The sacred land of Bharat is reputed to be the land of piety, purity and penance; the land of karma, dharma, yoga, tyaga and yajna… It is also the land of saints and seers who, having taken birth on this sacred earth, fulfilled their duty by imparting knowledge to many a seeker. Their perseverance is worthy of praise. They possess a human body but are really of divine origin. They live in the world like a drop of water on the lotus leaf. With the power of their penance, they elevate mankind. By their exemplary behaviour they spread the fragrance of divinity all around them. It is owing to the good deeds done inprevious births that some are fortunate to make their lives blessed by living in the proximity of these great souls.
Mahatmas serve as spiritual guides to the aspirants treading the spiritual path. To those caught hopelessly in the web of Maya, these Mahatmas impart knowledge by which their ignorance is dispelled. Standing on the threshold of Immortality, these Mahatmas bend down and raise the struggling aspirants above the waters of delusion, remove the dualities of ‘I' and ‘Mine' and help them live at a higher level of consciousness.
These Mahatmas selflessly initiate the aspirants into the secrets of spiritual knowledge and are with them through every step of the way, protecting them till their goal is reached. They undergo intense pain and suffering in order to give health and happiness to others. They have equal vision, be it the tiny worm or the animal and are ever anxious to help creatures in distress. Their lives are filled with purity, selflessness, sacrifice, and compassion.
One such exalted Divine Personality is H.H.Sadguru Sri Sri Sri Sai Kumar Babaji. He was born on the auspicious day of Guru Pournima in Andhra Pradesh. From childhood, Babaji had the courage and compassion to help others in dire need. Today, His extraordinary life and teachings have made our lives blessed and anxiety free. He is full of divine qualities and there is no devotee who has not benefited by His selfless love, His compassion, His love for truth and righteousness, His soothing words and His many sacrifices Going back to His eventful childhood, even then Babaji was deeply aware of the intrinsic powers in creation. To learn these powers, He earnestly sought the company of unknown, wandering sadhus who taught Him different types of Yoga. These brought Him many wonderful powers which Babaji used for the benefit of mankind. He also learned different home remedies for different ailments from his maternal uncle and successfully treated the sick. Yet He was not content. This thirst for higher knowledge led Him to a stranger who helped Him reach the dense forests of Kerala. There Babaji practised severe penance without caring much for food and rest and acquired many more divine powers. Not only this, Babaji had the vision of a Divine Personality who blessed Him with the title of “SADGURU.” Having thus achieved what He had set out for despite many hardships and untold suffering, Sadguruji later became a full-fledged Ayurvedic Doctor.
Ever since, Sadguruji has reached out to countless people with the wealth of His medical and spiritual knowldege. He is a Karma Yogi removing our karma, a Saviour to the helpless, a Doctor treating the sick and a Spiritual Master bestowing Supreme Knowledge. In whatever role we may perceive Him, without doubt, Sadguruji occupies a very unique place in everyone's hearts.
Sadguruji attributes all the success in His life to Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi. This wonderful Fakir's influence was felt very early in His life. Once while returning from school, a Fakir approached Sadguruji and giving Him a few copper coins asked Him to wear them around His neck. Another occasion was meeting with an unknown Yogi on His journey to Kerala. A strong bond was established between the two with Babaji's constant remembrance of the Fakir.
Many were the wonderful experiences Sadguruji had with the Fakir. But He did not know who the Fakir was. Once while strolling in the Secunderabad market, Sadguruji caught sight of a photo of the same Fakir in a flower shop. Startled, He asked the flower vendor whose photograph it was. To this, the man replied that it was of Sri Shirdi Sai Baba and added, “Worship this photo and see the result for yourself.” It became apparent to Sadguruji that it was Sai Baba who had all along guided and protected Him at every step of His life, and continues to do so even today
Sadguruji's tryst with Nature began in childhood itself. Once He was perched on His grandfather's shoulders when the latter was taking a stroll in the woods. Suddenly, Sadguruji was struck on the forehead by the stalk of a banyan tree. Frightened, Grandpa Latchanna began to examine the wound. To this, the young boy smiled sweetly and said, “Grandpa, I am not hurt. But I did hear a strange sound coming from this tree beckoning me to come here at night.” This worried His grandfather who said, “No, my child. Do not ever come near this tree again. Such huge trees are haunted by ghosts and evil spirits.” So saying, he hurried back home with Sadguruji.
But Babaji went back at midnight into the woods, not heeding His grandpa's warning. It was rather dark and He found it difficult to locate the banyan tree. Suddenly He saw a wide circle of illumination ahead of Him. Making His way to the bright light, Sadguruji had a strange vision. At this wondrous vision, Sadguruji was filled with Peace and slipped into deep meditation. Not knowing how long He sat there, Sadguruji opened His eyes at the sound of chirping birds. Pondering over the night's divine experiences, He noticed that birds had perched on His shoulders. Perhaps these birds became aware of the aura of divinity surrounding Sadgurji and aspired to be with Him and seek His Grace!
Waking in the morning, Grandfather Latchanna found Sadguruji missing and quickly made his way into the woods, all the time fearful of the child's safety. But, when he got to the banyan tree, he was surprised to behold a totally different spectacle. Colourful birds sat on the young boy's shoulders, squirrels darted to and fro, unafraid, and even a snake rested besideHim with its hood open! There was neither fear nor anxiety on Sadguruji's face. Instead He looked happy and peaceful. Tears trickled down Latchanna's face. Folding his hands in supplication, he thought, “You are no ordinary boy. Great powers lie within You. God Himself is with You. I'm fortunate indeed to be with You. I'll help You ever and render my services till the last breath of my life.”
Young Sadguruji just then turned around and seeing His grandfather, got to His feet and said, “Grandpa! Let us go home.” Like always, grandpa hoisted Him on his shoulders and set off in the direction of their village.
This was a very significant experience in Sadguruji's life. He also spent considerable time in the woods, familiarizing Himself with the
different species of plants and trees. Mother Nature was only too willing to reveal Her secrets to Her young student. As a result of this, As a young child he would repeatedly nap on the trucks of laden treesquestioning them as to why they weren't flowering or not laden with fruits. After some time the villages noticed all the trees struck by the divine hand of the young soul blossomed astoundingly.
Sadguruji learned of the wonderful powers, properties and intrinsic value of these plants and trees. He also realized that these trees had the inherent power in them to do away with the different problems that beset man. Such wonderful trees have been planted in Sai Geetha Ashram and are today benefiting all those who worship them with faith and devotion.
On the last Sunday of December, every year, an auspicious event is held called “Sarva Dosha Nivaran Maha Yajna.” Mass congregation of devotees from all walks of life from all over the country and abroad collectively perform the yajna and break coconuts at an appointed time. Their experiences will kindle faith even in the most doubtful hearts. Ailing devotees have been bestowed with good health, karmic afflictions are nullified, and many a legitimate desire has been fulfilled.
