Day -87. “Om Shri Sai Siddeshwaraya Namaha.”

             Shirdi Sai Ashtotramala –Meaning, Meditation and Miracle

                    Day -87. “Om Shri Sai Siddeshwaraya Namaha.”

Meaning:

Humble salutation to the Lord of all spiritual power fulfilment. (Shirdi Sai Trust).

Meditation:

Our scriptures talk about Ashta Siddhis that can be achieved by one who really strives for achieving them.  The Siddhis are the powers of the Self over the matter and the creation which is manifestation. The Siddhi of   Anima (size reduction) Mahima (size expansion) Garima (adding mass) Lahima (reducing mass) are external to Self and relate to the powers over space. The Siddhis of Prapti (presence at any point), Prakamya (possession of anything desired) Istva (Command overall) Vastva (Affecting all) are internal and relate to the power over mind. In essence the Siddha who has attained the Siddhis are the ones who have become one with Brahmam or God transcending the Space and Time. Siddhi is associated with perfection as our Rishis considered Brahmam God or Guru to be perfect.  Our Rishis who realized Brahmam found that the Brahmam can exist of infinitely big, non exist, infinitely heavy or infinitely light, which are the powers described by siddhis. They also found the Brahmam God or Guru can wield infinite power to be present anywhere anytime and command and influence the manifestation or creation. By realization and identification with the universal self the Siddhas also attain these siddhis. It requires the total devotion and dedication of the devotee with extreme determination to become a Siddha. Miracles can be caused to happen defying all known physical laws and science when mind acquires even a little of this universal power and we call that as the power of positive thinking.  When Gurus show some of these powers the devotees enjoy the feeling of having come across the presence of Brahmam or God in the physical form.

In December, 1915, one Govind Balram Mankar wanted to go to Shirdi to perform the obsequies of his father.  Before he left, he came to see Mrs.Tarkhad.  Then Mrs.Tarkhad wanted to send something with him to Baba.  She searched the whole house, but found nothing except a pedah, which had already been offered as Neivedya.  The boy Govind was in mourning.  Out of great devotion to Baba, she sent t the pedah with him, hoping that Baba would accept and eat it.  Govind went to Shirdi and saw Baba but forgot to take the pedah with him.  Baba simply waited. When again he went to Baba in the afternoon, he went empty handed, without the pedah.  Baba could wait no longer and did ask him straight, “What did you bring for me?”  “Nothing” was the reply.  Baba asked him again.  The same reply came forth again. Then Baba asked him the question “Did not the mother (Mrs.Tarkhad) gave some sweetmeat to you for Me, at the time of your starting?”. The boy then remembered the whole thing.  He felt ashamed, asked Baba’s pardon, ran to his lodging, brought the pedah and gave it to Baba.  As soon as Baba got it in His hand He put it into His mouth and gulped it down.  Thus the devotion of Mrs. Tarkhad was recognized and accepted. “As men believe in me, so do I accept them” (Gita 4-11) was proved in the case.

Once Mrs.Tarkhad was staying in a certain house in Shirdi.  At noon meals were ready and being served, when a hungry dog turned up there and began to bark.  Mrs.Tarkhad got up at once and threw a piece of bread which the dog gulped with great relish.  In the afternoon when she went to the Masjid and sat at some distance, Sai Baba said to her “Mother, you have fed me sumptuously, my famished Pranas (life forces) have been satisfied. Ever act like this, and this will stand you in good stead.  Sitting in tis Masjid I shall never, never speak untruth.  Take pity on me like this!  First give bread to the hungry and then, eat yourself. Note this well!”  She could not understand at first the meaning of what Baba said.  So, she replied, “Baba, how could I feed you?  I am myself dependent on others and take my food from them on payment”.  Then Baba replied,” Eating that lovely bread I am heartily contended and I am still belching.  The dog which you saw before meals and to which you gave the piece of bread is one with Me, so also other creatures (cats, pigs flies, cows etc.,) are one with me.  I am roaming in their forms.  He who sees Me in all these creatures, is My beloved.  So, abandon the sense of duality and distinction, and serve Me as you did today”. Drinking these nectar like words she was moved, her eyes brimmed with tears, her throat was choked and her joy knew no bounds.  (Shri Sai Sat Charita Ch: 9)

Transcending the space and time and forms He was present any where any time in any form with Ashta Maha Siddhis. He is Siddeshwaraya.