By: B. S. Krishna Murthy
Nana Saheb and his orderly Ganesh Rao witnessed the miracle of Ganga gushing out of Baba’s feet on their first visit to Shirdi. That night Ganesh Rao composed a song on this event. Next day, when he went to Shirdi, on Baba’s direction, Ganesh Rao sang it. Everyone liked the song. But Baba said: “Ganu, you are such a beautiful poet and yet you take pride in composing erotic songs to sell for the lower taste! What a tragedy of a divine gift?” Ganesh Rao was embarrassed! Baba further said: “You compose erotic songs, write cheap plays and watch filthy shows! Ganu dear, God has bestowed on you a gifted pen – not for writing dirty stuff, but for praising His glory through beautiful compositions. Write devotional songs and sing them with devotion! Praise and sing the greatness of saints in kirthans! My fakhir will look after your welfare! Will you not listen to me?”
Baba’s appealing advice touched the core of Ganesh Rao. He was fond of composing erotic poetry. But now Sai Baba’s omniscience dominated his imagination. He was a changed man! He started thinking that he was wasting his birth as a Brahmin in composing cheap dirty stuff for Tamashawallas! He decided that he should compose devotional songs and become a good Kirthankar.
If we remain calm observers of ourselves, we could see ourselves in a far more positive light as Ganesh Rao did. It is an internal processing exercise with splendid results.
Sai Baba’s definition of us is of course the best of all. He called us ‘his children’. With this definition before us, we become self-respecting, dignified and can walk with confidence. When the path becomes slippery, Sai Baba holds our hand. When our steps falter, Sai Baba steadies us. When we begin to become negative about ourselves, Sai Baba’s grace fills us with reassurance.
When we draw the full picture, we won’t allow vicious critics to have the final word. It is the picture we create for ourselves that determine ‘who we really are’.
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