Beloved Children,
Om Namo Sainathaya
Sainath Parabrahman narrated to children at Shirdi a story in the Puranas about Krishna’s flute. Rukmini, Krishna’s wife, asked the flute, “What is the secret to Krishna keeping you so close to him always? It is only when he bathes that he leaves you behind.” The flute replied, “I do not know. The one thing I do know is that I am empty. I do not have any inner blocks. I am ready for the Lord to take over me entirely.” I am close to his thoughts.
Das Ganu Maharaj, who is an accomplished poet commented on this story, beautifully describing the sweetness of the flute and three lessons to be learned from it. First, the flute is sweet because it only sings when it is blown. In contrast, people open their mouths and talk when not required. Second, the flute played well resulting in melody. Likewise, people should ensure that whatever they say is always sweet. Finally, the melody and sweetness flow through a flute because it is free of knots.
Sant Kabir said, “Aisee Vani Boliye, Man Ka Aapa Khoye, Auran ko Sheetal Kare, Aap bhi Sheetal Hoye.” This translates into, “Speak in a manner that makes others feel calm, and you will also become calm, bereft of ego.”
The Upanishads call this Hridaya Granthi. People are noisy because there are many knots within. They are not empty; therefore, the sweetness of their beings does not emerge. The flute only sings when it is blown into; its melody is sweet when it sings, and it is free from inner knots.
Sai Baba nodded his approval and called upon children to be empty like the flute. If one is empty as a flute, there is an understanding that is beyond words – wordless wisdom. Our entire education system is based on words, Shabda. Hence, the Vedas say words try to unfold the truth; however, it cannot be grasped through words. Listening is an art, and teaching is an art. Only when these two arts meet, can the music flow.
Sri Narasimha Swamiji records in his book ‘Life of Sai Baba’ – there was a particularly anxious son. He was tense because his friends were receiving presents from their parents; however, his father did not give him anything. He had completed his education and got a job in Pune. He expected something from his father. The son thought, “I have passed my exams and got a job in Pune. My father will surely give me something.” He always wanted a motorcycle. He expressed his wish to his father, but since the father was a retired old man, it was not possible. The father told his son, “Now that you have graduated and got a job in Pune I will give you a gift.” He gave his son a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. The son was not pleased with the gift. Disgusted, he took the book, placed it in his luggage, and left for Pune.
Within a few days of reaching Pune, he received the news that his father died. He remembered the gift his father gave him – the Bhagavad Gita that he had not bothered to open. He took out the Gita, and as he turned the pages, a key fell. This was when he realized that his father had indeed bought him a motorcycle and placed the key in the Gita.
Yours SAI BABAly
Sai Aura Team
If you recite ‘Sai, Sai,’ always, I will take you beyond the seven seas. If you believe in these words, you will certainly benefit.
I do not need to elaborate worship either sixteen-fold or eightfold. Where there is infinite faith, I reside there” – (Chap. 13, Ovi 11-13)
You do not need ceremonies to complete the rituals, you do not need fasting to torture the body; you do not need to visit the tirthas. It is sufficient to listen to the story. (Chap. 3, Ovi 182)
”For the worship of other deities, the articles required, and the rituals are specific. But, for your worship, there is nothing in the world which is worthy of you!”
– Sri Narasimha Swamiji
“To be a devotee of Sai Maharaj, examine your faults, correct them by surrendering to him, and breathe out love, peace, and joy to all”
– Sri Radhakrishna Swamiji
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