Sadhana

Aum Sairam

Devotees should remember the very essence of Baba's teachings that are so simple and uncomplicated, and not worry about irrelevant aspects. It is more important to remember Sri Sai. How one does so is immaterial. Importance of Sai Jaap Sai Jaap or recitation of Sri Sai's name is an effective form of Devotion.

It is said that the holy name of Sadgurus is charged with mystical power. Chanting of the holy name with single hearted devotion, love and full faith produces extraordinary power for working in Guru's service. Legend has it that sage Narada said that repetition of the holy name in the Kali Yuga would enable people to resist evil temptations. Ceaseless repetition of Lord Sai's name is prayer to Him to reveal him.

One should practice repeating his name always, sitting down, walking, and working, when bathing or taking food. Chanting while taking food makes the food become an offering to God. While bathing, the name repetition makes the water holy. While walking, the chanting makes the walking Pradakshina. Constant repetition of Sai Naam acts as an effective remedy for absorbing the shocks and tribulations of life. It provides relief to an ailing body. During distress it will either bring relief or will give strength to endure the trouble. If someone abuses you or injures you, repeating the Name will help you forget the injury and your anger against that person will vanish.

Constant repetition of the holy name will help one conquer lust, anger and jealousy. Gradually the practice will become indispensable. The Name grips the mind. You will find yourself repeating the name even during your sleep. If you repeat the name before going to sleep, you will get blissful sleep. Soon, the uninterrupted repetition passes from the lips to the heart. You begin repeating the name mentally.

Gradually the name sinks deep into your being and you enjoy blissful absorption. A good and kind thought of one who repeats the Name always, directed towards an ailing person, or someone in distress soothes and comforts the afflicted person. Gradually, during meditation one feels one's body becoming light. Sometimes one hears celestial music or dots of light or flashes appear. One has to experience it to understand the effect of Naam Jaap. The Lord Sai abides in the heart of one who takes his Name and the devotee abides in Him. The name Sai, short and sweet, is more significant than reading of religious books or following ritualistic practices.

Chinnakistna Rajasaheb Bahadur was close and with Radhakrishna ayee. Kistna and Ayee thought that doing Japam was a good idea and started doing Japam. Once Sri Sai sent for Kistna when they were doing japam. Baba asked him what he was doing. He said that they were doing Japam. Sri Sai asked him japam about whom. He replied, you know. Then Sri Sai said, do that, it is good. Japa is the best step for deliverance. Sri Sai looked at Chinnakistna and said, these devotees seem to believe that Brahma is locked up in these books. You do not do this. Always you do my smaran only. Chinna did not do any dharmic acts but his problems used to be solved.

In 1912, Chinna wanted to visit Sri Sai for Gurupurnima. When he reached Manmad, he saw huge garlands in the hands of numerous devotees. Chinna felt very depressed for his not bringing any garlands to his Sadguru, who is the ultimate to him. Sri Sai lifted up all the garlands and said that all of them are his Chinna's. Chinna felt immersed in joy for the great kindness, and love bestowed on him by Sri Sai.

Blessed is he who gets goose flesh, trembles with joy, and sheds tears of joy or whose voice chokes repeating Thy Name.

Allah Malik