The Purpose Of This Work

In the first Chapter, we witnessed Baba's leela in which He prevented the cholera epidemic from entering Shirdi by grinding wheat at the quern stone and having the flour strewn along the borders of the village.

As Hemadpant began to hear and experience these marvellous leelas of Sai, his heart overflowed with joy and love. This ecstatic devotion for Baba that he felt found expression in the sacred verses that he wrote.

The thought came to Hemadpant that the sins of the listener would be mitigated by hearing the leelas of Sai. He felt that other devotees would experience the same joy that he and others who witnessed these leelas had felt from their firsthand experience.

Documenting the life of a saint is, however, not an easy task, and it is certainly not possible unless it is ordained by the saint himself. Hemadpant thought to himself, "In trying to determine the true nature of the Self, the scriptures and all the four Vedas fall silent. How then will I know your true nature, O Sai?"

In whatever manner a devotee may wish to serve the Sadguru, it is truly the Sadguru who Himself gets the service done. The inspiration comes from the saints, and the devotees chosen for the service are mere instruments and not the doers.

Having witnessed Baba's leelas for years, the idea of sharing these precious jewels for the benefit of the simple and earnest devotees was germinating in Hemadpant's mind and heart.

Those devotees who had not had actual darshan of Baba could gain merit by listening to the stories of His sacred life. It is indeed the one who is blessed who feels an urge to read these stories and is, in turn, blessed with an experience of joy and inner peace when he does so.


Baba Grants Permission For The Writing Of His Stories

Hemadpant, at the time, was nearly sixty years of age and doubted his own ability to write the book. He felt that neither his mind nor body would be able to support him and feared that the work might be compromised and might even lose its integrity.

Yet, despite these obstacles, he felt that instead of wasting time on something else that might be meaningless, he would rather be only in Sai's service. Hemadpant believed that the work would help him make some spiritual advancement, no matter how it would turn out,

When the desire to write arose in Hemadpant, he did have the chance, but could not muster the courage to share it directly with Baba. So when he saw Madhavrao (Shama), he immediately conveyed this wish to him.

No one was around Baba at the time, and Madhavrao then took the opportunity to broach the subject. Said he, "Baba, this Annasaheb says that he wishes to write down your life story to the very best of his ability, if only you will grant him permission for it. Baba, please do not say 'I am but a fakir, begging alms from door to door, and merely subsisting only on bread, with or without any greens! Of such a one as Me, why would you want to write a life story?' – For you are the diamond which has to be set in its socket."

Hemadpant then thought to himself, "Oh, if only Baba, You give Your permission and blessings, the book will then write itself, and You will get it written, and will remove all the obstacles in its way."

Baba, who knew everything, was moved to compassion as He felt the sincerity of this prayer. He said, "Your wish will be fulfilled." Hemadpant at once placed his head on Baba's feet. Baba placed His hand on Hemadpant's head and gave him udi as prasad. Hemadpant's anxious and impatient mind began to feel a sense of peace and calm.

Knowing that the wish of my heart was sincere, Baba said the following, indicating His consent for the work. "Collect and make a record of all the stories, conversations and experiences."

"It is good to keep a record. He will have my full support. He is merely the instrument; for I Myself will write My own story."

"I Myself will narrate My own story, and fulfil the wishes of my devotees. He should only dissolve his ego and surrender it at My feet."

"He who conducts himself in this way, will get from Me complete assistance. Not only for the writing of this book shall I labor, but for all the needs of his home."

"When one's ego totally dissolves, and not even the slightest trace of it is left behind, it is then when 'I' will dwell in him, and by My will the book shall be written."

"When the work of listening, contemplation or writing is begun and this thought is held firmly governing it, then such a one will only be the instrument."

"Certainly a record must be kept, wherever you are, whether at home or outside, keep remembering these stories, and you will experience contentment and peace."

"Listening to my stories, singing them as a kirtan, contemplating them, will increase love and devotion for Me, and all ignorance will be dispelled instantly."

"Where faith and devotion are, there I remain forever enslaved. Of this, have absolutely n...