Mai fires kah deti hu. Mai hath nahi jodungi' (I am telling you again, I will not
do namaskar). I assured her and said 'jaise tumhari marji." (As you wish.)
Baba came. First he went to the ladies side, then to the gentlemen's side, thereafter
to the verandah. Although Baba was seeing me after a long time, he recognized and
came to me. I did padanamaskar. He said 'I know that your wife has come', and went
away.
On the second day, that is Friday, while going for the evening Darshan, I repeated
all the instructions I gave her yesterday. She said 'thik hai. Lekin mai fire dohrati
hu ke mai hath nahi jodungi, pair nahi chooungi.' (All right. But I am again telling
you that I will not do namaskar or bow to anyone's feet.) I felt that since all
this was happening against her wish, Baba should not have invited her.
Baba came out, looked at me, went to the gentlemen's side, then to the ladies' side,
returned to the verandah, stood near the door and beckoned to me. With folded palms
I went to Him 'Call your wife' Baba said. I raised my hand signaling her to come.
Then I saw her getting up from among the crowd and walking towards the verandah.
Oh! I was very relieved. Actually, I was apprehensive after I signaled her to come.
If this woman does not come, then what should I do? But she did come. (Baba's great
luck!) Baba asked us to go inside. Which we did. He followed, shut the door and
drew the curtain behind. I bowed down at his feet. He stroked my back with his hand,
and instructed me to sit on the right side of His chair. My wife bore a taciturn
face, did not do namaskar or bow down at his feet. However, on Baba's face was a
celestial smile, which I felt was more prominent today. Baba did not create vibhuti,
although it was His usual practice. He seemed to be in an altogether different mood.
I: 'Baba, Please forgive her.' My wife, although she does not know English, she
can grasp what is spoken.
She understood why I put this request to Baba, and gave me a look of disapproval.
Baba: 'Keep quiet. You talk too much.'
I became mute. I am giving below a brief in English of the conversation between
Baba and my wife in Hindi.
Baba: 'How are you, my bacchi (child)?
My wife did not feel like answering, but the word 'bacchi' made her open up. Looking
at floor, she answered.
My wife: 'I am fine.'
Baba: 'How many children do you have?'
Naseem: 'Four. Three sons and a daughter.'
Baba: 'What do they do?'
Naseem: 'Two are practicing law. Two are studying. Daughter is doing medicine.'
Baba: 'Very good. I am very happy.'
After this my wife felt better, but I was uneasy. Then Baba turned towards me, enquired
about my teaching at the college. He advised to be careful regarding my work at
college in general as in the near future I may have some problems with the management.
He further said that I must increase my tolerance and fortitude. I heard it all
but was still very uneasy. Baba laughed a bit slyly. Baba must have seen through
my disturbed state of mind. Otherwise why should he laugh slyly?
Baba: 'Abdul, tell me if you desire anything from me.'
I: 'Nothing Baba. But…'
Before I could complete the sentence, Baba indicated by his hand to stop talking.
Although Baba told me to ask, I was not in an appropriate state of mind to do so.
Naseem was sitting in the meditative position of Namaaz, with face looking down
and both hands folded on her knees.
To my wife, Baba said again 'Meri bacchi' (My child). Using vocative case is very
touching. I experienced this when Baba called my wife 'Meri bacchi' Naseem became
slightly relaxed and for the first time raised her head to look at Baba. In a very
casual manner, Baba asked her 'Don't you want our own son?' Now I became completely
relaxed. With this question, Baba gazed into Naseem's eyes without batting his eyelids.
It is well known that while Baba is talking, his eyelids move faster that those
of others. Naseem was transfixed with her eyes looking at Baba only. This divine
communion went on for a short time. Then suddenly, as if pulled by some invisible
force, she fell at Baba's feet and plaintively mooed 'Oh Mere Baba!.' (Oh my Baba!)
Her whole body was trembling. She was profusely weeping and washing Baba's feet
with her tears. I was about to go near her and help. But Baba signalled me to sit
quiet. Baba picked up his handkerchief, wiped his face and lips and sat at ease.
Except for the sound of Naseem's sobbing, there was pin-drop silence.
After a few minutes, baba said, 'utho meri bacchi' (get up my child). Naseem managed
to get up and sat there only. In her hand she held a corner of Baba's robe, which
was hanging on the floor. Some devotees may not be aware of the fact that, in his
present Avatar Baba never touched any of his female devotees.
Baba looked at me, kept his hand on my left shoulder and told me to sit next to
my wife, who was still sobbing. Continuing to look at me, the Avatar said 'This
lady is pregnant from this moment. She will deliver a very intelligent son on a
nationally important day. She will deliver one more son on another important day.'
Oh! My jaw dropped and I was amazed. Slowly speaking, I said 'Baba, the doctors
confirmed that …' Cutting of my sentence, Baba said 'what doctors? Doctors - I am
the doctor of doctors!' Naseem and I both understood, and both of us fell at his
feet again. In this manner, Naseem did 'Sai Namaz' prayers twice.
Baba then ordered us 'ab utho' (get up now), yet we could not stand up immediately.
Baba created vibhuti in his inimitable way, put it in my outstretched hand and instructed
me 'Sab bacchi ko do' (give it all to my child). I did as directed by Baba. And
she ate it all. I licked whatever vibhuti was sticking to my palm. Baba then handed
us ready-made packets of vibhuti and we all came out on to the verandah. From there,
without talking to anyone on the way, we returned to our accommodation and lied
down on our beds.
As a prolague to this Divine Drama, I have to narrate the following. I married my
second wife, Naseem, about eight years ago. As she did not bear any child for long
time, we consulted gynaecologists at Kolhapur who declared that it is not possible
for her to conceive due to blockages of tubes and RHO negative blood etc. Yet we
continued her medical treatment by Dr. Nagavkar and Dr. Mrs. Meena Maladkar (Bhadre).
Naseem loved my first wife and her children without any reservations. The children
also loved their choti maa as much as their badi maa. That is why, when Baba asked
'How many children? She was able to give a firm answer 'four'. This being untrue
and Baba not saying anything about it, I become uneasy and had little doubnt about
his omniscience. Another point for consideration was that before leaving for Puttaparthi
we visited Dr. Mrs. Meenatai, and she told us that she will try artificial insemination
next month, that is, February.
After returning from Puttaparthi, on the second day I went to Dr. Mrs. Meenatai,
and told her that Naseem is pregnant and will deliver a son and later on a second
son. Meenati looked at me doubtfully as she had thoroughly checked Naseem just prior
to our leaving for Puttaparthy. Even her menstrual cycle was due end January. Then
I narrated to Meenatai what all happened at Prasanthi Nilayam. She and her Bhadre
family members were devotees of Sai Baba of Shirdi. She was suspicious of Sathya
Sai Baba. However, she said, 'I do agree that this is possible only with the sankalp
of an Avatar. I am advising you not to disclose this till we are convinced by appropriate
medical tests. Who knows? You may be disappointed.' I agreed with her. However,
considereing my observations and experiences of Baba's sankalp so far I was confident
that we will not be disappointed at all in the next two or three days, I announced
the news to all the members of my family, relatives, close friends and their wives.
None of them approved of my haste, including Baba devotee friends and their wives.
They were apprehensive that if this does not happen, Baba may be dishonoured. I
did not agree with them and told them 'there is no question of dishonour in this.
If what Baba said turns out to be untrue, it will be known to the world that Baba
is not omnipotent. In that case even I will have to rethink.' A doctor devotee,
who was a close friend of mine, took me aside and asked a delicate question, had
you cobeded after the December course of your wife? I replied, 'of course… often.'
On the appointed date, I took Naseem to the clinic - Apeksha, behind Ayodhya theatre,
Kolhapur. After carrying aout necessary medical examination it reported 'the pregnancy
has been clinically confirmed.'
Immediately I told this news to Meenatai. Instead of congratulating me, she expressed
her desire to know more about Sathya Sai Baba!
News of this miracle by Baba spread amongst all his devotees residing at Sangli
and Kolhapur. Baba did not look at me when I visited Prasanthi Nilayam in the first
week of February 1983. I had this good news during my visit in the second week of
March 1983. Baba did not come to my side at the evening Darshan on Thursday. Next
day, Friday, Baba came to me at the evening Darshan, and I bowed at his feet. When
I was about to convey the news, Baba said ' I know you are very happy and Naseem
is also happy. This is what is called 'manushya swabhav' (human nature). Bring the
boy six months after his birth. I will perform his naming ceremony. And at that
time bring all the members of your family. Don't forget to bring your first wife.'
Naseem's pains started on 1st October and was admitted in Meenatai's Maternity Hospital.
As the delivery did not take place for the day, Meenatai decided to carry out caesarean
surgical operation. She was bit worried about getting suitable blood if needed,
because 2nd October was a holiday, being Mahatma Gandhiji's birth anniversary, and
the following day was also a closed holiday. Being a Sunday. Where can we find a
donor of her blood group? With much difficulty we could get half a bottle of blood
from the Pramila Raje Hospital. Meenatai, an experienced and skilled gynaecologist,
was hesitant to carry out the surgery. At last I said 'Tai, please do the caesarean
surgery. Whatever is to happen will happen.' She did, and a baby boy was born. Surprisingly,
there was negligible bleeding. From this experience I realized that all this was
baba's wish and resolution, and has happened as per His plan. What can I say but
that this is Baba's method of testing a devotee's devotion, patience and endurance!
In this manner, as per Baba's sankalp Naseem gave birth to her first son on 2nd
October coinciding with the birth centenary of Mahatma Gandhi - a National important
day!
Six months after his birth, we took this baby boy to Prasanthi Nilayam for the naming
ceremony by Baba. With me were my mother, both wives, three sons, daughter, eldest
daughter-inlaw, grand daughter, some devotee friends and of course the baby boy
- altogether about 35 persons. On Friday, Baba gave a group interview to all of
us, in the outer room. During the personal interview in the inner chamber, Baba
spoke to us which left everyone weeping. Baba identified my elder wife, made her
sit with Naseem and told me to be seated in between them. Then he went near my elder
wife, from his palm created a Muslim style gold Mangala Sutra (auspicious marriage
chain), and asked me to put it around her neck, which I did. Afterwards, he went
near Naseem created similar, but a little larger, (to suit her measurements) god
Mangala Sutra and asked me to put it around her neck, which also I did. In this
manner we were married again, which Baba calls 'spiritual marriage - marriage of
the souls'. Again Baba made a circular motion of his hand, created small gold locket
with chain and instructed Naseem to put it around the neck of the baby boy, which
she promptly did. Then Baba told us to wait, went into the adjoining room, returned
with two differently coloured silk saris and gave one each to my wives. Jokingly
he said 'these are mill made.'
Turning towards me, Baba asked 'What name do you with to give to your son?' I replied
'Baba, he is your sankalpa putra (born out of your resolution). You please name
him.' Baba said, 'you are right. This is my gift. Sai's gift. Gift means 'Baksh'
so he is 'Sai Baksh'. Our eyes were filled with tears of joy. Thereafter, Baba created
handful of vibhuti, distributed to all of us, and picked up ready-made vibhuti packets
which also he gave us. Addressing all of us, he said loudly -
'When you are happy, I am happy. Your happiness is my happiness. There is no other
reason for me to be happy. Today I am very happy, I bless you all.'
There have been similar miracles in the lives of Sai devotee friends as a consequence
of which phenomenal changes took place in their spiritual lives. I was a witness
to all these miracles and changes. However, it will be out of place to narrate them
here.
After the naming ceremony, the following events took place.
Baba interviewed my eldest son in the inner chamber; he did not materialize anything
for my son (miracle No. 1). Baba gave a beautiful wrist watch to my second son and
warned him, 'if you take a wrong path the watch will stop.' After a few days, the
watch stopped and still it is not functioning (miracle No 2). He gave a pen to my
third son and advised him similarly. After a few days the pen stopped working forever
(miracle No 3). Baba told my daughter that her wish will be fulfilled. Long afterwards,
her inter-caste marriage took place as per her wish. She told me that her desire
was fulfilled as per Baba's blessings only (miracle No 4).
During the abovementioned events, my daughter-in-law had to take her crying child
outside and sit there, she was also two months pregnant, when I mentioned this to
Baba, He said, 'I will see her tomorrow.' Accordingly, Baba interviewed her the
next day. Later on in time she delivered a boy, whom we named 'Abdul Sai' (miracle
No 5).
Tarabai, our maidservant, was also in our interview group. She was sitting in the
far corner behind us, and our pride made us ignore her. She was employed in our
house as a servant girl and worked till she became old. How can we, the affluent
persons, remember a servant woman when we were being interviewed by Baba? But Baba
is Baba! He knew her value as an integral part of our family. He invited her to
the inner chamber and gave her interview for considerably long time. By this Baba
conveyed an important message about human values to all of us. I felt that we were
fit only for whipping. Much afterwards, I casually asked her 'Tarabai what did Baba
speak about to you for so long?' She replied, 'Baba first generally enquired about
my family and told me how to conduct myself and adopt a spiritual way of life through
bhakti marg. He instructed me to take good care of my aging husband, educate my
son well and blessed me saying that my daughters will be married well in time, etc.'
(miracle No 6).
Tarabai no longer works in our house, because of her age. She is happy that Baba's
blessings have come true. Her son is educated and well employed. Her daughters are
married and her husband is in good health. She is happily living in the house her
son built along with all her brood. Every day, she invariably worships Baba.
Naseem gave birth to her second child, a boy, on 19th November 1984 - the birth
date of Smt Indira Gandhi. Dr. Mrs. Meenatai had to perform caesarean surgery this
time also; surprisingly there was no bleeding. The naming ceremony was done at our
home and the boy was named 'Sai Kalam' as per Baba's wish. The sacred verses of
Quran are called 'Aayat' and the second line of 'Aayat' is called 'Kalam.'
8. Big Interview
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
The big interview (at Brindavan, Whitefields, Banagalore in September 1990) was
finally taking place! I realized that Baba's sentences were short, precise and were
in the form of maxims.
Baba: 'How are you, sir?'
Oh! God. This addressing (sir) by Baba is a pointer to my increasing ego. Well,
it is important that I should do self-introspection again.
I: 'Fine.'
Baba: 'What is your plan?'
I: 'Baba I got cataract in both eyes. Please cure me.'
Baba: 'I know. But no miracle for a matured devotee! Undergo surgery. Your eyes
will be cured. Next?'
I: 'When I came here in my last visit I saw many gentlemen and ladies. Are they
all your true devotees?'
Baba: 'Not many of them. But they are longing for me. Poor people, that way, are
simple to mould. As for these wealthy - it is difficult to remove their self-conceitedness,
their attachments, their adulterous way of life and their showiness. For this reason,
I have to bring them a little closer than the others and do the job. These are the
persons who are running in the race for worldly happiness and go exactly where there
is no happiness. Are not they also human beings? Once they start improving, they
will be helpful to my mission. Wealth is not a sin!
I: 'Baba we thousands of poor, hard working and honest devotees misunderstand. Actually,
you do not meet many of them. They do not get anything except your Darshan, that
also from very far off distance and with great difficulty.'
Baba: 'I give close look at only such persons. I am always in the hearts of my common
devotees. I do not put them away from my eyes even for a moment. I understand their
needs and fulfill them. But I do not fulfill their wishes and demands. Many devotees'
wishes are out of lust for wealth and envy. If I give them what they want it will
be like allowing them to drown in the ocean of grief and unhappiness. Then they
will resemble the devotees who come here. Those who are poor for want of wealth
can remain poor. As for those who are wealthy, many of them are actually beggars.
They move around holding costly begging bowls begging for peace and happiness. Therefore,
how can I put my poor devotees to distress by making them only rich by wealth?'
I: 'I feel it will be difficult for those poor devotees to understand and agree
to this difference.'
Baba: 'Do you understand at least?'
I: 'I do now.'
Baba: 'Then what you people are doing in the world? You just tell and try to show
off how close a devotee you are of Sai Baba. Overcome this ego. For me all devotees
are alike. The distance between me and all of them is the same. Actually, there
is no distance. You people can only see geographically and compare the difference.
It is the job of senior devotees to remain alert for removing these misunderstandings.
Well you, what have you done in this direction?'
I: 'I tell them very much. But I do not think that all of them are convinced.'
Baba: 'It is your fault. You lack convincing power. Compared to the wealthy, the
awareness and understanding of the poor is very flexible. Always tell everyone that
I am in them all the time. My purpose of calling them here is to recharge their
spiritual batteries. Just stop the comparison between far and near devotees.
Devotion cannot be compared. Devotion is self-made and a quality complete by itself.
Next?'
I: 'In these days sins, crimes, bribery, murders, lust for power etc are on the
increase in India and in other countries also. Innocent persons are killed. Where
are the saviours, the Avatars, why are you not setting it right? We, the devotees,
are also in a dilemma on such questions. Can you please say something in this context?'
Baba: 'Sin and merit, good and bad, happiness and grief, life and death, day and
night are not against one another. They always co-exist. They are inseparable parts
of one and the same, complimentary to each other. When one is there, the other is
not seen. Like the two sides of a coin - when one side of a coin is seen can you
say that the other side is absent? Human life is also just like that. His birth
is out of love. Love is his original nature. Love is his religion. If you consider
love as day, then non-loving can be night. Absence of merit is sin. Absence of goodness
is badness; absence of happiness is grief. Absence of good conduct is bad conduct.
That is why these seemingly bad qualities are not the basic qualities of a human
being. They are his negative parts. Because of some reasons when his basic nature
of love is eclipsed and the good qualities are not seen, that time it is night of
badness or demerit. From the birth of civilization till today and even in the times
of Avatars also, good people have always been in minority. This is the law of nature.
In the Bhagavad-Gita it is mentioned that you have to protect the good people. Who
to protect and from whom? The minorities are to be protected from the majority.
The majority, the bad qualities being strong are not afraid of the minorities, the
good qualities. Human being is the same. Good and bad are together and one. If all
become good, how can they be compared and praised? To cut is the character of a
knife. A doctor cuts to save life, a butcher cuts to take life. Both are human beings.
Every person has got his inborn basic elements and instincts. When these qualities
are blown to a bigger form, the situations you mentioned are created. But this is
a passing phase. A type of venting out. This is also a quality of nature. And a
human being is a small part of this nature (prakruti). No person can be 100% good
or 100% bad. People are the same. Only the part that is seen varies. That which
is seen can change or improve.'
I: 'Your devotees are not 100% good?
Baba: 'Every one is a criminal. Only what is seen or shown differs from person to
person.
I: 'I did not get it.'
Baba: 'You are the Principal of a law college. You have studied law and are an expert
in it. Suppose tomorrow your son steals and you know it. Police arrest him. You
will bail him out, is it not? When the case stands in a law court, will you get
a lawyer for his defence or not? Don't deny. You will do this at any cost. That
time you will also be a criminal. But there is no punishment for this crime. Due
to attachment, to back up a criminal with the help of law is not a crime in terms
of law. I have many devotees who have both qualities. Devotion and at the same attachment
to worldly things. Yet, I will not discard them. I will try to remove their attachment.
I: 'But why don't you change today's chaotic miserable situation.'
Baba: 'Every Avatar had worked like a magnet. In the field of his aura, he pulls
all the ferrous items un-awarely. His boundary is not geographical but of devotion.
Many people who come near to me, stay near to me may be at Puttaparthi or outside.
Those who do not follow me criticize. In what way I can be related to them? Those
who are rusted by mind and behaviour are not pulled up by this magnet. Well, if
you try to remove this rust or at least with in your heart, then this magnet can
attract iron particles from anywhere.
Nature has given complete freedom to everyone as to how to behave. Who am I to change
the laws of nature? An Avatar never interferes with laws of nature. Although Avatar
is for the common people and like the common people, yet he is much different and
very powerful. To make them believe this, in exceptional cases he shows his supernatural
powers this is also a law of nature. In every body the life force, nature's current
of omnipotent God is flowing. In my case, the voltage much more!
You were saying that the proportion of crime and sin has increased. On what basis?
In comparison with what? Does it not prove that in this society somewhere there
are virtues and virtuous people? There is no other test or method of measuring.
Darkness cannot be seen without the smallest lantern or the smallest earthen lamp.
Social darkness is there and it is seen. That means the small earthen lamp of virtues
is burning somewhere or other. My job is to preserve the same.'
I: 'When will today's frightful situation change?'
Baba: 'Rather than asking me when the situation will change, ask me when the man
will change. I tell you man will definitely change. Now in this world his basic
element, virtue of love, is eclipsed but not extinct. At the same time the small
living lamps of love are still shining on this earth. Because they are small, night
seems to be exceedingly dark and horrifying. In reality, night is not there. Light
is the only truth. Light will spread everywhere when the time comes. This is the
everlasting law of nature, that is, to keep on flowing.'
I: 'At least to stop killing of innocent people, you will….'
Baba: 'Why do you give so much importance to death? Life, to live, sign of life
is forever, everlasting and death is a pause for some moments. The time lag between
two births is death. That should be the auspicious moment. The origin of your question
is the passionate attachment to life. It is an ignorant question. In volcanic eruptions,
earthquakes, storms, river floods and other natural calamities thousands, lakhs
of human beings, animals and birds die. At that time will you ask the question why
this happens?
Everyone considers that death is a sad incident. But as per nature's law of continuous
change, it is unavoidable. Mankind's base instincts are swelling up. Very soon they
will calm down. Then everything will change for the welfare of humanity. In my 'Sai
Era' whatever I have to do, I will accomplish. Next?'
I: 'Religious quarrels - why have they become murderous?'
Baba: 'Religion and quarrel can't stay together. Where there is religion, there
is no quarrel or war. The duty of any religion is to keep quarrels away, to uproot
quarrels. That is the only religion or religions.
Religion is personal and not social. It is homely and not marketable. When religion
remains personal and homely then only human relations exist, otherwise humanity
will remain only as a crowd jostling each other.'
I: 'What does Baba mean by personal religion?'
Baba: 'Personal religion means every human being's innate nature and that is love
without selfishness, without any returns. For such religion there is no other name
but love. No Avatar has given name of a religion to his teachings. Divine teachings
are omnipresent and eternal without any geographical or public boundaries.'
Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh such today's names are not names of true religions.
They have come out of the egos of those communities. Today's quarrels and wars are
not religious quarrels and wars - they are ego quarrels and wars. Absence of love
means enmity, envy, hatred, selfishness and murders. When love is eclipsed the community
is eclipsed and suffers.'
I: 'Baba, what is the solution for this?'
Baba: 'Demolish present religions (differences) and man will be truly religious.'
I: 'Will you be able to do this?'
Baba: 'Of course, I am doing this only. Sai devotees have no other religion but
the religion of love.'
I: 'Then why are you preaching all religions? Your own instructions, will they not
be sufficient? Is it not that all religious are being encouraged by your teaching?'
Baba: 'Why all religions, because they preach only one thing - Love! If one understands
Love he need not take the support of religion. Once you reach the other side bank
of the river, then why march pompously with the canoe on your head? I have brought
all the religions together to uproot the differences between them, to dissolve into
each other and become one religion of love. I do not teach anything different of
my own. No Avatar so far has done that. All taught only one internal religion of
love.
Mathematics is a single subject. Although there are many teachers teaching it in
their own way Mathematic remains the same. It does not get multiplied.'
I: 'Do the governments lack in this for finding out remedies?'
Baba: 'Where is the government? There is only exploitation. Have you finished?'
I: 'Last question Baba. When you are a reincarnation of the Avatar of Shirdi Baba,
how is it that you never visited the place of your previous Avatar?'
Baba: 'I am omnipresent. In that Shirdi also comes. Where is the question of my
going there, when I am already there?'
I: 'Are you there in this form or of Shirdi Baba?'
Baba: 'Of course, in this form only. The vitality of Shirdi Baba has merged into
me. Then, how can the Shirdi form be in life? Today's form of Shirdi Baba is I only.'
I: 'That means, without your vitality the Baba of Shirdi is not there. Only you
are there also.'
Baba: 'Such a simple thing also you cannot understand. Don't you believe in reincarnation?'
I: 'Of course, I do because reincarnation is a scientific truth.'
Baba: 'Do you agree that I in this body is reincarnation of Shirdi Baba?'
I: 'One hundred percent.'
Baba: That as per the rule of rebirth, how can one life be in two forms or two bodies
at the same time? As per this rule, I always say 'I am in all Avatars and all Avatars
are in me'. Forms are many physical frames are many, but the vitality of the life
is only one. That is the only eternal religion, eternal truth!'
I: 'That means it is pointless for your devotees to go to Shirdi.'
Baba: 'Again wrong question. Go to Shirdi or Ram Mandir or Krishna Mandir, Masjid,
Church. Go wherever you feel better. I am everywhere in everybody. I am omnipresent.
Those who do not believe me and believe Shirdi and see Shirdi Baba, I take that
form to satisfy them. For Siva devotees I become Siva. Like that I become Ram, Jesus
and Mohammed. I am in them all. This is the truth of eternal non-duality. This is
the only world religion, the religion of love.'
I: 'But then?'
Baba: 'Enough now. You talk too much.'
I: 'Last one doubt. You said you are in that form at Shirdi. Then how is it that
at Shirdi five star hotels, permit rooms, gambling and improper behaviour have been
allowed? For your Darshan over there, why the devotees have to pay by way of abhishekam,
prasadam, etc. if it is perfectly alright there, then why it is not done at Puttaparthi
and here also? Why your photographs and books are not available at Shirdi? I see
photographs and other articles of Shirdi Baba here.'
Baba: 'That is a fault of the management. Not of Shirdi Sai or me or the devotees.
Those who are allowing these and those who are taking part will bear the consequences,
and go through the cycle of trials tribulations. A true devotee will not be like
that. At crowded places counterfeit coins are also circulated with true coins. Such
things take place at all places of pilgrimage also. They will bear the consequences.
Although I am everywhere, here I am living in human form. At other places, only
my divine waves move. This is also my nature. You should not compare and say senior
Sai and junior Sai etc. Understand the ultimate truth of non-duality.
That truth is love. Love is one without a second.'
Then Baba stood up. Hurriedly I bowed at his feet and came out. The interview lasted
for more than one hour and a half. Outside my friends were still sitting and waiting
anxiously. They asked me 'No interview for us?' I replied 'Not only you but today
Baba have given interview to the whole world! Let us go.'
-- Prof. Abdul Razak Korbu.
(As extracted from the book Sai Sathya Sakha by Late Prof. Abdul Razak Korbu.).
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