Austerity

Austerity

In Shri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter XIV it is said that Baba always used to get wild and scolded those who brought costly & rich articles.

He had told Mr. Nanasaheb Chandorkar that His property consisted of1 Koupin (codpiece), 1 stray piece of cloth, 1 Kafni & a Tumbler, and that all the people troubled Him by bringing all these unnecessary, useless and costly articles."

Baba also never allowed Mahalsapati to accept any money or gifts

that devotees who came to see Baba showered on him. Baba kept him poor in Kind, but rich in his Spiritual Heart. Baba gifted him the supreme Bliss, much more valuable than any physical and transitory richness.

But, Baba always preferred Simplicity and was very much against the display of one's Wealth or power. He never gathered any sort of wealth except for the Love of his devotees.

 And today, devotees in love and gratitude for Baba, offer Gold / Silver and other Precious items to Baba. So much so that, everything has now been covered in Gold, be it Baba's Throne, his Chariot or the Walls & Pillars of his Samadhi's sanctum sanctorum. In a way, Baba has now been immersed in all the things for which he stood against.

I am also reminded of what Sri Sathya Sai Baba used to say, " When Pradarshan is there , there is no Darshan." and " When you hear the sound of a coin, I will not be there'" . That is why in Parthi you will not find till date a single Hundi.


As Devotees where are we failing?, Think and the answer will be very visible.

Krishnamachari Santhanam