By : B. Rajeshwari
There is a joke about Jesus viewing a football match between ‘Catholic Conquerors’ and ‘Protestant Punchers’. Both teams were excellent, the match was exciting and applauded appreciatively. Then the Punchers scored. Again, Jesus jumped up, whistled and clapped riotously. Puzzled, a spectator near him asked, “Which side are you shouting for?” Jesus replied, “I am not cheering for any side. I am just enjoying the game!” The man turned to his neighbor and sneered, “Hmmm, look at the atheist”.
If Rama, Krishna, Sai Baba or any other Mahatma was asked which team he was for, and which against, would any of them choose just one and condemn others? I think not. Many might also frown upon juxtaposing sports with spirituality. The entire Sai Satcharitra revolves around the theme – ‘Give the best of yourself’.
Around 1870 or so, a Rohilla came to Shirdi and he was more of a nuisance as he disturbed everybody’s sleep. Nobody knew from where he came, and no one knew when he would leave! He was a nuisance as he would be reciting loudly the kalams from the Koran in the dead of the night and walking along the streets of the village, unmindful of what others felt! He did not sleep nor allowed anyone to sleep peacefully!
This went on every night. Baba listened to Rohilla’s recitations peacefully. Tatya and Mhalsapathy could not even sleep for a minute and were feeling miserable. They could not do anything as Baba was enjoying it.
The hard working villagers spent their nights cursing for want of sleep! Ultimately, they approached Baba for help. Baba calmly listened to them but supported Rohilla. Baba pacified the villagers – “Brothers, he is the only man who takes God’s name day and night! I know it disturbs you. He is troubled by his wife. To avoid it, he is chanting Koran. How can I stop him? He will repeat them till he gets tired one day and will leave this place! Let us bear with him till such time and enjoy the bliss of the Divine name!”
The villagers could argue no more. Rohilla did not have any wife. What Baba matters, ever! That night the villagers slept happily.
Sport’ stems from the old French expression ‘de sporter’ derived from the Latin ‘deportare’. Sai Baba encouraged Gymnastics and other community sports. In fact he not only actively participated in those events but also set up the practice of shaking hands, embrace or share a meal after the intense contest.
You cannot cross a yawning chasm with a series of little jumps; only mighty leap would work. So , be sporting. Sri Narasimha Swamiji concludes, “Give life your very best, spend your life on what really matters and lasts forever.”
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