Only a Few Remain

Aum Sairam

Damu Anna had a question in mind. There are so many crowding to Sri Sai Baba. Do they all get benefit from Him? Sri Sai Baba replied lovingly, look at the mango tree in blossom. If all the flowers brought fruit, what a splendid crop it would be. But, do they? Most fall off either as flowers or unripe fruits. Very few remain.

Yes, only a very few remain. It is said that resorting to Guru is a big fortune. Those who are at least to a little extent drawn towards Guru must consider themselves very fortunate. However, spirituality when viewed as a pursuit of intangible rewards renders the material minded to yield to the gravity of the mundane riches. If Sri Sai Baba is seen as only a source that does miracles and will help in crisis, the very foundation of spirituality is rattled. Understanding the karmic cycle and its effects on our lives must be an important aspect of spiritual growth. A true yearning must in fact make one realize that this cycle affects only the physical being and the soul is untouched by karma. Sri Sai Baba said, "The body may disease, but the soul has to be kept clean".

Even for those, who completely realize the above truth, the realization evades in the ups and falls of the real world, a myth. Is spiritual pursuit difficult? Perhaps not, if one realizes the natural tendency of the physical self and its orientation towards the sensual. Sadhana may not be that difficult if we realize what makes the most of the blossom wither away. Sadhana may not be that difficult if the taste of its fruits is felt, even remotely. Sadhana may not be that difficult when the loving Guru takes ten steps towards us, if we take a step towards Him. Our heads may be turned away now, but let our feet lead the way. Let us be the very few that remain.

Allah Malik