Great Remedy - Shani Pradosh

 

Shani Pradosh - Great Shiva remedy for Saturn's affliction Thread (as per Shripad Vallabh Charitra)

Trayodashi or 13th Moon phase occuring on a Saturday is called Shani Trayodashi. As many know, one must face punishments of Saturn for one's sins. Shiva presides over Shani. If Shiva is worshipped with Sesame seeds/oil on this day during Pradosh Kaal (1.5 hrs before and after sunset), afflictions of Saturn are removed.

Saturn makes us to experience our evil karmas. Shiva as the destructor reduces this sins to Ashes, thereby purifying heart, soul, body and making us ready for supreme attainments. 

How it works

By doing this procedure, Saturn's wrath is reduced/removed. During the night ours of Saturday, the negative forces of one's sins (misfortune, tragedies) remain in invisible, thick form in Mahakali - Maha Kaal's Shakti and on next day- Sunday during the sunrise, with Kripa of Maha Shakti residing at heart of Cosmic Sun, the Sadhak gets a new life. Loads of Karmas are burnt in the fire of Parameswara.

Important note - I would advise people to abstain from doing this Sadhana for material benefits. Shiva wipes out the evil Karma for us to make spiritual progress and not to build more Karmas and sins.

Sesame oil or seeds can be donated as well.

Shree Gurudev Datt!

Upaya/ Remedy for Bad dreams, Nightmares

Getting a good sleep is of prime importance to start the next day. Of course. one should only sleep to give rest to his mind and body and not as leisure. But often we find ourselves not able to sleep properly, be it a thought that roams around, a bad dream or nightmare that plays ever day. I am sharing a remedy to improve the sleep quality below:

Upayas/Remedy for Bad dreams, Nightmares

Ramraksha Upaya (Jala upaya) - b4 sleeping, Sit, keep a glass of water in frnt of u. Chant. Aftr u finish, chant"आदिष्टवान्यथा स्वप्ने रामरक्षामिमां हरः"5 times. Sprinkle the water around the house saying..

मनोजवं मारुततुल्यवेगं जितेन्द्रियं बुद्धिमतां वरिष्ठम्‌ ।

वातात्मजं वानरयूथमुख्यं श्रीरामदूतं शरणं प्रपद्ये

Sprinkle some on your bed, drink the water and imagine sleeping soundly and getting up afresh, and now go to sleep.

Note - This upaya would be more apt for Karka,Vrischika and Meen (water) rashi natives

Ramraksha (Vibhuti)

Light an Incense stick, and chant Ramraksha through the duration of burning of the Incense. Once the incense is burnt, take the vibhuti (Ash) and apply the same to your soles, chanting "पादौ विभीषणश्रीदः पातु रामोऽखिलं वपुः". Again imagine sleeping soundly and getting up afresh, and now go to sleep

Note - This upaya would be more apt for Vrishabh, Kanya and Makar (earth) rashi natives.

For other rashi natives - Mesha,Simha and Dhanu (fire) - Vibhuti upaya and Mithuna, Tula and Kumbh (Vayu) - Jala Upaya

 Shri Gurudev Datt!

Ashwatthama Pratyaksh Darshan - Makhaneshwar Mahadev & Narmada Parikrama

We all know of Ashwathamma's fate after his decision to hurl Brahmastra and end the Pandava's lineage, which survived due to Keshava's kripa. Krishna removed the gem that shone on his forehead, which supremely differentiated him from others, and the void was replaced with a wound which would not heal till eternity. The curse was to keep roaming till time's end with all sorts of insects and jivas feasting on the wound. He has been roaming for centuries asking for ghee to reduce the pain of the wounds. A strong stench keeps on emanating This also is a lesson for many who act on impulse.

Mahabharat happened long time ago, but we have had heard of many instances of people claiming to have seen Ashwatthama. Many of the instances have been reported by the Narmada Parikramis, especially in the Shoolpaneshwar area, the densest part of the Parikrama. He guides the poor souls who have missed the path. I came across a an account recently on WhatsApp. [Gentleman was reminded of his incident after he got a forward of Ashwatthama's visit at Makhaneshwar and few pics [shared here]).

The pics shared are of the fleas which eat on Ashwatthama's wound. When one finds such fleas, ne assured that Ashwatthama had been there. Pics are of Makhaneshwar Mahadev, Gujarat.

The Gentleman had read various accounts of parikramis getting the Darshan of Ashwatthama and he had an urge to have the same. He was at Garudeshwar once and there is small shop near the Datta Mandir, who serves fine tea and also Poha if ordered and available [I know this shop owner, his name is Prahlad Bhai). He also keeps some good Sahitya related to Narmada Maiyya and Datta Sampradaya. The gentleman found a Marathi version of Narmada Puran and he happily read it. 

He came across the account of Ashwatthama. How with his stench emanating wound and excruciating pain he came to the banks of Mate Narmade. He did tapasya of Mahadeva to have some mercy on him, and finally Bholenath appeared. Ashwatthama asked him if he could make this wound go away, but Mahadev expressed his inability to remove Vishnu's curse. But he applied a ball of Makhan to his wound to reduce the pain. Gratefully, Ashwatthama installed a Shiv Linga at the place and it hence called, Makhaneshwar Mahadev. This is very close to Garudeshwar on the opposite Bank [Southern].

Once on a visit to Garudeshwar he wanted to visit Makhaneshwar as it was believed Ashwatthama visits the place on certain Poornima. He went and met Bapatji who runs the Valmiki ashram near by and sat chatting with Bapatji. He made arrangement to sleep in the hut near Makhaneshwar Mahadev. It was a Jyestha Poornima, he was in deep sleep and Ashwatthama gave him Darshan in dream. He felt it opened his eyes, it was 3.30 am. Cold breeze was blowing and the lamp near the Garbha gruha was burning slowly. He was very satisfied. He bowed to Mahadev and sat on the charpoi. There was a sreom of thoughts in his mind.

Let us also pray for the respite of this wandering soul!

Narmade har!! Shree Gurudev Datt

Shri Swami Samarth - Amazing Shakti Sthaapan of Jupiter at Dhanu

 

भिऊ नकोस मी तुझ्या पाठीशी आहे ||  हम गया नहीं जिंदा है ||

Swami Samarth does not need any introduction. I today remembered his horoscope which I had first seen some 4-5 years ago. I had remembered it to be Meen Lagna, but nothing more. I found this from Anmol- Shri Swami Samarth Bakhar. 

What caught my attention was how a Shakti Sthaapan was happening at Dhanu rashi with Jupiter. See how all planets will lead you to the Sign of Dhanu in this horoscope

Moon - Mars - Saturn - Jupiter

Rahu - Venus - Jupiter

Ketu - Mars - Saturn - Jupiter

Mercury - Saturn - Jupiter

Mars - Saturn - Jupiter

Sun - Jupiter

Venus - Jupiter

Saturn - Jupiter

Other observations

1) Venus exalted with Natural Atmakaraka Sun in Lagna

2) Note the Paap Kartaris for Moon, Mercury, Saturn and Jupiter

3) Shubh Kartari for Lagna with Moon and Mercury

Shakti Sthaapan happening by Guru in Dhanu in the 10th House. Who else can have such a Yoga but for a Param Sadguru.

May Swami's blessing be on all of us in these testing times. As he says he is always with us...Hum gaya Nahi! Zinda Hai!

Saturn at Rohini during the Mahabharata - An Astrological Angle

 The generally accepted Birth chart of Shri Vasudev Krishna is that of a Taurus Ascendant with exalted moon. Those with a background in Jyotisha will know that for Taurus & Libra Ascendant, Saturn is a great Yogakaraka planet. More for Taurus as 9th & 10th houses are ruled by Saturn. Below points can suggest the likelihood of Saturn being at Rohini during the great war.

1) Transit of Saturn over Shri Krishna's exalted Moon ( who is the lord of 3rd house of Parakrama)

2) Deliverance of the great Geeta - All about the Dharma. Dharma & Karmadhipati Shani and thus the Yogakaraka for Shri Krishna transiting over the Exalted Moon. Pinnacle of Dharma.

3) Moon Saturn Conjunction (Also on Natal Moon) at fag end of Taurus on Geeta Jayanti (Ekadashi) again amplifying the Dharma connect. 

4) Period of the famed and feared Sade Sati, many ignore the fact that great things happen during this period and often the grilling is to shape you up.

The Lost Gems of Sai Baba - The Sleeping Chamber of "The Three"

 

One who has a Guru, has everything. What else does he need. We are lucky to have numerous Gurus guiding us. Also its our special luck that we have the fortune of reading Sai Satcharitra, which i consider equal to Gita if not above it. What great jewels of wisdom are shining from it. My eyes are moist writing this as I recall the great incidents mentioned. The love that flows. 

But 2 individuals I believe have been luckier - 1) Mhalasapati & 2) Tatya

Mhalsapati and Tatya had the great luck of sleeping with Baba at night in the Dwarkamai. Tatya, after his parents had slept would come to Dwarkamai to join Mhalsapati and Baba. The trio would then lay down with their heads facing North, East and West, in such a way that their feet touched each other's. The three used to chat about various topics till late night. When one would start falling asleep other would wake him up. If Tatya slept, Baba would shake him, or if Mhalasapati started feeling drowsy, Baba would push him our pull his leg. 

The trio slept in the Dwarkamai for fourteen years, until passing away of Tatya's father. The responsibility of running the house fell on Tatya and he had to start sleeping at his house, leaving his "Mama" and Mhalasapati. 

I envy both Tatya and Mhalsapati as they would have got to hear so many gems from Baba. 14 years is a long period. Even if we hear one good tale from Baba we feel blessed and elated, so imagine 14 years!!

Just imagine those nights! Baba must be taking the duo to Stars every night. He must be taking them to different Galaxies, where they must be Bathing in the divine light, waterfalls of Amrit! Even Hemadpant seems to show this envy while discussing this exclusive Sleep Chamber.

Hope if Baba becomes more generous and we can come to know of the great discussions the trio must have had.

Connection Between Jains and Nath Sampradaya?

 

Some of the blog post recently are being inspired from what I have been reading from the Shripad Shrivallabh Charitra. I cam across the Navnaths in of the chapters. Shripad Shrivallabh has described about the origins of the Navnaths. Let us read below about it.

Who are the Navnaths?

Rishabh Chakravartin had 100 sons. 9 sons out of these had Narayan Amsa or aspects/signs of Narayana and were called "Nav Narayana". They were:

1. Kavi

2. Hari

3. Antariksh

4. Prabudh

5. Pippalayan

6. Avirhotra

7. Drumil

8. Chamas 

9. Karabhajan

These 9 were Siddhas and evolved souls. Shri Krishna had promised about manifestations to reestablish dharmas, and hence as per the command of Shripadraj, these Nav Narayanas came to earth as Navnaths.

Kavi - Matsyendranath, Hari - Gorakshanath, Antariksh - Jalandarnath, Prabudh - Kanifnath, Pippalayan- Charpatnath, Avirhotra - Nagnath, Drumil - Bhartarinath, Chamas - Revanath, Karabhajan - Gahininath

Jain Connection?

Rishabh Chakravartin caught my attention and I searched that it was indeed the Rishabhnatha, the 1st Jain Tirthankar. I have many Jain friends so am aware about some of Jain religion aspects. It was even more interesting to see that Rishabhnatha had two sons, Bharata and Bahubali. Most of the Tirthankars are from the Ikshvaku (Suryavanshi/Solar) Dynasty mostly ruling Ayodhya, Mithila, Kampilya,Hastinapur, Kausambi.

This does establish some common grounds between the two great religions, or paths if I must say. We know that Naths and Tirthankars were both were realized souls. Jains call it Kevala Jnana. We also know that Jains are known for their intense Tapa. Their fast season Paryushan, consists of some really tough vows and fasts, Like Atthai (8 day fast on Just warm water), Solbhatu & Maaskhaman (16 day s and 30 days variant of Atthai), and more tougher ones. 

Similarities can observed with the evolved Nath's who becomes Siddha's after intense Sadhana and Tapa. Some Jain texts place Munivsuvrata Swami, the 20th Tirthankar as a Contemporary of Shri Ram.

Interestingly, the guru of the Navnath's is believed to be Adinatha. Jains also call Rishabhnatha as Adinatha, because he was the 1st Tirthankar.

Amongst the Jains, there are two major divisions, Swetambaras and Digamabaras. Digamabaras are found to be following stricter penance if we are allowed to compare. Many perceive Digambar to mean naked, but actually its means one who has Sky as his dress and in all direction.

If anyone has any idea or information regarding the Jain-Sanatan Dharma contemporary figures, tales etc, please do share.

Did you know Hanumanji was initiated into Kriya yoga and by whom?

 

Many of us who try go deep into the realms of the mystic especially in this great Land of Bharatvarsha, come across a lot of awe inspiring souls. One of them is Babaji. Many of you may have read about him giving darshan to various people. One such amazing is account of Shyamcharan Lahiri, who later on became famous as Lahiri Mahasaya and revived the Kriya Yoga.

In Shripad Shrivallabh Charitra, I cam across the an interesting information about Hanumanji and Lahiri Mahasaya. See the below pics.

Upasani Maharaj - "Air" of the Kumari Ashram and Amrit

                                             

 I have been visiting Shirdi 3-4 times in year, since last 7-8 years. I am usually accompanied by my friends Smit or Pranav. I had often read about the 5 perfect masters of Meher Baba. Also we have a small temple dedicated to Upasani Maharaj at Vile Parle, a suburb in Mumbai. So, I had this urge of visiting Sakori. It is just few kilometres away from Shirdi and used to wish that we would visit there on the next Shirdi trip. Finally, I got lucky om one of my trips with Smit.

We got to Shirdi by Dadar Sai Nagar Shirdi Superfast. This is a good choice as the timings are suitable for those wishing to attend the Kakad Arti. ( Departs Dadar - 21.45, Arrives Shirdi - 3.45 ( often early). We visit the Samadhi Mandir, take a stroll around the different Wadas. The feeling of the early morning cannot be explained. We are out of the complex by about 7.30 am. We have Poha and coffee and return to the Hotel. This time we decided to visit Sakori. We took a Rickshaw to Sakori. It was smaller than I had imagined, The Auto stopped near a small street leading to the Upasani Ashram. There were two stalls on the right hand side. One was a Nasta house (Snacks) and other shop sold things devotees would like to take to the Ashram.

The Nasta house was closed (It was just a table with stove, few benches for the customers). The bench were occupied by the Villagers who sat chatting. Their body language suggested it was a routine Mandali, that gathered. The other Pooja shop had 2-3 people who saw us and asked us to take something to the Ashram. I am usually not very accommodating to such shop keepers,, especially at the Temples and similar places who approach you, plead you to buy something as walk with you for some steps. But I could make out that this was a lean period for them and they really need some sales. So we went to the shop. We bought a few things. I was quite thirsty and asked the shopkeeper if we could have some water. He passed me the usual mineral water bottle I could not identify the brand, obviously it wasn't a new one, it was the one which we use to fill water after we buy a new sealed one. But i was amazed at seeing the water inside. It was sparkling! Completely clear and I started gulping the water. I had never drank anything so satisfying! I was feeling a bit shy but i could not resist this Amrit and almost finished 750 ml of the 1 litre. A bit embarrassed, i gave the rest to Smit. He to had a similar experience and we asked if we could have more. We told the shop the guy that we had never come across something like this and where does this water come from? As Shirdi is just few kilometres away and should have common source of water. The shopkeeper dispatched one guy to bring more and told us that the water is from the Lake that Upasani Maharaj had cultivated and we use water from there only. I was quite impressed and happy hearing that. Upasani Maharaj had given such a sweet experience just as we entered his zone. We had another round of the Amrit and thanked the shopkeeper and went ahead.

As we went ahead, we saw 3 buildings. One was definitely the Upasani Ashram but there were 2 more buildings. One was a small temple and other was big. We went towards the Upasani Ashram. The air there has a different feeling. No doubt it is a sparsely populated area, but it had a divine silence resonating. The entry of the Ashram has a line of photographs of different spiritual/mystic personalities lined and it goes on till the inner main temple. As many might know there is also Kumari Sansthan here. Godavari Mata, the first disciple of Maharaj lead this Sansthan.  The kumaris who wished to learn Vedas, Mantras shastras and other divine sciences were welcomed here and trained. Initially Maharaj had chosen 24 Kanyas. More can be read about this on the net. I could see a partition inside and was quite impressed by what I saw. There was a partition and in one section the kumaris were busy with their chores, somewhere cleaning the idols, photos, other busy with reading pothis, and many more activities. they were dressed in most cultured way if i pardoned to say so. They were doing it with great devotion and one could make out that this was a daily affair. There was a very pure or "Sattvic" Air there. Silence was maintained. Apart from us there were not many more visitors. I felt like staying for few days, but the routine job life would not allow me. We sat for some time after I had curiously gone through Almost all the photographs. Some of which I can recollect - Paramhamsa Parvriajakacharya Tembe Swami, Rang Avadhoot, Sridhar Swami, Meher Baba, Narayan Maharaj of Kedgaon, Hazrat Babajan, Tajjudin Baba (I should have written the 5 perfect Masters instead), Swami Sut, Gajanan Maharaj, Swami Samarth, and many more. After spending some time opposite Maharaj and Mataji, we went through backyard, which had some interesting places. There was the hut were Maharaj used to spend his time meditating and Also a Peepal tree where a Visage of Shri Ganesh had appeared. It is called "Chintamani Ganesh" or a wish fulfiller. (One can go to Sai Kalpa.com to read more). 

More ahead there was a Go Shala with numerous cows. The feeling here is great and one of innocence. The harmless and divine cows also seemed to present in human forms as the Kanyas of the Ashram. Coming from the hustle bustle, materialistic air of Big city, one with the simpler needs or a seeker feel surely want to stay here. One middle aged guy started coming with us as we went by and becoming a guide, and after sometime with an embarrassing smile asked , " Paise deto ka Thode se?" (Can you give me some money?) I denied him and asked to go an do Mantra Jap instead. The round about the premises of the Ashram ended with a book stall. We went through some pages and returned again inside. We sat for sometime and bid a goodbye to Maharaj and Mataji, asking them to bring me here again.

We then went to a temple adjacent. It was Ek Mukhi Dutta Mandir. Interesting story about its inception can be found at http://saikalpa.com/shirdiaroundplaces.aspx?devoteename=Upasani. Dutta temple again had a great ambience. There was no one except the Priest. The Sanctom Sanctorum is on a elevated platform. We spent a while and then came out. Now, I was curious to see whose temple, the small temple was of? We got close and to my pleasant surprise, it was the Samdhi of Shri Bapusaheb Jog. I have read  Sai Satcharitra and ardent reader of any articles realted to Sai, his followers of Shirdi, Bapusaheb Jog Alias Sakharam Hari was a great devotee of Baba. He along with his wife served Baba to the fullest and after death of Megha, Bapusaheb held the responsibility of performing Baba's Aarti. I was very happy to see the Samadhi of such a great and inspiring Devotee. I knelt down to him and we returned to Shirdi.

Sakori, especially the Ashram areas has divine air. I insist seekers like me who want to explore and feel such places to visit once. 

 

Prashna Chart does work! - Shastriji's demise

                      

                                     (Software used - Saptarishis Astrology app)

I would first like to bow down to the invention of Internet, which has opened up the vast ocean of knowledge and set a stage for learning and interactions. Also to people like K N Rao Saheb, Sanjay Rathji, Sunil John Sir, Kapiel Raajji and many others from whom I have learnt and learning a lot.

From a Peace treaty to Eternal Peace....

The Prime minister of World's largest democracy goes to sign a peace treaty in USSR and does not return alive. Now this should have raised so many eye brows world wide, not just in the largest democracy. Shastriji died of a Heart attack they told. Obviously a mystery surrounds this passing away. Shastiji's family had raised concerns as his body had turned blue, and his body bore some cut marks. Dr R N Chugh, prime minister's personal physician who was present during his death, died in road accident while going to testify and many more such "Strange mishaps".

I thought of constructing a Prashna chart for the same, and the results were interesting. While i am not here to conclude any thing on the way of death, what is heartening to see is how this incident shows How Prashna really works!

Let us take the house in question = 8th House showing death, longevity.

• Ketu is placed in the 8th, thus conforming the mysterious nature of the event.
• Lord of 8th, Jupiter is in the 9th house of Foreign travel.
• Lord of 8th is with Mars, Jupiter & Saturn. This again shows complexity of the event
• Mars is the 12th lord of foreign places, loss, and 7th house of Wars,Public enmity.

I do not wish to conclude or assert anything. But things are quite obvious when:

• 8th lord is with Mars
• 3rd house (Debilitation Sign) is aspected by Mars.
• 3rd from Arudha Lagna is aspected by Mars.

Shastriji's loss was a blow to India. A true, self made leader of the masses was lost. Who knows what would have been the in store for India and generations to come had he lived and ruled more. Shashtriji's demise along with Bose's disappearance/death are certain events which are really intriguing but its sad to see paltry interest taken in them by majority of the generations that followed. Though few people like Anuj Dhar are doing their bit, also a film was produced on Shastriji's mysterious passing away- Tashkent files.  Jyotisha is the science of light, and we should use this light to search the right path for our soul and should not be made use to just show off or make some boastful predictions.

                                    

Sai Baba's Horse Shyamkarna and his Namesake

Baba's Shyamkarna and his Namesake

The recent lock down is definitely not what someone would have asked for, but it has proved to be a Blessing in Disguise for one thing - Mahabharata and Ramayana (old and original shows) were aired. The shows are treasure of wisdom and can really influence your life is seen meaningfully. Especially for the generation born in 2000's,who were deprived of such gems, it will really prove helpful and its a delight to see the huge positive reviews the shows drew.

I have been a huge fan of B. R. Chopra's Mahabharat and have seen the entire series (92 Episodes) almost 5-6 times. Once again I sat watching a few episodes as they aired on DD Prasar Bharati.

It was a scene at the War camps and looks as below:

This scene is of great, great importance. We will come back to this scene later,rather we will build up to this scene. Firstly, look at this scene below:

Vasudev Krishna is seen here revealing his real identity to "Sutaputra" Karna.  Vasudev had come to Hastinapur as the Peace ambassador, as a final attempt to avert the great destructive war. He even put a modest request of just having 5 villages for not having the war. But Kaal had already decided the course and Duryodhan opposed him telling that he will not even spare a space as big as a needle for the unworthy Pandavas. Not only this, he ordered his guards to arrest Vasudeva and this subsequently led to Vasudev's display of the Virat Roop. With this stupid act, Duryodhana's and Hastinapur's fate was sealed. 

Vasudev prepared to return and bid his goodbyes to the dear ones and the mood was sombre. Karna also met him and Vasudev requested Karna if he would accompany him in the former's chariot for some distance. Karna obliged and Vasudev asked his charioteer Satyaki, to allow Karna drive his "Rath". Vasudev then revealed to him that he was the Eldest Pandava,the circumstances during his birth and why he was deserted by his mother,Kunti.

This looks like just another of his many leelas, to avoid the war. Vasudev knew that after Bhishma Pitamah and Dronacharya, Karna was the greatest warrior of the Kurus and also he was Duryodhana's best friend. If Karna joined the Pandavas, there was a chance that Duryodhana would think of not going for the war.Vasudev coaxed him by remarking that Crown of Indraprastha awaits him, and not only Pandavas he would bring the whole world to his feet. But Karna was of different mettle, he explained that he was indebted to Duryodhan, and could not lie to himself even for Vasudev. He requested him to not persuade more and that they will now directly meet on the "Battlefield".

                     

Again we meet this picture....(Some interesting thing about the picture down*)

As remarked by Karna, the duo met on the Battlefield. It was the night before the war started. Generals of both the armies had gathered in the Kaurava camp and formed the rules for the war in agreement of Bhishma and Drishthadhyumna, the respective commander-in-chiefs. Vasudev greeted Karna and told today is last friendly night before the war, so he thought let him meet the people from the enemy camp that he liked. Vasudev expressed that he did not understood Gangaputra's strategy of not allowing Karna to enter the battlefield till he was the commander of the Kauravas. He continued saying that Gangaputra has the boon of Ichha-mrityu (choosing one's own time of death), hence it is likely that great warrior Karna, would have to just sit and "Watch" the war. So, why not watch the war from the Pandava's camp?

One can wonder that Bhishma Pitamah must have purposely done this so as to make Karna switch sides? 

Karna again asserted that it was in no way that he could be persuaded to desert Duryodhan whom he was so indebted to, and also to avoid the blemish of being called a "Coward". His whole life was full of insults and loneliness and it was Duryodhan who had recognised him without asking about his family and background. Then Karna remarked that even if these reasons would not have been there, he would have still not switched the sides. Vasudev asked him the reason for that, and Karna said that he had no courage to "Face" Draupadi. He told he could face Narayana but not her. He repented for insulting her and wondered what had happened to him that day! and he will never be able forgive himself.

Vasudev consoled him that realization of one's sin itself opens the door to forgiveness. Vasudev knew Karna was firm and greeted him a Goodbye. This had been a last ditch effort to win Karna, avoid the war and subsequently gain peace.

To be or not be.....

These great conversations of Karna and Vasudev or "ShyamKarna" put me into a deep thought. I started thinking how great Karna is! He knew he was going to be defeated and killed, he could have switched to Panadavas and enjoyed Vasudeva's offerings. At the moment, one naturally compares him with Arjun. I was flowing away with Karna's greatness, when it dawned to me that, Dharma is above all, and Arjuna was following that path. Yes, he was Brave, generous and honest. But he was not on the side of Dharma. So the choice from the two was obvious in the end.🙂

Baba refers to Krishna and Bhagavad Gita in quite a few instances in Satchartitra(  Chapter 39- Lesson in humbleness to Nanasaheb, Chapter 27- Geeta Rahasya gift to Bapusaheb Jog).Baba did have some affinity to Krishna- see these names associated with Baba's  - Dwarkamai, Tulsi Vrindavan. So it is no wonder he named a horse gifted to him as "Shyamkarna".

* About the two Pictures - What's different between the two pictures (1st and 3rd)? Both show Karna and Vasudeva greeting each other.

Well....In the later picture Vasudeva is at the right, because the Dharma is always RIGHT! 🙂

Sai Ram!

The Infinite Treasure of Sai's Master

At the end of Chapter 32 in Satcharitra, Baba is again at his cryptic and Symbolic best. This paragraph is titled Baba's Sarkar (Master). Baba narrates a story of his boyhood, where in he had gone to Beedgaon to earn his bread and found an Embroidery job. He worked very hard and did his work really well and his employer was quite pleased with him. Three other boys used to work here before him and were paid Rs 50, 100 and 150 respectively.But Baba was paid Rs 600, thrice of the other three. For Baba's dedication and skill, the employer praised him and honoured him with a Turban and new dress.

Baba however kept the new dress intact. He felt that what man gives does not last long and is not perfect. But whatever his master gives lasts long and is perfect. He told, " My lord says "Take,Take", but everybody comes to me and tells "Give,Give". Nobody understands the meaning of what I say. My Master's treasury is overflowing. Dig and take away the cartloads of this treasure. Oh thy fortunate sons of the pious mothers, you must fill your houses with this treasure. The Leela of my Fakir, my master is unmatchable. What about me? this body of earth will mix with earth and breath will mix with the air. This time will not come again. Wherever I go the ruthless Maya troubles me, but I am always anxious for my devotees. Those who understand this words will of Mine will get invaluable happiness.

This story if of great spiritual benevolence. As usual, Baba asks us to have utmost faith in him. When Baba refers to his master here, he means the Universe.  In this great cosmic play, different avatars have different roles. Sai baba is the Chintamani, a wish fulfilling jewel. He will remove all your worries and fulfil all the desires of those devoted. But by this story he asks us to take rather than ask. The treasure is open, yet nobody takes it. Take Arjuna's case here. Prior to the final Mahabharata war, Duryodhana and Arjuna had visited Shri Krishna for his assistance in the War. Krishna was having his Siesta. Duryodhana arrived and sat near Krishna's head and Arjuna arrived moments later and humbly waited at Krishna's feet. Krishna woke up and saw Arjuna first, and asked Partha, what brings him here? Arjuna asked his assistance in the war. Duryodhana intervened and said I came here before him and hence his desire must be fulfilled first. Krishna said that though he came first, Arjuna was standing near his feet and saw him first. Besides also Arjuna was younger and had the right. Hence, Krishna told Arjuna that he would not be picking up a weapon in this war, but he can be his charioteer or He can have his formidable Narayani Sena. 

Now here, Krishna-Partha's was pure Guru-Shishya bond. An ordinary soul with a warrior's mind would definitely opt for the Narayani Sena led by Kritavarma, the commander in Chief of the Yadavas. But Arjuna had utmost faith in his Guru and asked him to be his Charioteer. Esoterically, Krishna was the charioteer and held the reins (Indriyas or Sense).

Similarly, Baba knows the best for us and we should place all our worries in his lap and let him take care.