Charters and Sayings

By: Prathibha G.
Reference Source: Sri Sai Babas Charters and Sayings; By: Shri. Narasimha Swamiji

Shri Sai Satcharitra informs us of the numerous texts which Sai Baba talked about, recommended reading, and explained about. It reports how Baba discussed the entire text of Gita for the benefit of Nanasaheb Chandorkar. Baba’s interpretation of the verses of the Gita, and his mention of the verses from several other texts is noteworthy. Sai Baba’s knowledge of Upanishadic texts is plausible. He had assimilated various themes that were derived from Puranic literature and often recommended the reading of Puranas to His Hindu devotees. Below are the Upanishadic sayings of Shri Sai of Shirdi:
(/) M. Lele Sastri.
188. Baba (to Mukunda Lele Sastri): Go on for ten days repeating in this Dwaraka Mayi, Narayan Upanishad Taittariya Bhaga. (And that was done).

(f) Bayyaji
Baba putting down pride of physical strength

224. Bayyaji Appaji Patel boasted of having Bhima’s strength and occasionally lifted Baba up in his arms after massage to place him before the fire. One day he tried to lift Baba but could not. Baba looked at him and laughed. That laughter was a homily against pride, cf, Kena Upanishad. Vayu trying to lift up a straw in vain.

611. Das Ganu Maharaj was much confused about the meaning of Isavasya Upanishad and went to Baba.

Baba: What, man. is the difficulty in this? Go back to Kaka’s house (H.S.D,’s in Ville Parle). His naukarain (i.e., servant girl of the agricultural class) Will clear your doubt.

Das Ganu went there; and a young servant girl (aged 8 and belonging to the Kumbi caste) was there. Her words and conduct enabled him to understand the Upanishad. though she never knew his difficulties, or she was solving them.